By adding a minor in microbiology, you will gain a fundamental understanding of the field and acquire specialized microbiology lab, analytical, writing and communication skills. The flexibility in the minor allows you to select a general area of study or emphasize a special topic such as food microbiology, microbial genetics or human health. It provides a strong foundation for careers in environmental protection, food production, infectious diseases research, medicine and public health or advanced work at the graduate level. A microbiology minor is highly suited as a companion for degree programs in natural resources and environmental sciences, agricultural sciences, fisheries and wildlife. Students can choose from among more than 40 electives in microbiology, botany, biology and biohealth sciences in addition to core courses in general and introductory microbiology.

You can also complete the microbiology minor entirely online through the nation’s top-ranked Oregon State Ecampus.

With a minor in microbiology, you’ll gain competencies in the following areas:

• Expertise in specialized language and knowledge relevant to microbiology.
• Competency in lab safety and in routine and specialized microbiological lab skills applicable to microbiological research or clinical methods. You will learn how to accurately report observations and analysis.
• Communicating scientific concepts, experimental results and analytical arguments clearly and concisely, both verbally and in writing.

For more information on the microbiology minor or to add the microbiology minor, please contact lead advisor Dr. Linda Bruslind (bruslindl@oregonstate.edu, 541-737-1842, Nash Hall 322).