Online Master's in Microbiology Programs (Clinical or Translational Degrees)
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Microbiology involves the study of bacteria, viruses, and fungi to understand how these organisms interact with the environment. In addition, microbiologists identify the causes of diseases and develop drugs to combat them through laboratory experiments and research projects.
Students with a bachelor’s degree in biology or a related field can apply for a master’s program in microbiology. This advanced degree explores many fundamental topics in microbiology and infectious diseases. It can open up several lucrative opportunities for graduates of medicine, pharmaceuticals, and other industries.
The curriculum of an advanced microbiology program focuses on topics such as clinical microbiology, parasitology, immunology, and mycology. In addition, students can also explore infectious diseases, bioinformatics, genetics, virology, metabolic regulation, and immunology. Many of these programs align with specialty training programs in infectious diseases, such as the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) and the American Society for Microbiology (ASM).
Upon completing a master’s in microbiology, students can continue their education in medical, dental, and veterinary schools. They can also work in agriculture, the pharmaceutical industry, research institutes, biotech firms, public health laboratories, and government organizations. According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (2024), the median pay for microbiologists in May 2023 was $85,470 per year.
The following guide covers eight reputable online master’s programs in microbiology.
Featured Online Master’s Programs in Microbiology
George Washington University – Master of science and graduate certificate
The School of Medicine and Health Sciences at GW provides an online master of science in health sciences (MSHS) in clinical microbiology. The program is ideal for students who wish to get certified in microbiology. It prepares them for positions in diagnostic medical laboratories and the national certification exam in clinical microbiology. Applicants to the program need a GPA of 3.0 or higher.
Along with theoretical knowledge, students gain hands-on experience in clinical microbiology and take a deep dive into medical laboratory topics such as microbial pathogenesis, advanced clinical parasitology, mycology, advanced molecular diagnostics, and advanced laboratory management. This 36-credit program includes courses such as biostatistics for clinical and translational research; advanced clinical bacteriology; advanced parasitology, mycology, and virology; advanced immunology and serology; advanced molecular diagnostics; advanced laboratory management and operations; microbial pathogenesis; and research ethics and integrity. While all didactic courses are taught online, the clinical microbiology practicum is completed at an approved hospital or laboratory.
Besides the MSHS program, GWU also offers a 20-credit online post-baccalaureate certificate in microbiology, which covers subjects such as clinical bacteriology; parasitology, mycology, virology; immunology and serology; and lab management and operations. Upon successful completion, students pursue careers as biotechnologists, clinical researchers, clinical microbiology instructors, and microbiology laboratory directories.
- Location: Washington, D.C.
- Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
- Expected Time to Completion: 24 months
University of Florida – Master of science in microbiology and cell science
The University of Florida houses the largest microbiology department in the country. The school’s online master’s program in microbiology and cell science offers concentration options in medical microbiology and biochemistry, and microbiome in health and disease. Designed to be completed in two to three years, these programs do not require any campus visits making it ideal for working professionals who wish to enhance their skills and knowledge. Moreover, online students enjoy the same facilities, faculty, and quality education as their on-campus counterparts.
The 30-credit program combines courses from departments such as molecular genetics and molecular biology. This sets the degree apart from other microbiology programs.
The medical microbiology and biochemistry concentration includes courses such as fundamentals in bioinformatics; mammalian molecular biology and genetics; general virology; advanced molecular virology; microbiology of human pathogens; and infectious disease.
Courses in the microbiome in health and disease concentration include the microbiome; probiotics; antimicrobial resistance; general virology; regulatory aspects of microbiome-based therapies; microbiology of human pathogens; and AI in agriculture and life sciences.
The online master’s in microbiology program prepares students for dental, medical, and veterinary schools. They can also pursue opportunities in pharmaceutical companies, agriculture, and government organizations. Online graduate certificates in medical microbiology, environmental microbiology, and microbiome and health are also options for students with bachelor’s degrees.
- Location: Gainesville, FL
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
- Expected Time to Completion: 24 to 36 months
Johns Hopkins University – Master of science in biotechnology (related program)
Johns Hopkins University offers an online master of science in biotechnology degree. Applicants must have a GPA of at least 3.0 and a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. Though students can complete the program online, laboratory experience is preferred for biology, chemistry, and organic chemistry.
The ten-course program gives students an in-depth view of applied, basic, and laboratory science. Students conduct research, develop decision-making skills, and implement their investigation into large projects. The concentrations offered include bioinformatics; biodefense; molecular targets and drug discovery; biotechnology enterprise; regenerative and stem cell technologies; and regulatory affairs.
The curriculum includes courses such as advanced cell biology, cellular signal transduction, emerging applications in biotechnology, the biotechnology enterprise, principles of immunology, molecular targets and cancer, clinical development of drugs and biologics, and international regulatory affairs.
Upon successful completion of the MS in biotechnology program, students will have several avenues open to them in biospace and the biotech industry. They can also pursue opportunities at upcoming biotech startups.
In addition, a dual degree program combining an MS in biotechnology and an MBA degree is available to students who want to earn two degrees in less time than it takes to earn them separately.
- Location: Baltimore, MD
- Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
- Expected Time to Completion: 12 to 36 months
Georgetown University – Master of science and graduate certificate (related program)
Georgetown University’s hybrid master’s of science in biohazardous threat agents and emerging infectious diseases is a one-year program that prepares graduates for public and private sector positions.
Georgetown University Medical Center offers an online 12-credit graduate certificate in biohazardous threat agents and emerging infectious diseases. Credits from this fully online certificate can be applied toward Georgetown’s MS in biohazardous threat agents and emerging infectious diseases and the PhD in microbiology and immunology program. Both programs examine threat agents in bioterrorism, response, biodefense, community resilience, homeland security, and capacity to CBRN threats.
Students have access to Georgetown’s other online resources and get a chance to interact with classmates and professors. Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 to be accepted.
- Location: Washington, D.C.
- Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
- Expected Time to Completion: 12 months
Drexel University – Master of science in infectious disease (related program)
Drexel University’s online master of science in infectious disease program offers graduate-level training in various aspects and causes of infectious diseases, including emerging pathogens.
Students can also choose to focus their studies on topics such as experimental therapeutics, emerging pathogens, principles of biocontainment, vaccines and vaccine development, and viral, bacterial, parasitic, and fungal pathogens. This program prepares graduates for a variety of career paths, including those related to microbiology.
The program’s 36-credit curriculum includes courses such as biomedical ethics; fundamentals of molecular medicine; immunology, immunopathology, and infectious diseases; introduction to infectious diseases; clinical correlations in infectious disease; molecular mechanisms of microbial pathogens; and a microbiology and immunology seminar.
With the convenience of an online format, students have the flexibility to continue working while earning their master’s degree. In addition, Drexel’s strong reputation in the field adds further value to this degree program. Overall, the MS in infectious disease at Drexel is a reliable option for those looking to advance their knowledge and skills in this critical and rapidly evolving study area.
- Location: Philadelphia, PA
- Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
- Expected Time to Completion: 21 to 36 months
Atlantic International University – Master in microbiology
Atlantic International University offers an online master in microbiology (MS) program providing students with the knowledge and skills in the basic sciences that are essential to microbiology and to the application of science to issues in the modern world. Designed individually by the student and academic advisor, this online program specifically addresses weaknesses and strengths with respect to market opportunities in the student’s major and intended field of work.
The program’s curriculum includes courses such as food microbiology; medical microbiology; microbial cell biotransformations; microbial metabolic regulation; immunology; microbial biotechnology; microbial diversity; molecular virology; and biology of plant pathogens, among others.
Graduates of this program can take up opportunities at biotechnology firms, pharmaceutical companies, breweries, medical laboratories, chemical companies, veterinary diagnostic laboratories, food companies, and dairies.
- Location: Honolulu, HI
- Accreditation: Accreditation Service for International Schools, Colleges and Universities (ASIC)
- Expected Time to Completion: 12 to 24 months
Colorado State University – Master of science in microbiology-immunology
As a leader in infection research, the Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Pathology at Colorado State University offers a master of science in microbiology-immunology. This fully online, non-thesis program allows students to enhance their understanding of theoretical and applied aspects of microbiology, immunology, molecular biology, and virology. With a focus on hands-on learning opportunities, this master’s program can be completed in as little as one year and prepares students for careers in various industries.
The department’s expertise in bacteriology, virology, and prion biology helps guide students toward solving real-world challenges related to infectious diseases. In addition, students have access to state-of-the-art laboratory facilities and innovative research programs focusing on improving diagnostics and treatments for these diseases.
The 30-credit program includes courses such as biosafety in research laboratories, research policies and regulations, advanced microbiological research methods, applied immunology, applied microbiology and virology, medical microbiology, modern molecular biology for microbiologists, and principles of biodefense/emerging pathogens.
- Location: Fort Collins, CO
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
- Expected Time to Completion: 12 to 24 months
