
Biology - Microbiology Emphasis
Major
Apply nowExplore the biology - microbiology emphasis bachelor's degree program at UW-Eau Claire
Uncover ways to improve our health and the environment with a bachelor's degree in biology - microbiology emphasis from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire.
Through the study of bacteria, viruses, parasites, yeasts and molds, you'll discover the many microbes that make life on earth possible — and those that cause disease and death. In-depth exposure to topics like virology, immunology and bacteriology will further show you the beneficial and detrimental functions microorganisms have on plants, animals, humans and the planet.
An excellent path for those who wish to enter the medical, pharmaceutical, dental, agriculture, food, veterinary or health care field, the microbiology program will help you find your niche and be successful in your chosen career.
Through projects and collaborative research, you'll develop and enhance your accuracy, precision and observation skills. Unique internship opportunities will also provide you with practical experience and help you feel prepared and empowered to take on anything in the microbiology field.
No matter your path, UW-Eau Claire's microbiology program will give you the guidance, tools and experiences needed so you can push boundaries and make a positive impact wherever you go.
A more efficient and beneficial agricultural process
Kevin Mayer’s research is leading to new ideas and ways of thinking. By studying red light signaling, Kevin found that corn stalks have the potential to be altered — yielding smaller plants with bigger cobs of corn. This would allow the crop to be planted closer together and watered less, creating a more efficient and beneficial agricultural process.
But meaningful data isn’t Kevin’s only takeaway. He’s also working alongside expert faculty, exploring career paths and discovering how he can think critically like a scientist while still working toward his degree.
Why biology - microbiology emphasis at UW-Eau Claire?
Outside-the-classroom learning. At UW-Eau Claire, you will have many opportunities to learn and explore outside of the classroom. Our proximity to lakes, rivers, streams, forests and wildlife areas — including a 230-acre scientific natural area — offers the perfect environment for microbiology majors. Our biology department is also associated with Beaver Creek Reserve in Eau Claire County; the Gulf Coast Research Laboratory in Ocean Springs, Mississippi; and the Gerace Research Centre in the Bahamas.
Exceptional collections. Explore hundreds of thousands of specimens right on campus. UW-Eau Claire is home to extensive collections of amphibians, reptiles, fish, insects, invertebrates, mammals and birds as well as saltwater aquaria and a herbarium.
Course-based trips. Broaden your perspective and step outside your comfort zone on course-based trips to places like Costa Rica, the Charles Darwin Research Station in the Galapagos, rural Ecuador, Utah, Nebraska and the Boundary Waters Canoe Area.
Strong community partnerships and internship opportunities. UW-Eau Claire has strong ties to major clinics and hospitals, including Mayo Clinic Health System, Marshfield Clinic and Sacred Heart Hospital, as well as smaller health care facilities like the Chippewa Valley Free Clinic. Many of our microbiology students receive internship and research opportunities with these hospital systems.
3500
square feet of on-campus greenhouse space
230
acres of natural area right on campus
94% employed
or continuing education after graduation
2021-2022 Graduate Report
Quick facts
Biology - microbiology emphasis program details
- Program length: four years
- Offered: in person
- Campus: Eau Claire
- This major does not require a minor.
- Students majoring in this program may choose either a Bachelor of Arts (BA) or Bachelor of Science (BS) degree.
Student organizations
- Biology Club
- Conservationists
- Molecular Movement
- Pre-Professional Health Club
- Reef Team
- Tri Beta Society
What can I do with a biology - microbiology emphasis degree from UWEC?
Earning a microbiology degree from UW-Eau Claire empowers you to take on many different career paths and opportunities.
Where are biology - microbiology emphasis degree alumni now?
- Analytical/microbiological specialist, MillerCoors, Wisconsin
- Genotyping technician, Marshfield Clinic, Wisconsin
- Clinical technician-cytogenetics, Mayo Clinic, Minnesota
- Quality assurance technician, ReGen Theranostics, Minnesota
Microbiology careers
- Agricultural scientist
- Food scientist
- Biochemist
- Biological technicians
- Conservation scientists
- Forester
- Environmental scientists
- Geoscientist
You work really closely with the professors here. At a large research institution, you wouldn't have that opportunity — you'd be working with a post-doc or graduate student. Working alongside the professors, you get firsthand knowledge of how to think, run the experiments and work the equipment.

Industry-changing research
When Sebastian Torres and Nathan Hau came to UW-Eau Claire, they didn't know they'd have an opportunity to study in Mayo Clinic Health System operating rooms. They were part of the Mayo Clinic Undergraduate Research Employment Program (UREP), a summer program that pairs physicians with high-achieving undergraduate student researchers — including those at UWEC.
Read more about Sebastian's and Nathan's research experience at UWEC.
Biology - microbiology emphasis bachelor’s degree program curriculum
At UW-Eau Claire, you will obtain a well-rounded, diverse education. You'll have the opportunity to dive into liberal arts courses as well as those focused specifically on microbiology.
What classes do biology - microbiology emphasis majors take?
Your classes may cover topics like:
- Biology of microorganisms
- Epidemiology
- Genetics
- Infectious disease ecology
- Molecular and cell biology
- Molecular genetics
- Virology and immunology
Learn more about the comprehensive biology - microbiology emphasis major in the UWEC course catalog.
Learn more about UWEC
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Department information

Biology
Phillips Science Hall 330101 Roosevelt Avenue
Eau Claire, WI 54701 Visit the Biology department website