Undergraduate

An outstanding foundation for future careers in microbiology and healthcare

Microbes and small organisms are at the center of many of the world's most urgent health and environmental problems. As a microbiology student, you can be a part of the pioneering study of bacteria, viruses and parasites to address environmental, medical and molecular biological problems and create new resources for a healthy planet. Through our biohealth sciences major, you can be prepared for a future as a healthcare provider, taking specific courses tailored to the track you choose.

A hands-on education

As a top-tier research institution, the microbiology department at Oregon State University is committed to providing a transformative education experience for all of our undergraduate students. This includes teaching relevant coursework that provides the necessary fundamental knowledge you need to succeed in your future career. It also involves hands-on training and opportunities to participate in research. Finally, it means engaged advising and career preparation, from offering job shadowing opportunities and internships that will help prepare you for your post-graduation goals to making sure your graduate or professional school applications are complete and compelling.

The College of Science is one of the best pre-med colleges, and OSU graduates attend medical schools all across the country. Our students are well-regarded and well-prepared. Generally about 60-70% of our applicants are admitted to medical school compared to 33-40% nationally.

Pre-med and pre-health microbiology or biohealth sciences majors can participate in research, clinical internships and other hands-on learning opportunities to enhance their preparation for health professional graduate programs.

Nearly 30% of College of Science students are transfer students! One of the biggest benefits of pursuing your degree at Oregon State is the opportunity to get involved in our thriving microbiology community to make the most of your undergraduate education at OSU. As a microbiology student, you will gain real-world knowledge in fields that interest you, from lab and field research, to shadowing health professionals, to best prepare you for life after graduation.