Microbiology
Bachelor of Science
Our BS in Microbiology program offers a deep exploration of the fundamental principles that govern microbial life— from the agents of infectious disease to the microbes that help make our food. Gain hands-on experience through laboratory research and internships, and prepare for a successful career in microbiology or related fields.
Fall
- BIOL 160: General Biology I............ 3cr.
- BIOL 161: General Biology I Lab............ 1cr.
- CHEM 160: General Chemistry I............ 3cr.
- CHEM 161 General Chemistry I Lab............ 1cr.
- STAT 146: Biostatistics or Mathematical Perspective elective............ 3cr.
- THEO 111: Theological Foundations ............ 3cr.
- CORE 101: Goa I............ 0cr.
Spring
- BIOL 162: General Biology II............ 3cr.
- BIOL 163: General Biology II Lab............ 1cr.
- CHEM 162: General Chemistry II............ 3cr.
- CHEM 163: General Chemistry II Lab............ 1cr.
- ENGL 101: English Composition ............ 3cr.
- CORE 100: First Year Seminar ............ 3cr.
- CORE 101: Goa I............ 0cr.
Fall
- BIOL 203: Food Microbiology............ 3cr.
- BIOL 204: Food Microbiology Lab............ 1cr.
- CHEM 240: Organic Chemistry I............ 3cr.
- CHEM 241: Organic Chemistry I Lab............ 1cr.
- STAT 146: Biostatistics or Mathematical Perspective elective ............ 3cr.
- Second Language Elective I............ 3cr.
- BIOL 299: Professional Communication in the Sciences ............ 1cr.
Spring
- BIOL 230: Genetics............ 3cr.
- BIOL 231: Genetics Lab............ 1cr.
- CHEM 242: Organic Chemistry II............ 3cr.
- CHEM 243: Organic Chemistry II Lab............ 1cr.
- PHIL 100: Intro to Ethics ............ 3cr.
- Second Language Elective II ............ 3cr.
- Social Science Elective ............ 3cr.
Fall
- BIOL 358: Molecular Biology OR Biology elective OR ............ 3cr.
- BIOL 364: Virology or BIOL 366: Immunology............ 3cr.
- Solidarity and Kinship Flag Elective............ 3cr.
- ENGL 205: Literature and Moral Imagination ............ 3cr.
- HIST 199: Historical Perspective elective ............ 3cr.
Spring
- CHEM 440: Biochemistry I............ 3cr.
- BIOL 450: General Microbiology............ 3cr.
- BIOL 451: General Microbiology Lab ............ 2cr.
- PHIL 200: Philosophical Perspective elective
- Creative Perspectives elective ............ 3cr.
Fall
- Capstone (≥ 2 credits required)............ 2cr.
- BIOL 358: Molecular Biology OR Biology elective............ 3cr.
- BIOL 364: Virology or BIOL 366: Immunology............ 3cr.
- PHYS 160: College Physics I............ 3cr.
- PHYS 161: College Physics I Lab............ 1cr.
- Theological Perspective elective ............ 3cr.
Spring
- Capstone (≥ 2 credits required)............ 2cr.
- PHYS 162: College Physics II............ 3cr.
- PHYS 163: College Physics II Lab............ 1cr.
- E/RS Flag elective ............ 3cr.
- Humanities elective ............ 3cr.
- General elective............ 3cr.
High Medical School Acceptance Rate
Xavier students have a high acceptance rate to medical schools, with a 5-year average of 86% compared to the national average of 40%.
Food Microbiology (BIO 202)
Explore the microorganisms (bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites) that inhabit food. In this course, you’ll gain a comprehensive understanding of the diverse microbial communities found in food, their metabolic activities and their potential to cause foodborne illnesses.
General Microbiology/ Lab (BIOL 450/451)
Learn about the morphology, physiology and ecology of viruses, bacteria, eukaryotic microbes and fungal microbes, including the impact of these organisms on humans.
Virology (BIOL 364)
Learn about the diversity, genetics and ecology of viruses, emphasizing impacts on human societies worldwide.
Immunology (BIOL 366)
Learn how the molecules, cells and tissues of the immune system defend us against pathogens, as well as how their target sometimes goes awry to cause autoimmune or allergic disease.
Biostatistics (STAT 146)
Master the tools of biological data analysis. This course emphasizes statistical methods relevant to the biological sciences, covering topics like sampling, data analysis, hypothesis testing and more.
Alpha Epsilon Delta (Pre-Med Honor Society)
Join this national pre-health honor organization and make a difference in the Cincinnati community by volunteering at places like the Ronald McDonald House and Cincinnati Children's Hospital.
Biology Club
Connect with like-minded biology majors and enthusiasts in this vibrant community. Explore your passion for biology, engage in hands-on learning and network with professionals in the field.
Minorities in STEM Succeeding Together
Find a supportive community where you can thrive, connect with peers, and build confidence in your identity while pursuing excellence in STEM.
Pre-Med Student Association
Join this club if you're interested in a career in the health professions. Attend bimonthly events, network with medical professionals and collaborate with upperclassmen on the pre-med track.
Program Features
Gain valuable hands-on experience, develop critical research skills and contribute to the ever-expanding field of microbiology with multiple research opportunities.
Connect with inspiring mentors who are practicing researchers and doctors, providing real-world insights and shaping your future career path.
At a Jesuit University, you won't just study microbes in a lab, you’ll focus on the ethical implications that shape the field, research and work.
Our undergraduate students have an impressive 86% medical school acceptance rate, compared to 40% nationally.
Experience the real-world applications of microbiology in some of the nation’s leading hospitals and healthcare systems, based right here in Cincinnati, Ohio.
Are you a high school student with a passion for science, technology, engineering or math? Join STEAM@XU for a week-long immersive research experience on the Xavier University campus.
FAQ
Prepare for a successful career in the field of microbiology by earning your BS in Microbiology at Xavier. Discover more.A BS in Microbiology opens doors to a wide range of career opportunities in various fields. At Xavier, we’ll work with you one-on-one to match your curriculum with specific post-graduation career goals, including post-graduate studies and more.
Career opportunities for microbiology majors include:
- Microbiologist (general term for professionals working in microbiology)
- Research Scientist (in areas such as medical microbiology, food microbiology, environmental microbiology or industrial microbiology)
- Clinical Laboratory Scientist (working in diagnostic laboratories, analyzing samples for the presence of microorganisms)
- Food Microbiologist (ensuring the safety and quality of food products)
- Environmental Microbiologist (studying the role of microorganisms in the environment)
- Biotechnologist (developing and applying genetic engineering techniques to create new products)
- Quality Assurance Specialist (ensuring the safety and quality of products)
- Regulatory Affairs Specialist (ensuring compliance with government regulations related to microbiology)
- A variety of healthcare professions, including medicine, dentistry, physician assisting, pharmacy, veterinary medicine and more.
At Xavier, 14 research laboratories house state-of-the-art research equipment enabling fluorescent microscopy, real-time PCR, tissue sectioning, high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS), and fluorescent/chemiluminescent imaging of tissues, cells and molecules. Students have opportunities to work directly with professors in hands-on research experiences. Nearby world-class healthcare facilities and biotechnology companies provide ample opportunities to explore relevant career fields.
Xavier University's Pre-Professional Health advising program provides a strong foundation for students aspiring to pursue careers in medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine and other health professions.
The program offers a variety of support services to help students prepare for medical school, including:
- Personalized Academic advising: Students are advised to declare a major that they perform well in and that prepares them for graduate school.
- Peer mentoring: Students receive personal attention and support from their peers.
- MCAT preparation: Students receive assistance preparing for the MCAT.
Yes. The University Scholars Honors Program offers students in the microbiology major a more challenging curriculum and close support from professors while completing their undergraduate degree. Acceptance into the program is highly selective and includes a $2000 travel grant.
Microbiology Program at Xavier University
Xavier University’s College of Arts and Sciences challenges students to develop an integrated understanding of humanity, the world, and God by pursuing the questions raised in Xavier's core and departmental curricula. The College of Arts and Sciences is the oldest and largest college at Xavier University. The college provides an excellent liberal arts education in the Jesuit tradition that prepares students for careers, professional or graduate school, and life in a global society.
Xavier University is a private university located in Cincinnati, Ohio, providing a liberal arts education in the Jesuit Catholic tradition. Founded in 1831, the University is the sixth-oldest Catholic university in the nation. It has been ranked among the top 10 master's-level universities in the Midwest by U.S. News & World Report for the past two decades. The Princeton Review names it one of the "Best 385 Colleges in America."