Overview of Career Opportunities for Microbiologists (Bacteriologists)
Bacteriologists/microbiologists are trained to analyze the biology of bacteria,
viruses, algae, protozoa, and fungi. Many microbiologists are engaged in basic
research utilizing these relatively simple organisms to probe problems and
questions of genetics, physiology, biochemistry, and molecular biology common to
all forms of life.
Others are involved in research or applications of
microbiology in areas such as infection and immunity to human, animal, or plant
disease; industrial uses of microorganisms; microbial activities that influence
soil fertility and conservation; the helpful or harmful effects of
microorganisms in foods; the use of microorganisms as sources of food and fuel;
and the role of microorganisms in pollution and biormediation.
The Bacteriology major prepares people for many careers. Some graduates enter
graduate degree programs leading to an M.S. or Ph.D. degree in microbiology,
biochemistry, genetics, cell and molecular biology, or other biological
sciences. These students develop careers in reserach and teaching in major
universities; in research and development in the pharmaceutical, biotechnology,
and food industries, or in business.
Graduates also enter professional degree
programs in medicine, veterinary medicine, other health-related fields;
business; or law. Approximately half of the bacteriology B.S. graduates obtain
jobs in university, industry, or government laboratories. New graduates with a
degree in bacteriology from UW-Madison, especially when it is accompanied with
independent research experience obtained in a professor's laboratory, are sought
by companies employing microbiologists.
Information from: http://www.bact.wisc.edu/jobbull/overview.html
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