Microbiology is the study of microorganisms or microbes. Here you will study invisible organisms or creatures. These are organisms that can be viewed only with the help of a microscope. The microbes are bacteria, algae, fungi, viruses, etc. 

When you opt to do a Master’s specializing in Microbiology, you learn about the fundamentals of how microbes live and thrive on the planet. Here, you will specifically learn about investigations about biochemistry, physiology, cell biology, and clinical aspects covering that microbes. 

Once you have completed your Bachelor’s degree in Microbiology, then you can aim for a Master’s program in the field too. This way, you can understand more meaningful insights into advanced learning processes or analyze how these microbes adapt to our changing or dynamic world.

Why study the Master’s in Microbiology in the USA? 

There are many reasons why international students prefer to study in the USA. A few of the reasons why you should plan to pursue a Master’s in Microbiology in the USA are mentioned below. 

• As per experts in microbiology, the jobs in this field in the US are expected to increase by more than 16% by 2030.
• The Master’s in Microbiology is offered as a one- or two-year program by some of the top universities in the US. One can pick from the programs offered by universities like Iowa State University, Texas University, and California State University.
• Also, the tuition fees for a Master’s in Microbiology are between USD 14300 and USD 34650, with a high return on the investment as the average salary offered to the students is approximately USD 69,000. 
• The universities in the US also offer excellent financial assistance via internships, scholarships, and graduate assistance programs. This makes it easy for international students to pursue the Master’s course without much worry about finances.

 Master’s in Microbiology in the USA: Course Highlights

Types of Masters in Master’s in Microbiology in the USA

You can discover top-notch universities across the US to facilitate your Master’s program in Microbiology. These Universities also enrich practical learning for students who apply for the program. Microbiology as a subject is exciting to learn as well. This is because this is a science stream that focuses on studying organisms that can only be viewed under a microscope. 

A Master’s degree in Microbiology is particularly a hot favorite among students who take Science as their major elective. More than 80 top-class universities offer a lucrative Master’s program in Microbiology. Let us dwell on the top 5 universities offering you fabulous Master’s in Microbiology so that you also know what kind of learning you will be exposed to. 

Best Universities for Master’s in Microbiology in the USA

Here are the top 5 universities if doing MS in Microbiology is your aim. They are:

• Harvard University
• Massachusetts Institute of Technology
• University of California, Berkeley
• The University of Pennsylvania and
• Rockefeller University 

Let us have a look at each of these in detail.

Harvard University

Harvard University is one of the oldest universities spread across the United States of America. You can avail of an in-depth program in the field of Microbiology. You can discover a state-of-the-art department that specializes in studying camouflaged germs with members passionate about learning and discovering newer theories covering the subject. 

As a student, you can learn how microorganisms interact with host organisms. You will also discover how microbes thrive and live in a natural world. Participating actively in research programs can widen your knowledge of how specific infections are caused by bacteria and viruses that live inside the human body. You can also learn about how these diseases impact human health.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

The Massachusetts Institute of Technology was founded in 1861. Students are provided with in-depth concepts covering specific areas of microbiology, and electives are offered to them while performing their thesis. This way, students are well-equipped to learn the fundamentals of Microbiological sciences and engineering disciplines.

University of California Berkeley

University of California Berkeley was founded in 1868. When students apply for their Master’s program in Microbiology, they particularly specialize in the interplay between pathogenic and beneficial bacteria with other living beings. You can apply for a Master’s program here even without a GRE.

University of Pennsylvania

The University of Pennsylvania was founded in the year 1761. When students enroll here, they get a range of curricular and co-curricular activities to get engrossed in. You also get multiple research options depending on the electives you choose in your field.

The Rockefeller University

Rockefeller University is a leading private institution that is spread across the US. You can perform your Master’s program equipped with research in Biomedical sciences, Biophysics, and Chemistry. 

Course Curriculum for Master’s in Microbiology in the USA

 A Master’s in Microbiology is a postgraduate course with a duration of two years. The course is often structured into four semesters, and the last semester is about the research report. The course curriculum can vary depending on the course chosen, but some of the topics that are covered in the courses include,

• Immunology
• Industrial Microbiology
• Virology
• Plant Pathology
• Public Health Microbiology
• Infectious Diseases
• Cell and Molecular Biology, and so on.

Eligibility Criteria for Master’s in Microbiology in the USA

Every university has its own eligibility criteria. However, a few details remain the same. If you plan to pursue a Master’s in Microbiology in the USA, here are a few pointers on the eligibility criteria. 

Educational qualification – Students applying for a Master’s in Microbiology need an undergraduate degree or a degree with related subjects. The score of the subjects needs to be around 60% to 70% and an overall 3.0 GPA.

English language proficiency test scores – Every international student from a non-English speaking country needs to take the English language proficiency test. The students must score 80-100 for TOEFL and 6.5-7.0 for IELTS. 

Scores of entrance exams – A few universities also ask for entrance examinations like MCAT, GMAT, or GRE scores. You can find more details about the same on the official website of the university you are applying to. 

Work experience – Not every Master’s degree requires work experience. But if you have an experience in the related field, it will certainly add weight to your application. 

Student visa- The study or the student visa is a mandate if you wish to travel to the USA for higher studies. However, students need to apply for the same after they receive the letter of acceptance from the university to which they applied.

Admission Requirements for Master’s in Microbiology in the USA

Now that we learned about the eligibility criteria, let us look at the admission requirements. Students applying for the Master’s in Microbiology in the USA should fulfill the eligibility and also keep the listed documents ready. 

• Certificates related to the educational qualifications.
• Work experience documents, if any
• An updated copy of the resume
• Letter of recommendation
• Statement of Purpose
• Proof of funding
• A valid passport
• Scorecards of entrance tests
• Scorecards of English language tests

Admission Process for Master’s in Microbiology in the USA

The universities in the USA have three intakes every year, and it is during the winter, summer, and fall. Therefore, students applying for the Master’s in Microbiology in the US should be well-prepared with the documents required. Once the documents are ready, they can proceed with the admission process, as mentioned below. 

• Start by checking the official website of the university for eligibility. Also, crosscheck if you have all the documents required. 
• Complete the application online, recheck the details, and pay the application cost. 
• Once you submit the application, you will be given access to the admission portal, where you can track your progress. 
• When your application is approved, you will receive an email from the admission officer. Make sure to respond to the same within the time given.
• Confirm your seat by completing the enrolment process and receiving the acceptance letter.
• You can continue the visa process once you receive the acceptance letter and start preparing for travel.

Cost of Studying for Master’s in Microbiology in the USA

Students who wish to pursue a Master’s in Microbiology in the USA will have to understand the overall costs related to the same. Detailed information about the costs is mentioned below.

The tuition fees – The tuition fees of the Master’s program cover various aspects of the course. However, the total fees and the scholarships depend on the university you pick. The annual tuition fees for the Master’s in microbiology can cost about 25,000 USD. This again does not include the cost of books etc.

Cost of living – Other than the tuition fees, students also need to consider the costs related to their accommodation, food, travel, etc. On average, an international student spends about 19,000 USD yearly, other than the tuition fees. The cost again depends on how you wish to spend and on what. On average, the cost of transportation comes to USD 300 per month, the cost of books or study materials is USD 700, and one can reduce the rent by renting a shared apartment. 

Scholarship and Financial Aid for Master’s in Microbiology in the USA

Career Opportunities after Master’s in Microbiology in the USA

There is a huge demand for experts in the field of microbiology. The jobs in the healthcare industry, including the field of research and microbiology, are expected to increase by more than 16% by 2030. Seeing the demand, it is the right time to pursue a course and obtain that job you have always dreamed of.

A postgraduate degree in Microbiology from one of the USA's reputed colleges can take your career to the next level. The United States continues to be one of the top destinations for international students with academic goals in microbiology and other biomedical programs. So, make sure to choose the best course and apply to the best university.