Explore the Online Master of Science Program & Graduate Certificate Options

Pursue individually or stack credentials for optimal outcomes.

M.S. PROGRAM OVERVIEW

Tuition	$535 per credit hour (+ fees)
Format	100% Online
GRE Required?	No
Credits	30 Credit Hours
Completion Time	As few as 12 months
Application Deadlines
Fall 2026	July 15
Spring 2027	November 15
No Application Fee

Where Discovery Meets Real-World Impact

Explore the weird and wild world of microbiology, where life thrives in places most people never think to look. At the University of Florida, that curiosity translates into applied scientific training designed for real careers.

Students build advanced skills across microbiology, molecular biology, environmental science and data driven research preparing them for roles in biotechnology, healthcare and emerging scientific fields.

Housed within the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS), the Microbiology and Cell Science department brings together molecular biologists, environmental scientists and computational researchers to study the full spectrum of microbial life and its real world impact.

As one of the largest microbiology programs in the country, UF prepares graduates to move beyond theory into application. Alumni work across research, industry and healthcare, advancing scientific discovery, supporting innovation and solving complex biological challenges.

Institution	Program	Estimated Base Tuition	Format
University of Florida	M.S. Microbiology & Cell Science	$16,050	100% Online, Asynchronous
Arizona State University	M.S. Microbiology	$13,330-$29,200	On-Campus
Colorado State University	M.S. Microbiology-Immunology	$29,700	100% Online, Asynchronous
University of Wisconsin - Madison	M.S. Bacteriology	$20,000-$45,000	On-Campus
Texas A&M University	M.S. Biotechnology / related biosciences	$20,000-$45,000	On-Campus / Hybrid
Georgetown	M.S. Microbiology & Immunology	$62,830	On-Campus
George Washington University	M.S. Microbiology	$63,000-$66,000	On-Campus / Hybrid
UC Berkeley	MCB Biotechnology	$75,000	On-Campus
Johns Hopkins University	ScM Molecular Microbiology & Immunology	$55,000-$65,000	On-Campus
Harvard Medical School	MMSc Immunology	$92,000-$97,000	On-Campus

Prepare For a Career That Grows With Science, Not Against It

Over the next decade, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects steady growth in microbiology careers, with continued demand across biotechnology, healthcare, environmental science and biomedical research. Microbiologists earn a median salary of about $87,330,² well above the median for bachelor-level occupations, with the top 10% earning over $150,000.⁴ This reflects the specialized expertise required in the field.

Microbiology graduates are well positioned for high-growth careers in data science, computational biology, biotechnology and biomedical research, where bioinformatics and microbial data analysis skills are increasingly essential. Data science jobs are projected to grow more than 35% through 2034, with median salaries above $108,000.⁴ These roles require professionals who can analyze biological data, work with large datasets and apply AI tools in scientific environments.

Career opportunities extend beyond the lab into biotechnology, pharmaceutical development, healthcare systems, environmental monitoring, regulatory science and science policy. Advances in genomics, artificial intelligence and precision medicine continue to expand these fields, increasing demand for scientists who can integrate biology with data and technology.

The University of Florida M.S. in Microbiology and Cell Science prepares students for this evolving workforce. With more than 2,800 program graduates, alumni have advanced into careers across research, industry and healthcare or continued into Ph.D. programs and professional pathways including medical, dental and veterinary school.

This combination of biological expertise and data-driven skill development positions graduates for long-term career growth in a rapidly evolving scientific economy.

➜ Explore Careers in Microbiology

 

Straightforward Admissions. Start Any Term.

The University of Florida Department of Microbiology and Cell Science offers a streamlined admissions process for the online M.S. in Microbiology and Cell Science and graduate certificates, designed for working professionals ready to advance their careers.

If you are exploring options, submit the form above to receive program details and connect with a graduate advisor. If you are ready to apply, begin the official application process through the departmental application portal.

Unofficial transcripts are accepted for initial review. Official transcripts are required upon admission.

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis for upcoming terms. We are currently reviewing candidates for Fall 2026 through Spring 2027.

M.S. Admission Requirements at a Glance

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
• Minimum 3.0 GPA (overall and upper division)
• Unofficial transcripts for initial review
• Official transcripts required upon admission
• Appplications accepted up to two semesters in advance

View full admission requirements for the online M.S. in Microbiology and Cell Science.

 

Sources

^{¹ The Wall Street Journal lists the University of Florida as the No. 1 public university in its 2024 list of Best U.S. Colleges}

^{² https://www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/microbiologists.htm}

^{³ Internal survey of self-reported data from graduates from 2020–2022}

^{⁴ https://doi.org/10.21916/mlr.2026.1}