A complete portfolio of microbiology and cell science programs including undergraduate, master’s and doctoral degrees, plus graduate certificates. Study online, on campus or in hybrid formats designed for full-time students and working professionals.
Explore the science from day one. B.S. programs provide foundational study in microbiology and cell science, introducing students to laboratory research and microbial biology. On-campus and online formats provide opportunity to explore fundamentals and prepare for graduate programs and diverse careers.
Earn your M.S. with advanced scientific training designed to accelerate career trajectories in biotechnology, healthcare, environmental science and laboratory research. Fully online with no GRE requirement, featuring an asynchronous structure that can be completed in as little as 12 months.
Rigorous, research-focused Ph.D. programs that prepare scientists to lead laboratories, publish discoveries and advance scientific knowledge. Gain experience in experimental design, data analysis and scientific communication. On-campus and distance learning options support working professionals and full-time researchers.
Four graduate certificate programs designed to build specialized expertise as standalone credentials or in combination with your graduate degree. Many students choose to integrate a certificate into their program of study to deepen focus, expand skill sets and graduate with a more competitive, differentiated profile.
Microbiology powers industries that influence global health, environmental sustainability and emerging biotechnology. It also powers some of the strangest, most consequential science happening right now, and the demand for people who understand it is growing.
Hospitals rely on microbiologists to identify pathogens and track outbreaks. Pharmaceutical companies depend on microbial genetics to develop therapies. Agricultural systems rely on soil microbiology to maintain crop productivity. Environmental scientists study microbial ecosystems to understand pollution and climate change. Astrobiologists are studying microbial life to understand what might exist beyond this planet.
Programs at the University of Florida prepare students to work across these evolving scientific landscapes, including the ones still being mapped, through hands-on research, field-based learning and data-driven experimentation.
As artificial intelligence accelerates how data gets analyzed and discoveries get made, the scientists who design the experiments, interpret the results and apply the findings remain essential. This is a human-driven field strengthened by advanced technology, not replaced by it.
Some students pursue graduate education immediately after completing undergraduate degrees. Others return to school while working in laboratories, healthcare systems or biotechnology companies. Programs are designed to support both paths.
Students may complete a master's degree in as little as 12 months to accelerate career trajectories or study part time while continuing to work.
Teaching faculty integrate emerging technologies into coursework and laboratory experiences. Online and hybrid students engage in interactive simulations and remote lab environments that replicate experimental workflows and data analysis used in modern research.
The result is training that prepares students not only to enter the field, but to navigate where it's going next.
EXPLORE MORE
Want to specialize further? Add a graduate certificate to your M.S. and build focused expertise without starting another program from scratch. All online certificate courses are part of the M.S. curriculum, so depending on your certificate and concentration, you can add a specialized credential with only a small number of credits beyond the standard 30-credit M.S. The combined program is also eligible for financial aid, subject to eligibility requirements.
The two in-person clinical requirements for the Clinical Laboratory Microbiologist certificate are not part of the M.S. curriculum.
Explore what’s happening across Microbiology & Cell Science, from student and faculty research to new discoveries and the latest department updates.
Life at MCS
Updates, stories and highlights from the MCS community
The latest in microbiology
Industry and departmental updates, breakthroughs and announcements
Research that drives discovery
Peer-reviewed articles from MCS faculty and student researchers
RESOURCES & SUPPORT
Connect directly with an MCS program advisor to discuss the online M.S., Distance Ph.D., or graduate certificates. Email: mcsadvising@ifas.ufl.edu
*The hybrid Clinical Laboratory Microbiologist graduate certificate includes two required in-person components: a 5-day on-site lab bootcamp and a two-week clinical internship. Internship placements are arranged near the student's place of residence whenever possible. Completion in Gainesville is not required. Additionally, in-state tuition is not offered with the CLM as a standalone credential. However, pairing the CLM with the M.S. qualifies you for in-state tuition. Contact the CLM advising team for details.
