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 1
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.

How UF Compares on Cost

One of the most compelling reasons to choose UF is value. The University of Florida’s online M.S. in Microbiology and Cell Science is among the most affordable options offered by a major R1 research university.

Below is how it compares to other microbiology and bioscience master’s programs prospective students often consider.

UF offers one transparent tuition rate for all online students, with no in-state or out-of-state tuition difference.

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

Cost is one of the clearest differentiators in graduate microbiology education. UF’s online Master of Science in Microbiology and Cell Science is structured to deliver a high-value graduate education at a significantly lower total cost than many comparable programs.

UF’s program is designed for working professionals, with no relocation requirement, no career interruption and a predictable total cost structure. Compared to similar microbiology and bioscience master’s programs, total tuition at UF is often two to four times lower, particularly when compared to out-of-state public universities and private research institutions.

The estimates above reflect publicly available base tuition data from each institution and exclude fees, housing and other indirect costs. Ranges typically account for in-state and out-of-state pricing structures or per-credit variability. Actual totals may vary based on course load, pacing, fees and program structure.

Browse our complete portfolio of undergraduate, graduate and certificate programs or explore fully online programs designed for flexible study and distance learning.

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.

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.

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
  • Applications 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