Microbiological Sciences and Immunology: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Microbiological Sciences and Immunology is an advanced academic field dedicated to the comprehensive study of microorganisms and the body’s defense mechanisms against disease. This interdisciplinary program integrates core principles from microbiology, immunology, and related biological sciences to explore the structure, function, and interactions of microbes within living systems and host immunity.
- Molecular Microbiology: Examines the genetic and biochemical processes that govern microbial life, including gene expression, replication, and metabolic pathways in bacteria, viruses, fungi, and other microorganisms.
- Host-Pathogen Interactions: Investigates the dynamic relationships between infectious agents and their hosts, focusing on how pathogens evade immune responses and cause disease.
- Immunological Mechanisms: Explores the development, function, and regulation of the immune system, including innate and adaptive immunity, immune cell signaling, and immune memory.
- Microbial Ecology and Evolution: Studies the roles of microorganisms in natural environments, their evolutionary adaptations, and their impact on ecosystems and human health.
- Applied Immunology and Biotechnology: Applies immunological principles to develop vaccines, therapeutic antibodies, and diagnostic tools, with a focus on real-world medical and biotechnological applications.
- Advanced Laboratory Techniques: Provides hands-on training in modern microbiological and immunological methodologies, including cell culture, PCR, flow cytometry, ELISA, and bioinformatics analysis.
Microbiological Sciences and Immunology Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Microbiological Sciences and Immunology Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Microbiological Sciences and Immunology degrees, including Natural Sciences Managers, Microbiologists and Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary. These career paths represent common employment outcomes but are not guaranteed for all graduates. Salary ranges vary by location, employer, experience level, and specific role requirements. Nationally, these occupations employ approximately 173,880 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Natural Sciences Managers 11-9121 | $161,180 | $79,830 - $239,200 | 100,870 | $77.49 |
| Microbiologists 19-1022 | $87,330 | $51,220 - $150,650 | 19,760 | $41.98 |
| Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary 25-1042 | $83,460 | $50,760 - $169,560 | 53,250 | N/A |
Microbiological Sciences and Immunology Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $77,785 in Delaware to $145,717 in California—a 87% difference. The highest-paying states include California, Massachusetts, and New Jersey. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 173,880 professionals across all states. Explore the interactive map below to compare regional compensation and identify optimal markets for your career goals.
Average Salary Range:
Top Universities for Microbiological Sciences and Immunology by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 14 institutions offering Microbiological Sciences and Immunology programs for the 2023-2024 academic year (the most recent data reported as of 2025), ranked by the number of graduates. The highest graduate enrollment in Microbiological Sciences and Immunology is found at University of California (UCLA), Los Angeles (171 graduates), George Mason University (21 graduates), Washington University in St Louis (WashU) (13 graduates), Dartmouth College (10 graduates), and Georgetown University (GU) (8 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 253 graduates across all degree levels. Program availability varies by award level, including Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees at participating universities and schools.
| College Name | Award Levels | Graduates | Location | Control | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of California (UCLA) |
Bachelor's
|
171 | Los Angeles, California | Public | ucla.edu |
| George Mason University |
Postbac Cert.
Master's
|
21 | Fairfax, Virginia | Public | www2.gmu.edu |
| Washington University in St Louis (WashU) |
Doctorate (Research)
|
13 | Saint Louis, Missouri | Private | wustl.edu |
| Dartmouth College |
Doctorate (Research)
|
10 | Hanover, New Hampshire | Private | dartmouth.edu |
| Georgetown University (GU) |
Master's
|
8 | Washington, District of Columbia | Private | georgetown.edu |
| Rutgers University |
Doctorate (Research)
|
8 | New Brunswick, New Jersey | Public | newbrunswick.rutgers.edu |
| University of Washington (UW) |
Doctorate (Research)
|
6 | Seattle, Washington | Public | washington.edu |
| Stanford University |
Doctorate (Research)
|
5 | Stanford, California | Private | stanford.edu |
| Loyola University Chicago (LUC) |
Master's
|
3 | Chicago, Illinois | Private | luc.edu |
| New York Medical College (NYMC) |
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
3 | Valhalla, New York | Private | nymc.edu |
| Loma Linda University (LLU) |
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
2 | Loma Linda, California | Private | llu.edu |
| University of Arizona |
Doctorate (Research)
|
1 | Tucson, Arizona | Public | arizona.edu |
| Colorado State University (CSU) |
Postbac Cert.
|
1 | Fort Collins, Colorado | Public | colostate.edu |
| University of Rochester |
Master's
|
1 | Rochester, New York | Private | rochester.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Microbiological Sciences and Immunology programs
How much can I earn with a Microbiological Sciences and Immunology degree?
Salaries for Microbiological Sciences and Immunology graduates vary by role and location. Natural Sciences Managers earn a median of $161,180 annually, while Microbiologists earn around $87,330. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in California average $145,717 compared to $77,785 in Delaware. Approximately 173,880 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program, May 2024. Earnings vary by experience, employer, and market conditions.
Which universities have the largest Microbiological Sciences and Immunology programs?
Currently 14 accredited institutions offer Microbiological Sciences and Immunology degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include University of California (UCLA), Los Angeles (171 graduates), George Mason University (21 graduates), and Washington University in St Louis (WashU) (13 graduates).
Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated.
Is enrollment in Microbiological Sciences and Immunology growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have decreased over the past decade, rising from 263 in 2010 to 253 in 2023-24. This represents a 4% decrease overall from 2010.
The field remains specialized with consistent demand, though opportunities are most concentrated in major metropolitan areas with active arts scenes like New York, California, and Illinois.
Graduate enrollment data from IPEDS, 2010-2024 academic years. Trends reflect reported completions at participating institutions.
What career paths are available with a Microbiological Sciences and Immunology degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Natural Sciences Managers, Microbiologists, and Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary. Related occupations employ approximately 173,880 professionals nationwide.
Skills in project management, creative leadership, and collaboration also transfer to event planning, arts administration, marketing, and corporate training roles. Many professionals work freelance or on a project basis across theatre, film, and live events.
Career pathways mapped using CIP-SOC crosswalk from the National Center for Education Statistics. Employment data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
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