Microbiology · California

Microbiology colleges in California

CampusPin lists 263 U.S. colleges in California that offer Microbiology programs. Compare tuition, acceptance rate, and enrollment in the table below, every figure links back to the institution's official IPEDS data.

Microbiology studies microorganisms, bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites, suiting students aiming for lab research, biotech, public health, and clinical or pharmaceutical work.

Schools in California that offer Microbiology

Microbiology programs in California: by the numbers

A quick comparison of the 50 schools (of 263 total) listed above, drawn from each institution's published IPEDS data.

Schools listed

263

Public / private

26 / 24

Universities / 2-year

44 / 6

Cities represented

39

In-state tuition range

$1,104–$63,255

Median in-state tuition

$7,989

Lowest published in-state tuition

Barstow Community College

$1,104

Most selective

California Institute of Technology

3% acceptance

Largest by enrollment

California State University-Fullerton

41,793 students

Figures reflect the schools currently listed and each institution's most recent reported data. Verify current tuition and admissions details with the school before applying.

What you'll study in a Microbiology program

  • General microbiology, bacteriology, and aseptic laboratory technique
  • Virology and the biology of viruses and other infectious agents
  • Immunology and host-pathogen interactions
  • Microbial genetics and molecular biology
  • Microbial physiology and metabolism
  • Biochemistry and the supporting chemistry sequence (general, organic)
  • Lab methods (culturing, staining, microscopy, PCR, sequencing)
  • Senior research project or capstone in a microbiology lab

Where a Microbiology degree can lead

  • Microbiologists
  • Clinical / Medical Laboratory Scientist
  • Quality Control Microbiologist (pharma or food)
  • Biotech Research Associate
  • Public Health Laboratory Technician
  • PhD Microbiologist (academia or industry)

Typical pay: BLS, 2024 microbiologists median $87,330 (informational; varies by sector and degree)

A Microbiology major covers the structure, genetics, physiology, and ecology of microorganisms, including bacteriology, virology, immunology, and microbial genetics. Programs build on a strong chemistry sequence (general and organic), biochemistry, genetics, and statistics, and are lab-intensive, with extensive training in aseptic technique, culturing, and microscopy. Common areas of focus include medical microbiology, environmental and industrial microbiology, and microbial genetics or molecular biology.

The major is usually offered as a bachelor's degree and prepares graduates for laboratory and quality-control roles in biotechnology, pharmaceutical, food-safety, environmental, and clinical settings, as well as for medical, dental, and veterinary school. A bachelor's degree is the typical entry-level education for microbiologists, though independent and academic research positions generally require a master's or PhD.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a 2024 median annual wage of $87,330 for microbiologists, and BLS projects employment of microbiologists to grow 4.1% from 2024 to 2034.

Microbiology in other states

Other majors in California

Find more Microbiology schools

Use CampusPin's filter-first search to narrow 263+ Microbiology programs in California by tuition, school size, acceptance rate, and campus setting.

Search Microbiology schools in CaliforniaAbout the Microbiology majorAll colleges in California

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