Microbiology · Illinois

Microbiology colleges in Illinois

CampusPin lists 81 U.S. colleges in Illinois 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 Illinois that offer Microbiology

Microbiology programs in Illinois: by the numbers

A quick comparison of the 50 schools (of 81 total) listed above, drawn from each institution's published IPEDS data.

Schools listed

81

Public / private

10 / 40

Universities / 2-year

46 / 4

Cities represented

32

In-state tuition range

$3,552–$65,997

Median in-state tuition

$27,556

Lowest published in-state tuition

Lewis and Clark Community College

$3,552

Most selective

Northwestern University

7% acceptance

Largest by enrollment

Chamberlain University-Illinois

28,871 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 Illinois

Find more Microbiology schools

Use CampusPin's filter-first search to narrow 81+ Microbiology programs in Illinois by tuition, school size, acceptance rate, and campus setting.

Search Microbiology schools in IllinoisAbout the Microbiology majorAll colleges in Illinois

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