Why study microbiology at UC Santa Cruz?

The B.S. major in microbiology is designed for students interested in careers in biomedical, environmental, and basic science fields in both industry and academia. Students are required to take introductory biology and chemistry, microbiology lecture and lab, biochemistry, computational tools, and additional courses directly relevant to microbiology. As a unique feature of this program, students also take a microbiology course with a focus on evaluating relevant scientific articles.

Current Students

How to apply

Undergraduate student admissions to UC Santa Cruz are handled through the University of California’s online application system. Be sure to review the steps you must take, and when, to ensure that your application is considered.

Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree policies

Department: Microbiology & Environmental Toxicology

In addition, the program provides unique opportunities for exceptional undergraduates to conduct research in microbiology and environmental toxicology. These opportunities are limited to students who have demonstrated their potential in undergraduate courses in the basic sciences and environmental health. With department approval, these undergraduates may also take graduate courses in microbiology and environmental toxicology, that coursework may be applied toward a graduate degree in microbiology and environmental toxicology if the student is accepted into the program.

Get advising
The advising for this degree is currently housed in the Chemistry department.

Advising for Microbiology B.S.

View degree requirements
The updated course catalog will be published in May 2023. Until then, please reference the following PDFs:

 

How to apply

Undergraduate student admissions to UC Santa Cruz are handled through the University of California’s online application system. Be sure to review the steps you must take, and when, to ensure that your application is considered.