Microbiology is the study of organisms and viruses too small to be seen by the unaided eye. Microbiologists study all aspects of these organisms, including what they are, their lifecycle and metabolic capacity, their distribution in nature, and their relationship to each other and to other living things. Microbial engineering uses our current understanding of these organisms to develop new species with applications in (for example) bioremediation, alternative energy production, or pharmaceutical science. A microbiology major prepares you to work in many different settings, including in the field sampling ecosystems, in the laboratory, or working for an agency specializing in public health. A subspecialty of microbiology, medical technology, uses microbiological techniques to diagnose diseases and pathologies related to human-microbe interactions. The microbiology major at WSU also offers a specialization track for pre-medicine students.

Microbiology majors have wide and diverse career opportunities in the life sciences. The biological revolution is opening up new opportunities and linking laboratory science in microbiology to the worlds of business, law, and government. Careers open to microbiology majors include research and production positions in the food, pharmaceutical, and biotechnology industries, in private or governmental laboratories, and in nonprofit institutions such as clinical and hospital laboratories and institutes. Graduates are also prepared to pursue advanced degree work in medicine, dentistry, veterinary science, and other fields. Advanced degrees can lead to teaching at the college level or conducting basic or applied research in the government, higher education, or private industry. Others have careers in consulting, management, or administration.