Program Contact/Coordinator
Radhey Kaushik, Department Head
Department of Biology and Microbiology
Alfred Dairy Science Hall 228
605-688-6141
Program Information
The program provides students with a broad background in all facets of microbiology, preparing them to pursue careers in diagnostic and research laboratories, public health, agriculture, food industry, pharmaceutical companies, academia, governmental agencies, and the private sector. With the recommended electives, the graduate is prepared to pursue health-related professional or graduate education for advanced training. The goal is to provide a sound but varied educational experience.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of the Microbiology major, students will:
- Demonstrate understanding and application of evolution; biological structure and function; biological and biochemical pathways and transformations of energy and matter; and biological systems.
- Apply the process of science.
- Demonstrate understanding of and application of quantitative reasoning; information flow, exchange, and storage in microorganisms; relationship between science and society.
- Demonstrate knowledge on how microorganisms interact with and impact their environment and the interaction between microorganisms and humans, animals and plants.
- Describe and use new and existing methods and technologies in and out of the laboratory setting.
- Tap into the interdisciplinary nature of science.
- Communicate and collaborate with other disciplines.
Academic Requirements
A minimum GPA of 2.0 must be maintained in the major courses.
Course Delivery Format
Program coursework is on-campus, in classrooms and laboratories, as well as field-based settings. Additional coursework is available at off-campus attendance centers. Limited coursework is available online.
