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CIP 26.0599 Biological and Biomedical Sciences

Microbiological Sciences and Immunology, Other

IPEDS Completions, US Department of Education · 2025

Total graduates

240

2025 · 12 schools

International share

7.5%

18 international students

Bachelor's degrees

154

4.5% international

Master's degrees

41

4.9% international

Overview

Microbiological Sciences and Immunology, Other is a specialized field that encompasses the study of microorganisms, their functions, interactions, and their role in various environments, along with the immune responses they elicit in hosts. This interdisciplinary program typically integrates principles from microbiology, immunology, molecular biology, and biochemistry, enabling students to explore the complex relationships between microbes and the immune system.

Students in this field learn about various microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites, and how these entities influence human health and disease. The curriculum often covers topics such as microbial genetics, pathogenesis, immunological techniques, and the development of vaccines. Additionally, students may engage in laboratory work, where they gain hands-on experience in isolating and characterizing microorganisms, as well as conducting experiments that investigate immune responses.

Graduates of this program can pursue various career paths in academia, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, and biotechnology. They may work as researchers, lab technicians, or public health officials, contributing to the understanding of infectious diseases, vaccine development, and the role of the microbiome in health and disease.

Moreover, the importance of this field has been underscored by recent global health challenges, emphasizing the need for professionals who can address microbial threats and enhance immune responses through innovative research and public health strategies. Overall, Microbiological Sciences and Immunology offers a robust foundation for those interested in the microscopic world and its profound impact on life.

Graduates by year

Graduates by degree level (first and second majors)

AssociateBachelor'sMaster'sDoctoral

From 2003 to 2025, graduates grew 32% and the international share went from 6.6% to 7.5%.

International share (%)
Graduates by group, 2025
White
32.1%
Asian
31.3%
Hispanic
14.2%
Black
4.2%
Other
10.8%
Intl.
7.5%

Colleges that award this degree

In 2025, 12 schools awarded this degree as a first major. The table lists those in the 2027 U.S. News National or Liberal Arts rankings, plus the unranked schools with the most graduates.

RankSchoolStateGraduatesInternational
#5 Stanford University California 5 0
#12 Dartmouth College New Hampshire 24 6
#16 Washington University in St Louis Missouri 5 0
#20 University of California-Los Angeles California 152 6
#23 Georgetown University D.C. 2 0
#44 Rutgers University-New Brunswick New Jersey 10 4
#49 University of Rochester New York 6 0
#49 University of Washington-Seattle Campus Washington 6 1
#121 Loyola University Chicago Illinois 4 0
#121 George Mason University Virginia 19 0
— New York Medical College New York 4 0
— Loma Linda University California 1 0

Purple: international students are 25% or more of the school's graduates.

Related jobs and pay

OccupationUS employmentMean hourly wageMean annual wage
Natural Sciences Managers 108,690 $86.66 $180,250
Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary 50,190 — $102,840
Microbiologists 18,940 $46.92 $97,600

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025.

Graduate counts: IPEDS Completions, US Department of Education, 2003–2025. Rankings: 2027 U.S. News.