Overview
Biology is a popular college major. But Biology majors often struggle after graduation because they lack the specialized knowledge that pharmaceutical and biomedical employers covet.
That is not the case with the Microbiology program at ACPHS. Our program is focused on the micro-organisms (e.g., bacteria, fungi, viruses) that cause disease in humans.
Through its research emphasis and specialized tracks of study, you will observe micro-organisms, study their behaviors, track their spread, and learn what can be done to minimize the risks they pose to humans. Those interested in gaining additional research experience should consider our dual degree program leading to a B.S. in Microbiology and an M.S. in Molecular Biosciences.
Whichever path you choose, you will graduate with a differentiated degree that prepares you to immediately seek employment or continue your education in a graduate, medical or professional school.
That is not the case with the Microbiology program at ACPHS. Our program is focused on the micro-organisms (e.g., bacteria, fungi, viruses) that cause disease in humans.
Through its research emphasis and specialized tracks of study, you will observe micro-organisms, study their behaviors, track their spread, and learn what can be done to minimize the risks they pose to humans. Those interested in gaining additional research experience should consider our dual degree program leading to a B.S. in Microbiology and an M.S. in Molecular Biosciences.
Whichever path you choose, you will graduate with a differentiated degree that prepares you to immediately seek employment or continue your education in a graduate, medical or professional school.
Coursework
All Microbiology students complete the core curriculum and one of the three tracks described below. The expected completion time for the program is four years.
An added benefit of studying Microbiology at ACPHS is that all of our academic programs are centered around human health. This means there is a wide range of elective courses available to you on campus should you want to take a class(es) in related disciplines.
The core curriculum consists 39 credits of Basic Sciences, 33 credits of Microbiology, 14 credits of Humanities and Communication, and 21 electives (for a total of 107 credits). Each track contains 9-11 credits of required courses and 5-6 credits from a list of approved track electives.
Students interested in obtaining additional research experience are encouraged to pursue our B.S./M.S. dual degree program in Microbiology/Molecular Biosciences. Graduates of the five-year dual degree program will be particularly well positioned for success, whether they decide to enter the workforce following graduation or continue on with their education.
An added benefit of studying Microbiology at ACPHS is that all of our academic programs are centered around human health. This means there is a wide range of elective courses available to you on campus should you want to take a class(es) in related disciplines.
The core curriculum consists 39 credits of Basic Sciences, 33 credits of Microbiology, 14 credits of Humanities and Communication, and 21 electives (for a total of 107 credits). Each track contains 9-11 credits of required courses and 5-6 credits from a list of approved track electives.
Students interested in obtaining additional research experience are encouraged to pursue our B.S./M.S. dual degree program in Microbiology/Molecular Biosciences. Graduates of the five-year dual degree program will be particularly well positioned for success, whether they decide to enter the workforce following graduation or continue on with their education.
Specialized Tracks of Study
All students in the Microbiology program must select one of three tracks. Which track you choose will depend on your career goals. And if you’re not sure which track is right for you, one of the faculty members in the program will help you find the best fit.
BIOMEDICAL MICROBIOLOGY TRACK – Learn answers to fundamental questions such as how and why infectious diseases occur. This track is recommended for students interested in laboratory-based research and who plan to attend a graduate or professional school.
PUBLIC HEALTH MICROBIOLOGY/INFECTIOUS DISEASE EPIDEMIOLOGY TRACK – Learn how we track the prevalence and spread of infectious diseases. The research associated with this track is computer-based and takes place outside the laboratory. This track is also geared towards those seeking to continue their education.
INDUSTRIAL MICROBIOLOGY/PHARMACEUTICAL MICROBIOLOGY – Learn the skills required to assure the quality and sterility of products ranging from food to pharmaceuticals. This track is recommended for students who plan to enter the workforce immediately following graduation.
BIOMEDICAL MICROBIOLOGY TRACK – Learn answers to fundamental questions such as how and why infectious diseases occur. This track is recommended for students interested in laboratory-based research and who plan to attend a graduate or professional school.
PUBLIC HEALTH MICROBIOLOGY/INFECTIOUS DISEASE EPIDEMIOLOGY TRACK – Learn how we track the prevalence and spread of infectious diseases. The research associated with this track is computer-based and takes place outside the laboratory. This track is also geared towards those seeking to continue their education.
INDUSTRIAL MICROBIOLOGY/PHARMACEUTICAL MICROBIOLOGY – Learn the skills required to assure the quality and sterility of products ranging from food to pharmaceuticals. This track is recommended for students who plan to enter the workforce immediately following graduation.
Research Opportunities
Research is an essential component of the Microbiology program. Starting in the spring of your first year, you will begin learning basic research techniques. Year Two will build upon this foundation and give you additional experience with the day-to-day activities of a research lab. Your research skills will be further strengthened in Year Three when you take six credits of biomedical lab techniques.
In your final year, you will perform a research project under the mentorship of a faculty member. This “capstone” project represents the culmination of all that you have learned during your four years as a student.
The early and sustained exposure to research means it is possible for you to possess a portfolio of research experience upon graduation that is comparable to students in other colleges' graduate programs. That experience can provide a powerful advantage when seeking your first job or applying to graduate school.
In your final year, you will perform a research project under the mentorship of a faculty member. This “capstone” project represents the culmination of all that you have learned during your four years as a student.
The early and sustained exposure to research means it is possible for you to possess a portfolio of research experience upon graduation that is comparable to students in other colleges' graduate programs. That experience can provide a powerful advantage when seeking your first job or applying to graduate school.
Life After ACPHS
If you decide to continue your education, you will be well prepared for Master’s or Ph.D. programs in Microbiology, Immunology, Molecular Biology, and Cell Biology. ACPHS's own master's degree in Molecular Biosciences would also be an excellent fit.
The Microbiology program provides the coursework and research experience that will also position you well for Medical School, Veterinary School, and Dental School.
Should your plans be to seek employment immediately following graduation, opportunities for microbiologists include settings ranging pharmaceutical manufacturing facilities to international health agencies to research laboratories.
A look at what our recent graduates are doing and the plans of students currently in the program offers a good guide to some of the opportunities available to you:
- 2 students pursuing medical school education
- 4 students pursuing a Master's degree at ACPHS (M.S. Molecular Biosciences (3), M.S. Clinical Laboratory Sciences (1))
- Employed at Department of Veteran Affairs, Regeneron Pharmaceuticals and New York State Department of Health Laboratory
The Microbiology program provides the coursework and research experience that will also position you well for Medical School, Veterinary School, and Dental School.
Should your plans be to seek employment immediately following graduation, opportunities for microbiologists include settings ranging pharmaceutical manufacturing facilities to international health agencies to research laboratories.
A look at what our recent graduates are doing and the plans of students currently in the program offers a good guide to some of the opportunities available to you:
- 2 students pursuing medical school education
- 4 students pursuing a Master's degree at ACPHS (M.S. Molecular Biosciences (3), M.S. Clinical Laboratory Sciences (1))
- Employed at Department of Veteran Affairs, Regeneron Pharmaceuticals and New York State Department of Health Laboratory
CONTACT THE PROGRAM DIRECTOR
Meenakshi Malik, Ph.D.
Associate Professor
(518) 694-7168
meenakshi.malik@acphs.edu
Associate Professor
(518) 694-7168
meenakshi.malik@acphs.edu
CONTACT THE ADMISSIONS OFFICE
106 New Scotland Ave.
Albany, NY 12208
518-694-7221
admissions@acphs.edu
Albany, NY 12208
518-694-7221
admissions@acphs.edu