Skip to main content

Environmental MicrobiologyMajor

Microorganisms are everywhere — from plants and animals to air, soil and water. This major prepares you for careers related to the environment, healthcare, pharmaceuticals and food production and safety. In the accelerated option, you can earn bachelor’s and master’s degrees in five years.

Overview

What is Environmental Microbiology at WVU like?

Description

Both beneficial and harmful, microorganisms play important roles in the areas of public health, plant disease, pollution remediation and soil fertility. In fact, there isn’t a single process on Earth that isn’t affected by microbes. This program is ideal for students who want to have a career at the forefront of these industries.

Environmental Microbiology program highlights:

Discover WVU Open House

Want to learn more about being a WVU Mountaineer? Register for Discover WVU Open House on Saturday, Oct. 28 or Saturday, Nov. 11.

Can't make it to Discover WVU Open House? Check out our daily campus tours and virtual tours.

At a Glance

Next Steps

Interested in this major? Here are some suggested next steps:

Apply NowRequest InfoVirtual TourVisit WVU

Fast Facts

What makes Environmental Microbiology at WVU unique?

Accelerated Master's Program

Environmental Microbiology offers the option to earn a bachelor's and master's degree in an accelerated time frame.

Research and Academic Opportunities

A national environment-based mentoring program developed by the National Council for Science and Environment, EnvironMentors gives high school students the opportunity to work with WVU student researchers and professionals to develop scientifically rigorous research projects. The program also promotes future studies and careers in environmental science fields.

Living-Learning Communities (LLCs)

Live, study and pursue outside-the-classroom learning in a residence hall community that shares your interests:

Transfer Articulation Agreements

To simplify the transfer process, we have formal agreements with certain institutions. These agreements outline the courses you should take to prepare for transferring to WVU. Review the full list of transfer articulation agreements to see if your institution is listed.

Professional Organizations

Network with professionals in your field as a student member of:

Careers

How does this degree prepare students for a career?

Many of our graduates continue onto graduate or professional school (veterinary, medical, dental, pharmacy or public health) while others secure employment in diverse fields including pharmaceutical labs, food inspection and governmental agencies.

Possible Careers

Wondering what you can do with a degree from WVU's Environmental Microbiology major? Check out these ideas from WVU Career Services and the Occupational Information Network (O*NET). A median salary is the midpoint of what people typically earn—half of those surveyed earned above the median salary, and half earned below.

This page includes information from O*NET OnLine by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license.

Employers

Graduates from this major have gone to work at:

Courses

What are the courses like in Environmental Microbiology at WVU?

Plan of Study

Check out a program overview, learning goals, course descriptions and suggested plan of study for WVU's Environmental Microbiology major.

View the Plan of Study
 

Popular Courses

AEM 341:
General Microbiology

Introductory morphological, cultural, and physiological characteristics of microorganisms; application of microbiology to agriculture, home economics, and health.

AEM 401:
Environmental Microbiology

Microbiology as applied to soil, water, wastewater, sewage, air, and the general environment. Occurrence, distribution, ecology, and detection of microorganisms in these environments. (Also listed as ENVP 401.)

AEM 445:
Food Microbiology

The relationships of microorganisms to food-borne illness and intoxications, microbial food safety and food quality, food spoilage, food preservation and bio-processing. The emerging food preservation and technologies and predictive microbiology will be introduced.

AEM 470:
Microbes and Global Change

Microbially-mediated biogeochemistry of elements important for life with an emphasis on how these processes are being impacted by anthropogenic activities.

PPTH 401:
General Plant Pathology

Nature and causes of plant diseases; methods of control.

PPTH 470:
Forest Pest Management

Relationship of insects and disease organisms to the forest ecosystem; recognition of agents that affect forest health; management strategies for regulating their damage. (Also listed as ENTO 470.)

Cost and Aid

How much does Environmental Microbiology at WVU cost? And how can you save?

Tuition and Fees

Estimated rates are available on our tuition website. Anyone who is not a current West Virginia resident, including international students, will be charged non-resident rates.

View Tuition and Fees
Scholarships

Estimate your eligibility for merit scholarships at WVU Morgantown.

Find Scholarships
Net Price Calculator

Estimate your cost of attendance and eligibility for financial aid and scholarships at any WVU System campus.

Visit the Net Price Calculator

Ways to Save

Here are a few ways for you to save on the cost of attending WVU in addition to university scholarships.

Extra Merit-based Scholarships

Incoming freshmen to the Davis College of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Design may qualify for Innovators scholarships based on GPA. No additional application is necessary. These scholarships are in addition to University scholarships.

See if You Qualify

Transfer Articulation Agreements

To simplify the transfer process, we have formal agreements with certain institutions. These agreements outline the courses you should take to prepare for transferring to WVU.

Review the full list of transfer articulation agreements to see if your institution is listed.

Learn How to Transfer Course Credits

Requirements

What are the requirements to apply for Environmental Microbiology at WVU?

To be admitted to WVU's Environmental Microbiology major, you must meet WVU's first-time freshman admission requirements for the 2024-25 academic year. Interested in transferring? Review the transfer admission requirements.

Related Majors and Minors

What other options does WVU have?

What minors could I consider?

Related Pathways

What majors share similar career interests with this major at WVU?

Next Steps

I like this major. What are the next steps?

Apply Now

Your first step to becoming a Mountaineer is applying for admission. Our online application makes the process as convenient as possible.

Apply Now

Request Information

Want to know more about Environmental Microbiology at WVU? Fill out the Request Information form to receive more information about the program and life at WVU.

Request Info

Visit WVU

It's the next-best thing to being here – you can virtually tour residence halls and the WVU Morgantown Campus.

Virtual TourVisit WVU

Have a Question?

Type your question below for an answer.

Not sure what to ask? Review 10 common questions.

Information for

Interested in talking to someone about WVU?

Connect with Your Admissions Counselor
Schedule a Call with a Student Ambassador
Contact WVU Admissions