Environmental Microbiologist Overview

Required Education and Training To Become an Environmental Microbiologist

Best Schools to become a Environmental Microbiologist in U.S. 2024

University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus

Norman, OK

In-State Tuition:$4,920
Out-of-State Tuition:$21,488
Admission Rate:73%
Graduation Rate:76%
Total Enrollment:28,308

Ohio University-Main Campus

Athens, OH

In-State Tuition:$13,352
Out-of-State Tuition:$23,720
Admission Rate:87%
Graduation Rate:65%
Total Enrollment:24,145

Michigan State University

East Lansing, MI

In-State Tuition:$16,437
Out-of-State Tuition:$42,427
Admission Rate:88%
Graduation Rate:82%
Total Enrollment:50,023

University of Puerto Rico-Arecibo

Arecibo, PR

In-State Tuition:$5,024
Out-of-State Tuition:$5,024
Admission Rate:60%
Graduation Rate:49%
Total Enrollment:2,897

University of Puerto Rico-Mayaguez

Mayaguez, PR

In-State Tuition:$5,024
Out-of-State Tuition:$5,024
Admission Rate:54%
Graduation Rate:42%
Total Enrollment:11,062

Brigham Young University

Provo, UT

In-State Tuition:$6,304
Out-of-State Tuition:$6,304
Admission Rate:67%
Graduation Rate:79%
Total Enrollment:34,464
Environmental Microbiologist Job Description:
  • Investigate the growth, structure, development, and other characteristics of microscopic organisms, such as bacteria, algae, or fungi.
  • Includes medical microbiologists who study the relationship between organisms and disease or the effects of antibiotics on microorganisms.

Required Skills and Competencies To Become an Environmental Microbiologist

Job Duties for Environmental Microbiologists

  • Examine physiological, morphological, and cultural characteristics, using microscope, to identify and classify microorganisms in human, water, and food specimens.

  • Isolate and maintain cultures of bacteria or other microorganisms in prescribed or developed media, controlling moisture, aeration, temperature, and nutrition.

  • Study growth, structure, development, and general characteristics of bacteria and other microorganisms to understand their relationship to human, plant, and animal health.

Technologies and Skills Used by Environmental Microbiologists

Analytical or scientific software

  • BD Biosciences CellQuest
  • Verity Software House ModFit LT

Data base user interface and query software

  • Database management software
  • Microsoft Access

Presentation software

  • Microsoft PowerPoint

Basic Skills

  • Reading work related information
  • Using scientific rules and strategies to solve problems

People and Technology Systems

  • Figuring out how a system should work and how changes in the future will affect it
  • Thinking about the pros and cons of different options and picking the best one

Problem Solving

  • Noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it

Current Job Market and Opportunites for an Environmental Microbiologist

Additional Resources To Help You Become an Environmental Microbiologist

FAQs About Becoming an Environmental Microbiologist