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28 July 2025

5 minutes read

Masters in Medical Microbiology in USA for Indian and International Students: 5 Best Universities in USA Offering Microbiology Courses

Dirghayu Kaushik
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Dirghayu Kaushik

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Founder & CEO

Dirghayu Kaushik is the co-founder and CEO of Ambitio. He started this platform because he’s been in your shoes—navigating confusing websites, second-guessing college choices, and trying to make sense of what actually matters in an application. A graduate of IIT BHU, Dirghayu combines personal experience with data-backed guidance to help students apply smarter. Whether it’s choosing the right course, building a standout profile, or writing essays that don’t feel forced, his mission is simple: to make getting into your dream university less overwhelming, and a little more honest.

12 August 2024

5 minutes read

Key Takeaways

  • Masters in Medical Microbiology in USA offers world-class education with a focus on research, laboratory training, and global career opportunities.
  • Masters in Medical Microbiology in USA equips students with clinical, molecular, and public health skills through top-ranked science programmes.
  • Masters in Medical Microbiology in USA provides scholarships, high employability, and access to advanced biomedical and microbial research labs.

Masters study Medical microbiology is a captivating blend of laboratory science, infectious diseases, and microscopic mysteries.

For Indian and international students, the USA opens doors to top universities offering structured and research-rich microbiology programs. Here’s your expert guide to everything you need to know.

What is the Minimum Score and Average Score Requirements if You Want to Study Abroad?

Did you know some U.S. institutions consider applicants with a GPA as low as 3.0? Competitive programs often demand higher.

  • Minimum GPA: 3.0-GPA (out of 4.0)
  • IELTS/TOEFL: IELTS 6.5+, TOEFL 80+
  • GRE: Recommended for top-ranking universities
masters in medical microbiology in usa 1
TestMinimum ScoreAverage Accepted Score
GPA3.03.5
IELTS6.57.0
TOEFL8090–100
GREOptional300+

How to Become a Microbiologist in the USA?

Microbiologists work with living organisms like fungi and viruses. Fun fact: The average microbiologist uses over 50 different tools weekly, including a microscope!

  • Complete a bachelor’s degree in biology, chemistry, or biomedical sciences
  • Enroll in a master’s or postgraduate microbiology course
  • Gain laboratory experience and submit a research-based thesis
StepRequirementDetails
UndergraduateBiology/Chemistry Degree3–4 years
Master’s ProgramMedical Microbiology Course2 years with lab coursework
Licensing/CertificationOptional, State-SpecificClinical Lab Tech License

Why Study Clinical and Molecular Microbiology Programs in USA?

Did you know that each year, more than 5000 students worldwide take up U.S. clinical and molecular-microbiology degrees.

  • Access to advanced laboratory facilities
  • Diverse health sciences programs emphasizing bacteria and microbial-diseases.
  • Good career paths available in the biomedical sciences and public-health.
FeatureUSA ProgramsBenefits
Laboratory AccessHigh-end EquipmentHands-on Learning
Course SpecializationClinical, ImmunologyTailored Skillsets
Employment Rate90%+ Post-GraduationStrong ROI

Why Pursue Masters in Medical Microbiology in the USA as an International Student?

Here’s a quirky stat: Around 60% of international students in microbiology-programs in USA are from Asia.

  • Exposure to interdisciplinary academic environments
  • Curriculum designed with real-world applicability
  • Scholarships and fee waivers for international students
CriteriaBenefitUSA Highlights
Cultural DiversityGlobal Academic Network1M+ International Students
Funding OpportunitiesFinancial Aid & AssistantshipsVary by University
Work OpportunitiesOPT/STEM ExtensionsUpto 36 Months

Top 5 Universities for Microbiology Courses and Biology, Immunology and Health-Science Programmes

Fun fact: The University of California houses one of the world’s top microbial-libraries!

1. University of California

Offers a top-ranked master’s degree program in biomedical-sciences with access to advanced molecular-biology labs. Requires GRE, TOEFL/IELTS, and SOP.

2. Louisiana State University Health-Sciences Center

This state university offers specialized programmes in infectious diseases, immunology, and medical microbiology. Requires a bachelor’s degree, resume, transcripts, and personal statement.

3. Liberty University

Liberty provides flexible online and in-person microbiology degrees. Applicants must submit a minimum 3.0-GPA, IELTS/TOEFL scores, and ACT/SAT optional.

4. University of Wisconsin-Madison

Many highly rated health-sciences programs. The University of Wisconsin-Madison has microbiology, cell biology, and genetics specializations and offers thesis-based master’s programs. 

5. Johns Hopkins University

Famous for clinical microbiology research and good health-sciences programs. Requires GMAT/GRE plus a personal statement, letters of recommendation, and resume.

Curriculum and Courses Offered at Leading Universities

Did you know that an average microbiology program can contain up to 200 hours of lab-based coursework? 

  • Cell-biology and microbial-physiology
  • Pathogenic bacteriology and virology
  • Advanced molecular-techniques and bioinformatics
masters in medical microbiology in usa 2
UniversityCore Courses OfferedLab Hours
UCGenetics, Virology, Molecular-Biology200+
LSU HealthImmunology, Biochemistry, Public-Health180+
Liberty UniversityClinical Microbiology, Microscopy150+

What are the Admission Requirements and Entry Requirements for Microbiology in USA?

From transcripts to test scores, US universities evaluate every detail. Fun fact: Some institutions assess over 5000 international applications annually!

  • Bachelor’s in a science or biological field
  • IELTS/TOEFL and GRE/SAT/GMAT (may differ)
  • Transcript, personal statement, SOP, resume, and recommendation letters
RequirementMinimum EligibilityNotes
GPA3.0-GPAOn a 4.0 scale
English Language TestsIELTS 6.5 / TOEFL 80Test scores required
DocumentsSOP, LOR, Resume, TranscriptVaries by institution

Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center vs University of California vs Liberty University

All three institutions offer world-class courses. Fun fact: UC and LSU have active partnerships with public-health labs worldwide.

  • UC: High-ranking with a focus on research and innovation
  • LSU Health: Specializes in infectious diseases and population health
  • Liberty: Offers flexibility with online options and lower tuition fees
UniversityFocus AreaTuition Fee (INR)Ranking 2024
UCBiomedical-Research30–35 LakhsTop 50
LSU HealthClinical Microbiology20–25 LakhsTop 150
LibertyOnline/Clinical Labs15–20 LakhsTop 200

Tuition Fees and Scholarship Eligibility for Microbiology, Biochemistry, Cell Biology and Genetics Courses

Fun fact: Over $200 million is awarded annually in scholarships to students pursuing health-sciences programs in the US

  • Tuition varies from INR 15L to 35L per year
  • Scholarships based on merit, need or departmental nomination
  • Assistantships available for research students
UniversityTuition Fee (INR)Scholarship TypeEligibility
UC30–35 LakhsResearch AssistantshipGPA 3.5+, SOP, LOR
LSU Health20–25 LakhsMerit-Based ScholarshipsAcademic + Extracurricular
Liberty15–20 LakhsNeed-Based AidFAFSA Equivalent Required

Cellular vs Microbial vs Molecular Biology: What is the Difference?

Here’s a fun comparison: You’ll find a microbiologist working with invisible living things like a virus and other microorganisms, a cellular biologist studying alga, and a molecular biologist mapping genes.

  • Microbial: Focuses on fungi and bacteria
  • Cellular: Studies living organisms at cell level
  • Molecular: Deals with DNA, RNA, and protein interactions
FieldFocus AreaLaboratory Skills
Microbial BiologyMicrobe & PathogensMicroscopy, Culturing
Cellular BiologyCells & PhysiologyStaining, Cell Imaging
Molecular-BiologyGenes & MoleculesPCR, Gel Electrophoresis

Highlighting Your Skills and Career Prospects After Medical Microbiology

Microbiology isn’t just lab coats and petri dishes! Graduates have global opportunities across healthcare, public health, and biomedical-research.

  • Careers in diagnostics, vaccine development, and public health labs
  • Roles like biomedical-scientist, microbiologist, or academic researcher
  • Average salary ranges from $60,000 to $90,000 annually

RoleAverage Salary (USD)Employers
Microbiologist$75,000CDC, WHO, Hospitals
Biomedical Scientist$70,000Biotech Firms, Pharma Labs
Public Health Expert$65,000Govt & NGOs

How to Write Your Thesis for Medical Microbiology?

Your thesis is your scientific signature. In fact, many microbiology masters theses are evaluated by review panels with more than 5 subject-matter experts!

  • Choose a discipline like infectious disease or pathogenic-bacteria
  • Include theoretical frameworks and experimental procedures
  • Ensure you finish on time and defend with confidence!
ComponentDescriptionImportance
Topic SelectionAligns with your microbiology courseGuides Research Direction
MethodologyDescribes Lab & Data CollectionProves Scientific Rigor
DiscussionInterpretation of ResultsShows Analytical Depth

How to Always Aim for the Highest Ranking Universities?

Many top universities reject more than 80% of students who apply to them. Plan accordingly to give yourself an advantage. 

  • Begin early and get your test prep and academic plan started
  • Personalize your SOP and resume for each university
  • Apply to a variety of universities and colleges in the USA
StepAction ItemTips
ResearchList Top UniversitiesCheck QS 2024 Rankings
Test-ScoresIELTS/GRE/SAT/ACTAim for above-average scores
DocumentationPrepare SOP, LOR, TranscriptCustomize Each Submission

Conclusion

Pursuing a master’s in medical microbiology in the USA opens up a world of academic and career experience in the health universe.

From laboratory research to policy making, in the USA, you’ll not only receive a first-rate education, but there are also many of the worlds best institutions and universities that all offer specialized microbiology-programs.

To begin your educational journey abroad and apply for your student visa, reach out to Ambitio-India’s most trusted international educational partner.

FAQs

What is the eligibility for pursuing a masters in medical microbiology in USA?

To pursue a masters in medical microbiology in USA, you need a bachelor’s degree in a science-related field, a minimum GPA of 3.0, and valid test scores like IELTS, TOEFL, or GRE, depending on the university.

Which exams are required for admission to a masters in medical microbiology in USA?

Most universities offering a masters in medical microbiology in USA require IELTS or TOEFL for English proficiency and may ask for GRE scores for competitive programs.

What is the average tuition fee for a masters in medical microbiology in USA?

The average tuition fee for a masters in medical microbiology in USA ranges from INR 15 to 35 lakhs annually, depending on the university and program ranking.

Can international students get scholarships for a masters in medical microbiology in USA?

Yes, international students applying for a masters in medical microbiology in USA can apply for need-based, merit-based, and assistantship scholarships provided by universities and departments.

What are the career options after completing a masters in medical microbiology in USA?

After completing a masters in medical microbiology in USA, students can work as microbiologists, biomedical scientists, lab technicians, or research associates in public health and biotech sectors.

Is GRE mandatory for applying to a masters in medical microbiology in USA?

The GRE is not always mandatory for a masters in medical microbiology in USA; some universities waive it off, but top-ranked institutions may still require it.

How long does it take to complete a masters in medical microbiology in USA?

A masters in medical microbiology in USA typically takes 2 years to complete, including coursework, laboratory training, and thesis submission.
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