Microbiology
College of Arts & Sciences
Microbiology is the study of the smallest living organisms (bacteria, algae, fungi and protozoa) and viruses. Because of their simplicity and rapid growth rates, microorganisms are readily amenable to study in the laboratory. Because their cellular processes closely resemble those of higher organisms, they are ideally suited for fundamental studies of biological structure, physiology, metabolism, genetics and development. The Microbiology department at the UW works mainly in cutting-edge research in bacteria and viruses.
Major category:
Minor available
Area(s) of interest: Health, Natural and environmental sciences
websiteDegree requirements
Applicant type
First-year students can apply to the UW to begin autumn quarter or winter quarter (U.S. applicants only)
An application for general admission to the UW is required for all transfer students. UW accepts general applications for Autumn and Winter with some select majors allowing applications in Spring. Review your intended major’s website for information about which quarters it is open for admission.
Preparation for the major is a factor in transfer admission.
Use the information below to help you prepare for this major. Read more about applying to the UW as a transfer student.
- Visit MyPlan to run a degree audit.
- Use the UW Equivalency Guide to find out how courses taken at a Washington state community or technical college will transfer to the UW.
- UW college and school graduation requirements
Department admission information
- A minimum of 75 credits applicable to graduation, with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 overall, and a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 in prerequisite chemistry and biology courses.
- Biology 180 and 200 requires a minimum 2.3 GPA.
Read more about applying to the UW as a transfer student.
Courses REQUIRED for admission:
- BIOL 180 NSc — Intro Biology I
- BIOL 200 NSc — Intro Biology II
- BIOL 220 NSc — Intro Biology III
- CHEM 142 NSc RSN – General Chemistry I
- CHEM 152 NSc RSN – General Chemistry II
- CHEM 162 NSc RSN – General Chemistry III
- CHEM 223 NSc – Organic Chemistry Short Program OR CHEM 237 NSc – Organic Chemistry OR CHEM 335 NSc – Honors Organic Chemistry
Entering transfer information:
Total undergraduates: 150
Total from Washington community colleges: 27
Entering transfer GPA (from WA community colleges):
3.75 – 4.00: 6
3.50 – 3.74: <5
3.25 – 3.49: 6
3.00 – 3.24: 8
2.75 – 2.99: <5
2.50 – 2.74: <5
2.49 and below: <5