Environmental microbiology is a crucial discipline that affects the whole world. So, learn about the degree and find schools to teach you the ropes. Then, land your dream with an awesome salary after you finish this article.
What is environmental microbiology?
This is basically the study of microbes. It focuses on learning and evaluating the way they interact with the environment. In some cases, it might also include macrobiology and chemistry. That means it involves studying the entire cosmos and the mechanisms thereof.
Microorganisms are all over the place – from the air that we breathe to the soil we use in our gardens. So, environmental studies majors are always evolving. Today, EM scientists will work alongside many different disciplines to better understand the planet and our effects on it.
DID YOU KNOW: The microbes that make humans deathly ill are discovered and managed by microbiologists.
What schools teach it?
Nearly every college or university with a science program offers environmental microbiology courses. But, a handful of schools stand out from the rest because of their high standards and state of the art facilities. These are those schools:
#1. Harvard University
HU offers an extremely diverse student body with more than 20% from overseas. They also have the largest endowment in the world so they boast 100 different research centers across the globe.
#2. Massachusets Institute of Technology (MIT)
MIT lets students pick between five distinct schools of learning. Then, you get a four-week “Independent Activities Period” every January at which time they host forums, lectures, and recitals for all in attendance.
#3. Cornell University
This school is known for its premium engineering program but they offer a competitive environmental microbiology degree as well. In fact, their primary focus has recently shifted toward sustainability, so science students are more welcome than ever.
Keep in mind that these schools are pretty hard to get into. Plus, they’re not always optional for associates and bachelor’s programs. So, consider attending an online college to get your foot in the door. The better you perform, the better your chances of attending an Ivy League school.
What can I do with an environmental microbiology degree?
There are many jobs available to people with this degree. In fact, it’s one of the best paying degrees a person can get because it teaches skills that are in high demand. So, when you get done with school, check out these careers first:
- Restoration Planner
- Soil and Plant Scientist
- Quality Control Analyst
- Biochemist
- Clinical Lab Tech
Basically, this degree gets you ready for jobs in countless fields. Depending on your major, you could land a gig in almost every sector of our modern economy. Some grads might even help clean up contaminated areas in emergency situations.
How much money will I make with an environmental microbiology degree?
Your salary as an environmental microbiology major depends on many things. So, be picky when it comes to applying for jobs. On average, expect to get paid around $60,000 a year through most employers. However, also be ready for additional training because that’s often needed to fill the role.
