Microbiology (Certificate)
The University Undergraduate Certificate in Microbiology offers students the opportunity to further their understanding of microorganisms and the roles they play in the world in which we live. The intended audience of this certificate includes degree-seeking undergraduate students at institutions where a Microbiology major or minor is not available, and non-degree students seeking additional experience in microbiology for career advancement or to enhance their applications to professional, graduate, or allied health schools. This certificate may also improve the ability of K-12 science teachers to compete for positions or teach more effectively. Finally, this certificate would provide an in-depth understanding of microbiology for those interested out of personal satisfaction.
Program Coordinator
The Certificate advisor is:
Dr. Melissa Ramirez
Certificate Coordinator
1567A Thomas Hall
919.513.3309
mvramire@ncsu.edu
Website
Admissions Requirements
Students apply by submitting their academic record and a letter of interest. Admission to the program is not required to take certificate courses. The requirements for admission are:
- A high school diploma (or equivalent)
- Completion of high-school level chemistry and biology
- Completion of college-level organic chemistry and either genetics or biochemistry courses (required as prerequisites for upper-level certificate courses) OR current enrollment in a program offering these courses OR other access to these courses
- Degree-seeking students at NCSU are not eligible (these students should enroll in the Microbiology minor)
- Students who have completed or are currently enrolled in a Microbiology degree program (including a minor) are not eligible
Academic Structure
College: College of Sciences
Term Effective: 1/2013
Plan Code: 32MBCTU
CIP Code: 26.0502
Description: Undergraduate Certificate in Microbiology
Offered: On-Campus and Distance Education formats
Plan Requirements
The Microbiology Certificate requires 12 undergraduate credit hours, as follows:
| Code | Title | Hours | Counts towards |
|---|---|---|---|
| Required Courses | |||
| MB 351 | General Microbiology 1 | 3 | |
| MB 411 | Medical Microbiology 1 | 3 | |
| MB 451 | Microbial Diversity 1 | 3 | |
| Elective Course | |||
| Select one of the following: | 3 | ||
| The Fourth Horseman: Plagues that Changed the World 1 | |||
| General Microbiology Laboratory | |||
| Inquiry-Guided Microbiology Lab | |||
| Scientific Inquiry in Microbiology: At the Bench | |||
| External Learning Experience 2 | |||
| BSC 493 | Research Experience | 1-3 | |
MB 4XX | Any 400-level Microbiology course, with prior program approval | ||
| Total Hours | 13-15 | ||
- 1
Available via distance education.
- 2
Contact instructors about possible remote instruction.
Prerequisites are required for some courses.
At least 9 credits counted toward the certificate must be taken from NCSU. A grade of C- or better (“S” is only allowed for MB 492 External Learning Experience or BSC 493 Research Experience) is required of all required or elective courses. An overall 2.0 or greater GPA in coursework taken to complete the certificate is required.
Estimated Total Credit Hours Required: 12
Plan of study: The certificate requires 12 credit hours. Students pursuing university certificate programs are considered non-degree studies (NDS) students for the purpose of university registration. Because General Microbiology is a prerequisite for Medical Microbiology, which in turn is a prerequisite for Microbial Diversity, this program will take a minimum of 3 semesters to complete if all courses are taken from NCSU.