Are you looking to work in a microbiology lab? Our 12-credit-hour post-baccalaureate certificate in Medical Microbiology is designed for students with a bachelor's degree in a non-MLS field. The certificate can be completed in one calendar year.

Program Highlights

  • Complete in just 3 semesters
  • Prepares you for the ASCP BOC Scientist in Microbiology exam (Route 3)
  • Learn from expert faculty in a flexible, career-friendly format
  • Work with faculty advisors to keep you on track

Why Choose This Program?

Microbiologists study microscopic organisms, paying close attention to their growth and development. With this certificate, you'll gain:

  • Practical laboratory experiences applicable to your future career goals
  • A recognized pathway to ASCP certification
  • Understanding of microscopic organisms and how they interact with their environment

Take the next step in your career and apply today.

Quick Facts

Tuition
On-campus: $4,014*
Duration
1 year
Credit Hours
12

Calendar

Don't miss an important date or deadline

Designed for working professionals, UIS programs feature multiple start dates per year, so you can begin at the time that best fits your schedule and complete your degree quickly. View the Academic Calendar

Now Enrolling

Apply by Date:
August 10, 2026

Start Date:
August 24, 2026

Apply Today!

Tuition & Aid

UIS is the most affordable option to earning your University of Illinois degree. Earn a world-class education for less than you’d expect.

Tuition Estimates

On-campus $4,272*

*These numbers represent an estimate of the in-state tuition cost for this program and do not include fees. To get an estimate of the full cost of attendance check out the cost of attendance page and/or use the tuition calculator.

Admissions

Applying to UIS is simple

We've streamlined our admission process to save you time and effort. Just follow the steps below.

 

Review admission requirements

Students should be sure to check specific program requirements; there may be an additional application for the program you wish to enter.

International students, will you need an F-1 student visa to study on campus at UIS? Please review the International Applicants site for additional information.

Complete your application

An email address is required to create an account. To submit a paper application, visit the Resources & Forms page. Find more information about what type of student you are on the Student Types page. Applying for an online program is the same procedure as applying for an on-campus program.

Send your official transcripts

Email your official or certified academic records/transcripts to incomingtranscripts@uis.edu or through any of the major transcript platforms. Photocopies will not be accepted.

Submit required statements/writing sample

If you are a first-year student, a statement of 250-650 words is required for admission. We want to hear about your professional aspirations, intellectual interests, and personal experiences relevant to your choice of a specific academic program. You can upload the required documents on your application status page.

Pay your application fee

You can submit your non-refundable application fee online, after completing the online application. Alternately, it can also be mailed to the university, payable to University of Illinois Springfield.

Domestic students: Undergraduate - $50, Graduate - $60;

International students: Undergraduate - $60, Graduate - $75.

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Courses & Catalog Information

Career Outlook & Potential Earnings

Graduates of this program may find opportunities in the following careers. Data sourced from O*NET OnLine by the U.S. Department of Labor.

Microbiologists

Investigate the growth, structure, development, and other characteristics of microscopic organisms, such as bacteria, algae, or fungi. Includes medical microbiologists who study the relationship betwe

Median Annual Wage $87,990
Wage Range $54,670 – $150,000
Projected Growth Average
Top Skills:
  • Science
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Critical Thinking
Typical Education: Bachelor’s degree, Master’s degree, Associate’s degree

Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technicians

Perform routine medical laboratory tests for the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disease. May work under the supervision of a medical technologist.

Median Annual Wage $62,930
Wage Range $38,910 – $100,990
Projected Growth Below Average
Top Skills:
  • Active Listening
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Critical Thinking
Typical Education: Bachelor’s degree, Associate’s degree, Post-baccalaureate certificate

Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists

Perform complex medical laboratory tests for diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disease. May train or supervise staff.

Median Annual Wage $62,930
Wage Range $38,910 – $100,990
Projected Growth Below Average
Top Skills:
  • Critical Thinking
  • Science
  • Active Listening
Typical Education: Bachelor’s degree

Biological Technicians

Assist biological and medical scientists. Set up, operate, and maintain laboratory instruments and equipment, monitor experiments, collect data and samples, make observations, and calculate and record

Median Annual Wage $57,510
Wage Range $40,330 – $84,940
Projected Growth Average
Top Skills:
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Critical Thinking
  • Active Listening
Typical Education: Bachelor’s degree, Master’s degree, Post-baccalaureate certificate

Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary

Bright Outlook

Teach courses in biological sciences. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

Median Annual Wage $84,620
Wage Range $52,150 – $169,900
Projected Growth Bright
Top Skills:
  • Speaking
  • Instructing
  • Learning Strategies
Typical Education: Doctoral degree, Post-doctoral training, Master’s degree

Molecular and Cellular Biologists

Research and study cellular molecules and organelles to understand cell function and organization.

Median Annual Wage $98,920
Wage Range $60,430 – $168,010
Projected Growth Below Average
Top Skills:
  • Science
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Writing
Typical Education: Bachelor’s degree, Post-doctoral training, Doctoral degree
Tassel worth the hassle grad cap

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