Concentrate on the study of viruses, bacteria, and the immune system in a field working tirelessly to improve human health. At UMass Amherst, the microbiology program prepares students for careers in medical laboratories, biotechnology research, and pharmaceutical development. The recent explosive growth of biotechnology over the last decades has created a large demand for highly trained personnel from the bachelor’s and graduate levels. As such, a degree in microbiology from UMass Amherst, with its proximity to Boston and the biotech boom in the region, is a solid launchpad for an exciting career.