Professors advise, teach, and inspire the next generation of scientists through content and curriculum creation. Some professors may pursue their own research in addition to teaching one or more courses. This track requires a master’s degree at the minimum, but a PhD is advised to teach at the university level. Salary estimate: $83,300

Suggested Coursework
MMBIO 294R - Mentored Research
MMBIO 441 - Advanced Molecular Biology
MMBIO 461 - Advanced Bacterial Physiology
MMBIO 463 - Immunology
MMBIO 465 - Virology
MMBIO 494R - Advanced Mentored Research

Professors at research schools focus on designing and leading research and facilitating learning with graduate students and postdoctoral researchers. Research professors write grants, synthesize scientific literature, and write about their own research. This track requires a PhD. Salary estimate: $113,000

Suggested Coursework
MMBIO 294R - Mentored Research
MMBIO 441 - Advanced Molecular Biology
MMBIO 461 - Advanced Bacterial Physiology
MMBIO 463 - Immunology
MMBIO 465 - Virology
MMBIO 494R - Advanced Mentored Research

Genetic counselors bridge the gap between complex genetic concepts and personalized healthcare. Genetic counselors advise physicians and patients on the risk of inherited conditions and birth defects. For those affected by these genetic conditions, counselors aid in informed decision-making and coping. Most positions require graduate school degrees. Salary estimate: $81,880

Suggested Coursework
MMBIO 294R - Mentored Research
MMBIO 350 – Genetic Counseling
MMBIO 411 – Molecular Diagnosis
MMBIO-BIO-PWS 468 – Genomics
MMBIO 494R - Advanced Mentored Research
PWS 340 – Genetics

The medical and dental track is for those who want a personal role in providing quality care and expertise for patients. There is a wide range of opportunities for individuals in medicine and dentistry, most of which require years of specialized postgraduate education and residencies. Those who pursue this path can choose to work in hospitals, outpatient clinics, or open their own private practice. Estimated salary: $100,000-$200,000 (higher for specialists)

Suggested Coursework
Please visit ppa.byu.edu for more information

Laboratory supervisors combine their benchwork expertise with strong interpersonal skills to oversee the technical and administrative aspects of running a lab day to day. In addition to collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data, lab supervisors also manage personnel and finances. A bachelor’s degree in a related field of study is required. Salary estimate: $69,000

Suggested Coursework
MMBIO 406 - Clinical Chemistry
MMBIO 407 - Clinical Microbiology
MMBIO 409 - Hematology
MMBIO 411 - Molecular Diagnostics
MMBIO 412 - Immunohematology
MMBIO 418 - Medical Parasitology

Research scientists help answer the big questions in the study of life from microbiology to clinical studies. They are responsible for planning and conducting experiments, writing reports, managing junior personnel, and keeping up with current research. Graduate school is advised for this career. Salary estimate: $60,000-$100,000

Suggested Coursework
MMBIO 294R - Mentored Research
MMBIO 441 - Advanced Molecular Biology
MMBIO 442 - Advanced Molecular Biology Laboratory
MMBIO 461 - Advanced Bacterial Physiology
MMBIO 463 - Immunology
MMBIO 465 - Virology
MMBIO 494R - Advanced Mentored Research

Forensic scientists use laboratory skills and specialized training to collect and process evidence in criminal cases. From documenting and analyzing an entire crime scene to analyzing a fingerprint, forensic scientists have a wide range of job responsibilities. A bachelor’s degree is required. Salary estimate: $59,000

Suggested Coursework
MMBIO 240 - Molecular Biology
MMBIO 294R - Mentored Research
MMBIO 411 - Molecular Diagnostics
MMBIO 441 - Advanced Molecular Biology
MMBIO 442 - Advanced Molecular Biology Laboratory
MMBIO-BIO-PWS 468 – Genomics
MMBIO 494R - Advanced Mentored Research

Forensic criminologists weave social and life sciences together to discover what is at the heart of crime. They assist law enforcement in better understanding what causes crime and how to prevent it. A bachelor’s degree is enough for entry-level positions, but a graduate degree may be required for higher positions. Salary estimate: $82,000

Suggested Coursework
MMBIO 240 - Molecular Biology
MMBIO 241 - Molecular and Cellular Biology Laboratory
MMBIO 294R - Mentored Research
MMBIO 494R - Advanced Mentored Research

Operations managers oversee and direct the functions of a public or private organization. For research or medical laboratory operations managers, this includes hiring and managing technicians. In a commercial lab, the operations manager organizes and runs daily tests and assays used to characterize product correctly. A master’s degree and management experience are recommended. Salary estimate: $83,300

Suggested Coursework
MMBIO 405 - Basic Laboratory Operations in Medical Laboratory Science
MMBIO 406 - Clinical Chemistry
MMBIO 407 - Clinical Microbiology
MMBIO 409 - Hematology
MMBIO 411 - Molecular Diagnostics
MMBIO 412 - Immunohematology
MMBIO 418 - Medical Parasitology
MMBIO 419 - Clinical Parasitology Laboratory

Laboratory technicians in hospitals provide technical expertise to process samples and run tests in order to diagnose, treat, and prevent disease. Lab technicians record and track patient data, use and maintain lab equipment, and work with colleagues to solve problems. A bachelor’s degree in Medical Laboratory Science is required for this career track. Salary estimate: $53,120

Suggested Coursework
MMBIO 405 - Basic Laboratory Operations in Medical Laboratory Science
MMBIO 406 - Clinical Chemistry
MMBIO 407 - Clinical Microbiology
MMBIO 409 - Hematology
MMBIO 411 - Molecular Diagnostics
MMBIO 412 - Immunohematology
MMBIO 418 - Medical Parasitology
MMBIO 419 - Clinical Parasitology Laboratory

The Master’s (MS) and Doctorate (PhD) tracks are for individuals interested in continuing with their microbiology, molecular biology, or many other life science sub-disciplines beyond an undergraduate degree. Graduate students complete coursework, conduct ground breaking laboratory research, and defend an original thesis or dissertation. Most MS programs take 2-3 years, while PhD programs take 4-6 years.

Suggested Coursework
MMBIO 294R - Mentored Research
MMBIO 441 - Advanced Molecular Biology
MMBIO 461 - Advanced Bacterial Physiology
MMBIO 463 - Immunology
MMBIO 465 - Virology
MMBIO 494R - Advanced Mentored Research