Microbiology Major FAQs

Q: Who do I contact if I have a question about what courses will count as GEs for a B.S. degree in Microbiology?

A: Contact your assigned advisor (either Matt DeBlieck or your ASC Honors advisor)

Q:  I would like to change my major to Microbiology. How do I do that?

A: To officially switch your major to Microbiology, you will need to meet with Matt DeBlieck. You can schedule an appointment with him by either calling 614-292-6961 or emailing askascadvising@osu.edu. If you are currently in an Honors program (ASC Honors or Honors through another college) and you wish to maintain Honors status, you will need to contact ASC Honors.

Q: Which elective microbiology courses should I take?

A: There are really no “right or wrong” courses to take. The elective courses you take will depend upon your interests. For example, if you are interested in how microbes are involved in the environment, you may wish to take Environmental Microbiology or Microbial Ecology. If you are involved in undergraduate research, your supervising professor may have some suggestions for you. NOTE: At least 3 semester hours of your electives MUST be from Group 1 elective courses. 

Q:  How do I schedule an appointment with an advisor in the microbiology department to discuss my major requirements?

A: If you are already in the Microbiology major, you can schedule an appointment with the Microbiology Coordinating Advisor, Matt DeBlieck, by either visiting OnCourse, emailing askascadvising@osu.edu, or calling 614-292-6961. Short questions can be emailed to Matt directly or asked during a walk-in visit. (Please refer to the weekly "Micro/Mol Gen News" email in autumn & spring for more information about walk-in availability.)

If you need to make an appointment with the Micro Major Honors Advisor, please contact Dr. Pradhan directly at pradhan.2@osu.edu or 614-292-1196

NOTE: You can get information concerning ASC Academic Advising at: http://ascadvising.osu.edu/advising

Q: I want to double major in microbiology and another program. How much overlap of courses can there be between my two majors?

A: At minimum, 18 credits must be unique to each major. Coursework beyond that may be allowed to overlap two majors with permission from both major departments. To discuss this further, please contact the coordinating advisor, Matt DeBlieck.

Q: I have found a course I’d like to take that I think should count as an elective for my microbiology major. However, it is NOT on the list of Group 2 courses. How can I find out if that course will count as an elective?

A: You will need to submit the syllabus of the course to the Curriculum Committee of the Micro Dept. The Committee will then make a decision about whether the course can count toward your micro major. Contact the Micro Major Coordinating Advisor.