Microbiology & Immunologyat Washington State University
Graduates earn $43,736/yr in their first year — about 15.0% above the national Microbiology & Immunology average. Base-case 10-year earnings $654K; scenarios range from $580K to $661K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at Washington State University
Washington State's Microbiological Sciences and Immunology program stands out nationally, reflecting its robust curriculum and strong research environment. As a major public university, WSU likely offers extensive lab facilities and faculty expertise, often with ties to agricultural, veterinary, or public health sectors unique to the Pacific Northwest. This foundation helps graduates secure roles where practical lab skills and critical thinking are highly valued.
While many foundational lab tasks are increasingly susceptible to AI automation, the program's strength lies in developing your capacity for complex experimental design, data interpretation, and interdisciplinary problem-solving. These are the higher-order skills that remain crucial in management, research, and teaching roles. Focus your studies on developing advanced analytical abilities and seeking out research internships that emphasize independent project work to future-proof your career.
Three scenarios, ten years out
Each scenario is a different assumption about how AI reshapes the career paths this major feeds into. Earnings projections stack the full 10-year cumulative trajectory; scores use the same 0–100 metric as the hero, recomputed under that scenario's assumptions.
10 year projection
Year-by-year earnings under each scenario. Base case reflects BLS growth patterns applied to Washington State University's starting earnings; optimistic and pessimistic adjust for AI's effect on each career path this major feeds into.
Common career destinations for this program's graduates, weighted by the school's specific occupation mix. Salary is BLS national median; AI risk is per-role task-exposure research.
Peer schools offering Microbiology & Immunology
How Washington State University stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at Washington State University
Other highest-scoring programs offered at Washington State University, ranked by DegreeOutlook Score.
Frequently asked about Microbiology & Immunology at Washington State University
What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Microbiology & Immunology at Washington State University?
A score of 61/100 puts this program in competitive territory — solid outcomes, though not at the top of the Microbiology & Immunology field.
Will AI replace Microbiology & Immunology careers?
With 45% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, this is one of the higher-risk fields. Our pessimistic scenario projects $580,009 in decade earnings vs $661,041 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
What makes Washington State University's Microbiology & Immunology program stand out?
Ranked #9 of 57 programs nationally, Washington State University lands in the top 25%. The ranking reflects a combination of graduate earnings, return on investment, and job market alignment.