What careers study viruses?
Mia Phillips
Updated on March 27, 2026
A scientist that studies viruses is called a virologist. Virology is roughly divided into medical virology and research virology, although the two areas overlap significantly.
What subjects are needed to become a virologist?
Degree: BSc – 4 years, in subjects such as Microbiology, Genetics, Immunology. Those who have a bachelor’s degree are qualified to work as laboratory assistants or technicians. Postgraduate: A MSc or PhD is always required for senior research positions.
What does a virologist specialize in?
Virologists study viruses that affect humans, animals, insects, bacteria, fungi and plants, in community, clinical, agricultural and natural environments.
Is virology a good career?
Virologists who are well trained in statistics also should see excellent job demand, with a huge 27% increase in jobs for statisticians by 2022. The employment opportunity for virologists looks good, more so, with the appearance of new viruses every day and the process of constant research.
What kind of doctors study viruses?
An Infectious disease doctor is a board-certified MD or DO physician that treats acute and chronic infections caused by bacteria, parasites, fungi and viruses, including COVID-19. More specifically these fellowship-trained health care providers treat: Acute infections of unknown etiologies.
Is a virologist a doctor?
Virologists may be medical doctors or researchers. Some are engaged in direct patient care, working alongside other health care professionals to treat those with persistent viral infections.
Are virologists in demand?
There is high demand for many types of public health professionals. Virologists who are well trained in statistics also should see excellent job demand, with a huge 27% increase in jobs for statisticians by 2022.
Do you need a PHD to be a virologist?
Most virologists have not only a bachelor’s degree, but a doctorate as well. Students who wish to become virologists should also plan to complete postdoctoral research training as well as become licensed medical doctors to work in this field.
Does Virology need math?
High school students who want to become virologists should know that they have a long road of virologist training ahead of them, so they should adequately prepare with sufficient math and science courses. Biology, chemistry, and other advance science classes are good preparation for this career.
What is a viral doctor called?
An Infectious disease doctor is a board-certified MD or DO physician that treats acute and chronic infections caused by bacteria, parasites, fungi and viruses, including COVID-19.
What kind of work do you do as a virologist?
Virology is the study of viruses and how those viruses impact humans and our world. Virologists spend much of their time doing research and experiments, learning more about viruses.
What can you do with MSC virology degree?
These graduates can further undertake research studies or can even pursue a career by being a professional microbiologist or they may also take up teaching jobs in reputed colleges and universities. The professionals of the course are eligible to find lucrative job positions in reputed organisations.
What kind of diseases do you study in virology?
Virology is all about understanding viruses – from more common infections such as chickenpox to new and emerging infections like Coronavirus, SARS, Zika, and Ebola.
How long does it take to become a virologist?
In general, Ph.D. programs in virology, immunology, or a relevant field take 4-6 years to complete and are very research oriented. During the first year, students usually take science courses such as cell biology, virology, bacteria structure, prokaryotic and eukaryotic genetics, immunology and cancer biology, as well as complete lab rotations.