The training program of the Graduate Group in Microbiology does not offer special fields of emphasis, although students will naturally select a certain area of specialization based on their interests and choices of research topic. The microbiology program at UC Berkeley fits into four categories:

1. Ecology and Evolution
2. Genetics and Development
3. Physiology and Biochemistry
4. Host-Microbe Interactions

However, students do not need to restrict their rotations to faculty associated with a particular category. Their coursework may fall outside their thesis advisor's category.

Students may enroll in advanced courses in their area of interest, within and outside the area of microbial biology, in order to obtain a detailed knowledge of that particular subject matter. For example: a student interested in microbial gene regulation and pathogenesis may find it particularly useful to take a course in animal-based molecular biology. A student interested in environmental engineering might take primarily engineering courses. The Group encourages diversity and rigor.