Molecular and Cellular Biology

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What is Molecular and Cellular Biology?

Molecular and Cellular Biology (MCB) is the study of living organisms through two lenses. One is the understanding of basic molecular and cellular structure and function. The other is the metabolic, genetic, and physiological processes common to all organisms.

MCB is made up of the departments of biochemistry, cell and developmental biology, microbiology, and molecular integrative physiology. It offers courses that explore:

unique aspects differentiating living organisms
how cells are organized
how cells and organisms respond to each other and their environment
how cells communicate signals and regulate gene expression
how these processes go awry during injury, infection, or genetic diseases

The curriculum imparts basic principles of modern biology and provides the fundamental, critical, and analytical skills necessary for a successful career. MCB also offers a Secondary Education option for the teaching of Biology in high schools.

If you are interested in this major, apply into our Biology program. You may choose MCB as your major before your sophomore year.

Career Options

Bioinformatics
Biosafety
Biotechnology & pharmaceuticals
Clinical technology
Cytotechnology
Dentistry
Education
Entrepreneurship
Forensic science
Genetic counseling
Government (NIH, EPA, FBI, CDC, DOD)
Laboratory research
Law
Medicine
Optometry
Pharmacy
Physician assistantship
Public health
Research
Science journalism
Science policy
Science writing, editing, & publishing
Teaching
Toxicology
Veterinary medicine

Post-Graduation Success¹

89% employed or continuing education

37% employed after graduation

52% attending graduate school

$46,438 average starting annual income

Sample employer destinations: Derick Dermatology, Northwestern Medicine, Endeavor Health, Thermo Fisher Scientific, Carle Health, Oak Street Health, Epic Systems, Northwestern University, Mayo Clinic, AmeriCorps View All

Sample grad school destinations: University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, National Louis University, University of Maine, Elmhurst University, Columbia University, University of Pennsylvania, Wake Forest University, Marquette University, University of South Carolina, University of Minnesota - Twin Cities View All

Program Resources

College of Liberal Arts & Sciences Program Webpage Degree Requirements

Review Criteria

First-Year Major-Specific Criteria

Strong math and science coursework and performance
Calculus preferred (if available at high school)
Biology and chemistry preferred (if available at high school)
Demonstrated understanding of and interest in the major

View All Review Criteria

Transfer Criteria

Transfer Handbook

Graduation & Retention²

3.8 years to degree

96% returned for second year

76% graduated within 4 years

87% graduated within 6 years

Annual Program Costs³

Illinois Resident

Tuition: $18,626
Fees: $5,182
Expenses: $19,558
Total: $43,366

Non-Resident

Tuition: $41,302
Fees: $5,182
Expenses:$19,898
Total: $66,382

International

Tuition: $43,950
Fees: $5,182
Expenses: $19,898
Total: $69,030

Related Majors

Biochemistry - LAS

Bioengineering - ENG

Chemistry - LAS

Health Sciences, Interdisciplinary - AHS

Integrative Biology - LAS

¹ Post-graduate data was collected through the Illini Success initiative, which primarily relies on self-reported survey data sources. Statistics are aggregated from the past three years. Please note that total compensation may be greater than annual salary as other forms of compensation (e.g., signing bonus, commission, benefits) are not included. For more information on Illini Success data and methods, please visit the Illini Success website. For average wage or salary information five years after entry into an occupation, visit the Post-Secondary Employment Outcomes Explorer.

² Graduation and retention data comes from several majors within a similar interest area. Data may not yet be available for newly created programs. Years-to-degree data is only available for programs from which you can earn a degree. Retention and graduation rates are only available for programs that you can apply directly into. Retention rates reflect retention to the university, not necessarily retention within the major.

³ "Expenses" are estimated and include books, supplies, housing, and other living expenses. The exact amount you’ll pay depends on where you decide to live, the meal plan you choose, and your overall lifestyle. To learn more about costs, please visit the Office of Student Financial Aid website. To learn the average monthly student loan payment over a period of 20 years based on estimated cost, visit the Illinois College2Career website.