Molecular and Cellular Biology + Data Science

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What is Molecular and Cellular Biology + Data Science?

This major combines a strong foundation in molecular and cellular biology with essential data science skills. You’ll study core topics like genetics, microbiology, biochemistry, and physiology, alongside hands-on lab work and research experiences. At the same time, you’ll learn how to collect, manage, and analyze large biological datasets using modern data tools. This unique combination prepares you to tackle complex problems in healthcare, pharmaceuticals, government research, and other data-intensive biological fields.

Career Options

Bioinformatics Biotechnology & pharmaceuticals
Clinical technology
Genetic counseling
Government (NIH, EPA, FBI, CDC, DOD)
Laboratory research
Public health
Research
Toxicology

Post-Graduation Success¹

Insufficient survey data is available for employment information.

Insufficient survey data is available for grad school attendance.

Insufficient survey data is available for average starting annual income.

Sample employer destinations: Insufficient survey data is available for sample employer destinations.

Sample grad school destinations: Insufficient survey data is available for sample grad school destinations.

Program Resources

College of Liberal Arts & Sciences Degree Requirements

Review Criteria

First-Year Major-Specific Criteria

Strong math and science coursework and performance
Calculus preferred (if available at high school)
4 years of science
Interest in Molecular and Cellular Biology in addition to Data Science

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

Chemical Engineering + Data Science - LAS

Materials Science and Engineering + Data Science - ENG

Molecular and Cellular Biology - LAS

Neuroscience - 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.