Bachelor of Science (BS) Degree with a Major in Biosciences and a Major Concentration in Cell Biology and Genetics

The BS in Biosciences with a concentration in Cell Biology and Genetics gives students plenty of opportunities to learn by doing. Along with classroom study, students work through dedicated laboratory courses, advanced experimental subjects, and independent research, including a substantial research requirement of at least 9 credit hours. Students can also gain experience in Rice research laboratories and, through university connections, in laboratories at the Texas Medical Center.

The program allows students to build practical skills across molecular biology, cell biology, genetics, biochemistry, microbiology, synthetic biology, physiology, and neuroscience. Students also learn how to plan experiments, work with biological data, evaluate scientific research, and communicate their findings through research papers, reports, and presentations. Key opportunities include:

• Hands-on laboratory courses: Students can take courses such as Microbiology Laboratory I (BIOS 308), Experimental Biochemistry (BIOS 311), Experimental Synthetic Biology (BIOS 313), Experimental Molecular Biology (BIOS 314), Experimental Physiology (BIOS 315), Microbiology Laboratory II (BIOS 318), and Experimental Cell and Molecular Neuroscience (BIOS 324).

• Independent research: Through BIOS 310 – Independent Research for Biosciences Undergraduates, students can work on research projects in Rice BioSciences faculty laboratories or eligible laboratories at the Texas Medical Center. Students develop experience in conducting research and communicating their work through proposals, reports, papers, and posters.

• Research experience at the Texas Medical Center: Rice provides opportunities for students to take part in research within the Texas Medical Center, giving them exposure to a major medical and research environment outside the Rice campus.

• Summer research internships: Eligible Biosciences students can apply for departmental summer research fellowships. Some fellowships provide $5,000 for a 10-week research internship, subject to available funding and eligibility.

• Early research opportunities: Students can begin exploring research with Rice faculty from an early stage of their undergraduate studies. Rice reports that more than 75% of Natural Sciences students participate in research before graduation.

• Advanced research: Students interested in continuing their research can explore options such as Undergraduate Honors Research (BIOS 401/402) and Undergraduate Research Seminar (BIOS 411/412).

• Computational and data skills: Students can develop quantitative and computational skills through subjects such as Introduction to Statistics for Biosciences (STAT 305) and Computation with Biological Data (BIOS 470).

• Advanced practical subjects: The curriculum offers opportunities to explore areas such as Stem Cell Biology, Molecular Basis of Diseases, Microbial Physiology and Genetics, Plant Molecular Genetics and Development, Cancer Biology, and Molecular Membrane Biology.

• Research communication: Research activities help students practice professional scientific communication through research proposals, weekly reports, research papers, and poster presentations.

• Research facilities and environment: Students benefit from Rice BioSciences faculty laboratories, undergraduate research facilities, the wider Natural Sciences research environment, and connections with laboratories and research institutions at the Texas Medical Center.

• Research opportunities and support: Rice BioSciences provides students with access to information about undergraduate research opportunities and guidance for getting involved in faculty-led research.

The BS in Biosciences with a concentration in Cell Biology and Genetics gives students a strong mix of biological knowledge, laboratory experience, research skills, and data analysis. It can open doors to careers in biotechnology, biomedical research, laboratory science, and related life-science fields, while also providing a strong foundation for medical school, graduate study, and other professional programs. Potential career paths include Biological Research Assistant, Biotechnology Researcher, Laboratory Research Professional, and Biomedical Research Assistant.

Career development and progression opportunities:

• Career support: Rice’s Center for Career Development helps students explore career options through career advising, employer connections, job opportunities, internship resources, and career platforms such as 12twenty and Handshake.

• Employment and education outcomes: Across Rice’s bachelor-level Classes of 2023–2025, 53% of graduates were working and 33% continued their education. Another 8% were seeking employment and 4% were seeking education, with a 95%+ knowledge rate reported by Rice.

• Salary information: Rice does not currently publish a specific average or median salary for graduates of the Cell Biology and Genetics BS. For this reason, a program-specific salary figure should not be assumed.

• Research and industry connections: Students can gain research experience through Rice faculty and opportunities connected with the Texas Medical Center. Rice reports that more than 75% of Natural Sciences students participate in research before graduation, giving students the chance to gain experience in real research environments.

• Independent research: The BS includes a substantial independent research component. Students can conduct research in Rice BioSciences laboratories and eligible laboratories at the Texas Medical Center, developing practical skills that can strengthen both their employment and postgraduate applications.

• Summer research opportunities: Eligible Biosciences students can apply for departmental summer research fellowships. Some fellowships provide $5,000 for a 10-week research internship, depending on funding and eligibility.

• Long-term professional value: Students develop practical skills in experimental design, scientific literature evaluation, data analysis, mathematical modelling, critical thinking, and scientific communication. These skills can be useful across biotechnology, biomedical research, healthcare, laboratory science, and other life-science careers.

• Accreditation: Rice’s official information does not list a separate professional accreditation for the BS in Biosciences, Cell Biology and Genetics. The degree’s long-term value comes from its rigorous curriculum, extensive research experience, laboratory training, and preparation for graduate, medical, and other professional schools.

• Graduation outcomes: Graduates can enter life-science careers or continue their education through medical school, graduate school, or other professional programs. Qualified students may also have access to Rice’s accelerated BS/MS/PhD pathway in Biochemistry and Cell Biology, offering an attractive route for students interested in advanced research.

Further Academic Progression:

After completing the BS, students can continue into master’s or PhD programs in areas such as biochemistry, cell biology, molecular biology, genetics, biomedical sciences, and related life-science disciplines. Rice itself offers graduate programs in Biochemistry and Cell Biology and Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, while qualified students can pursue the accelerated BS/MS/PhD pathway in Biochemistry and Cell Biology. Students interested in healthcare can also use their strong biology and research background as preparation for medical or other professional schools.