Biology BS in Molecular Genetics and Cell Biology

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Georgia State University

Program Overview

The Biology, B.S. with a concentration in Molecular Genetics and Cell Biology at Georgia State University is designed for students interested in understanding biological processes at the molecular and cellular level, with study spanning genetics, cell biology, biotechnology, and related life-science disciplines. The four-year program suits students preparing for careers in biological research and biotechnology as well as professional or graduate study in medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, veterinary medicine, public health, or biology.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1: Students build the scientific foundation for the major through introductory Principles of Biology and Principles of Chemistry, alongside mathematics and general education requirements. This stage establishes core knowledge and scientific literacy that supports later molecular and cellular biology coursework.

Year 2: Students progress into the biology major and begin developing more specialized laboratory and molecular skills. The concentration includes BIOL 3910 Genetics Laboratory, while students can also select introductory molecular biology or biotechnology coursework such as BIOL 2800 Introduction to Molecular Biology or BIOL 2430 Frontiers in Biotechnology.

Year 3: Advanced study becomes the focus, with BIOL 4564 Advanced Genetics and BIOL 4800 Principles of Cell Biology providing deeper understanding of genetic mechanisms and cellular processes. Students can broaden this foundation through options such as BIOL 4074 Developmental Biology, BIOL 4248 Cell Physiology, BIOL 4278 Immunology, or BIOL 4500 Human Genetics.

Year 4: Students can apply their molecular and cellular knowledge through advanced electives and research-oriented study, including BIOL 4696 Laboratory in Molecular Biological Techniques, BIOL 4744 Biostatistics, and BIOL 4910 Undergraduate Research in Biology. The university also provides opportunities for internships and research experiences that can connect classroom learning with careers in research, biotechnology, biomedicine, public health, and related fields.

Focus areas

Molecular genetics, cell biology, genetics, molecular biological techniques, biotechnology, developmental biology, cell physiology, immunology, human genetics, virology, microbial pathogenesis, biostatistics, undergraduate research.

Learning outcomes

Scientific literacy, critical reading of peer-reviewed literature, interpretation of scientific data, scientific communication, professional work ethic, critical thinking, research skills, and the ability to connect biological knowledge with scientific and societal issues.

Professional alignment (accreditation)

Accreditation: The Biology B.S. is offered through Georgia State University's College of Arts & Sciences; the official program page does not state a separate program-specific professional accreditation for the Molecular Genetics and Cell Biology concentration. Georgia State University is institutionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

Reputation (employability rankings)

University recognition: Georgia State reported in September 2026 that it ranked among the nation's top 100 public universities and was ranked No. 1 among public universities for undergraduate teaching in the latest U.S. News rankings. The university also reports graduating more than 10,000 job-ready candidates annually and lists employers of alumni including Emory Healthcare, Emory University, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, the State of Georgia, and the Georgia Institute of Technology.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The Biology B.S. concentration in Molecular Genetics and Cell Biology at Georgia State University provides practical laboratory training closely connected to molecular and cellular biology. Students develop hands-on skills through dedicated molecular cell biology and genetics laboratories, with opportunities to conduct undergraduate research and participate in research-focused laboratory experiences. The program also connects students with interdisciplinary research through the Molecular Basis of Disease program and gives them opportunities to engage with active biological research at Georgia State.

These program-specific opportunities include:

Molecular Cell Biology Laboratory: BIOL 3810 Molecular Cell Biology Laboratory-CTW gives students direct experience with experiments demonstrating molecular cell biology techniques and concepts, while also developing critical-thinking-through-writing skills.
Genetics Laboratory: BIOL 3910 Genetics Laboratory provides dedicated practical training through experiments demonstrating concepts in genetics, complementing the concentration’s Advanced Genetics coursework.
Advanced molecular techniques: Students can select BIOL 4696 Laboratory in Molecular Biological Techniques, a four-credit laboratory course specifically focused on practical molecular biology techniques.
Undergraduate research: BIOL 4910 Undergraduate Research in Biology allows students to undertake research on a topic related to molecular genetics and cell biology.
Course-based research: Georgia State’s Program for Undergraduate Research in the Life Sciences offers Course-Based Undergraduate Research Experiences in which students conduct experiments in defined research areas; previous offerings have included metagenomics and microbes and flow cytometry.
Molecular genetics and cell biology subjects: The concentration includes Advanced Genetics and Principles of Cell Biology, with further options such as Developmental Biology, Cell Physiology, Immunology, Human Genetics, Virology, Microbial Pathogenesis and Enzymology.
Research-focused interdisciplinary opportunities: The Molecular Basis of Disease program provides competitive fellowships, seminars and symposia supporting Biology undergraduate and graduate researchers.
Biotechnology facilities: Georgia State’s ABCore Facilities provide access to advanced biotechnology infrastructure; university course materials specifically identify these facilities as a setting for exposure to sophisticated biotechnology available at Georgia State.
Community-based practical experience: The department’s Bio-Bus is a mobile teaching laboratory used for science outreach in primary and secondary schools across metro Atlanta, giving participating students an opportunity to apply biology knowledge in an outreach setting.

Progression & Future Opportunities

The Biology B.S. with a Molecular Genetics and Cell Biology concentration prepares students for careers involving laboratory research, biotechnology, biomedical science, public health, and related life-science fields. Georgia State specifically identifies opportunities in research science, biomedicine, microbiology, biochemistry, bioinformatics, quality assurance and control, and public health, while also preparing graduates for professional and graduate education.

Career and Employment Opportunities: Graduates can pursue roles such as biological technician, research assistant, microbiology laboratory professional, or quality assurance specialist, depending on their experience and additional qualifications.

Career services: University Career Services provides career counseling, internship and job-search support, and access to Handshake for full-time, part-time and internship opportunities. Students can also use VMock for resume preparation and receive virtual or in-person career counseling. Career Services partners with government organizations, nonprofits and Fortune 500 companies to support students' transition from college to employment.
Employment and salary figures: Georgia State's official Biology B.S. pages identify career areas and opportunities but do not state program-specific employment rates or salary figures for the Molecular Genetics and Cell Biology concentration.
University–industry partnerships: Students can gain industry-connected experience through the Biology Internship Program. A specific example is Georgia State's partnership with Zoo Atlanta, where biology students conducted research on the effects of artificial light at night on four bird species.
Industry preparation: Georgia State also offers a Quality Assurance in Life Science Industries Certificate, developed by the Department of Biology, Neuroscience Institute and Institute for Biomedical Health in partnership with Pathway for Patient Health. It includes industry mentorship and access to a job portal, providing an additional route toward life-science industry employment.
Long-term accreditation value: Georgia State University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award baccalaureate and other degrees. Georgia State notes that accreditation is important for acceptance and transfer of college credits and that an accredited undergraduate degree is a standard prerequisite for admission to most graduate programs.
Graduation outcomes: Biology graduates can enter laboratory and research careers, government roles such as positions with health departments, the U.S. Department of Agriculture and Environmental Protection Agency, or continue into professional schools including medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, veterinary medicine, law, public health and physician-assistant programs.

Further Academic Progression: After completing the Biology B.S., students can progress to an M.S. or Ph.D. in biology or related biological sciences. Georgia State also offers a B.S./M.S. in Biology pathway in which qualified students can take graduate courses during the later part of their undergraduate degree and apply those courses toward both degrees. Students interested in healthcare can also use the biology degree as preparation for medical, dental, veterinary, pharmacy, public health and physician-assistant programs.