Molecular and Cell Biology, BS

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Wisconsin Madison

Program Overview

The Molecular and Cell Biology, BS at the University of Wisconsin–Madison explores how biological processes work at the molecular and cellular level, combining biology with strong foundations in chemistry, mathematics, and physics. It is particularly suited to students interested in biological research, medicine and allied health, biotechnology, or pharmaceutical science, while offering flexibility to develop deeper interests across areas such as genetics, biochemistry, microbiology, and cell biology.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1: Students establish the scientific and quantitative foundation for the degree through CHEM 103 General Chemistry I, CHEM 104 General Chemistry II, and MATH 221 Calculus and Analytic Geometry 1, alongside communication, quantitative reasoning, language, and humanities coursework. This year builds the chemistry and mathematical preparation needed for advanced molecular and cellular study.

Year 2: The curriculum moves into core biological science and organic chemistry with ZOOLOGY/BIOLOGY/BOTANY 151–152 Introductory Biology, CHEM 343 Organic Chemistry I, CHEM 344 Introductory Organic Chemistry Laboratory, and CHEM 345 Organic Chemistry II. Students also develop quantitative skills through STAT 371 Introductory Applied Statistics for the Life Sciences while completing broader humanities and social science requirements.

Year 3: Students begin studying molecular and cellular systems in greater depth through GENETICS 466 Principles of Genetics, ZOOLOGY 570 Cell Biology, and BIOCHEM 501 Introduction to Biochemistry, supported by PHYSICS 207–208 General Physics. MOL BIOL 699 Directed Studies in Molecular Biology can also introduce students to supervised independent study and research.

Year 4: The final year emphasizes specialization, laboratory experience, and independent study through Depth Coursework, a Laboratory Course, and MOL BIOL 699 Directed Studies in Molecular Biology or an elective. Students can tailor their advanced study toward areas such as biochemistry, biophysics, cellular systems, genetics, microbiology, virology, or quantitative biology, with senior thesis options also available.

Focus areas: Biochemistry, biophysics, cellular systems, genetics, microbiology, virology, quantitative biology, molecular biology, cell biology, biotechnology

Learning outcomes: Molecular mechanisms of life, genetic information and inheritance, biological macromolecules, cell structure and function, biochemistry and physical chemistry, genetics and microbiology, scientific communication, experimental design, quantitative reasoning

Professional alignment (accreditation): The University of Wisconsin–Madison is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), with the university last accredited in 2019 and scheduled for reaccreditation in 2028–29.

Reputation (employability rankings): In the 2025 Center for World University Rankings, UW–Madison ranked 30th worldwide and 115th worldwide for employability; the ranking evaluates education, employability, faculty, and research.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The Molecular and Cell Biology, BS at UW–Madison gives students substantial hands-on experience through laboratory coursework, independent research, and opportunities to work directly with faculty researchers. The major requires at least 2 credits of molecular or cellular research, allowing students to apply concepts in experimental settings and develop skills in hypothesis formation, experimental design, quantitative analysis, and scientific communication. Students can also pursue advanced research through Directed Studies, senior thesis work, and honors research, with access to laboratories across UW–Madison.

The program offers several ways to turn classroom learning into research experience:

Laboratory research: Students complete at least 2 credits of laboratory coursework, with options including BIOCHEM 207 Engineering Bacteriophage Laboratory, MICROBIO 304 Biology of Microorganisms Laboratory, MICROBIO 657 Bioinformatics for Microbiologists, PHM SCI 254 Tiny Earth Genomics, and ZOOLOGY 555 Laboratory in Developmental Biology.
Independent research: MOL BIOL 699 Directed Studies in Molecular Biology allows students to conduct research under the supervision of a faculty member or research mentor; research can also be completed in another department when approved by MCB.
Senior research projects: Students can complete MOL BIOL 692 Senior Thesis or, for honors students, MOL BIOL 681/682 Senior Honors Thesis, providing an opportunity to conduct and communicate original research.
Research mentorship: Students can identify faculty laboratories through the Wisconsin Discovery Portal, Cellular and Molecular Biology Research resources, and UW–Madison's faculty/researcher databases, then work with researchers whose projects match their interests.
Computational and bioinformatics experience: The curriculum includes options such as COMP SCI 220 Data Science Programming I and MICROBIO 657 Bioinformatics for Microbiologists, giving students exposure to programming, data science, and computational approaches used in modern biological research.
Summer research: The Cellular and Molecular Biology of Stress Summer Research Program provides a 10-week, full-time mentored bioscience research experience in a UW–Madison research laboratory, together with professional development for students considering graduate study and research careers.
Undergraduate research programs: Students can participate in Undergraduate Research Scholars (URS), which pairs undergraduates with faculty and staff mentors and includes research seminars and practice presenting research. Research funding opportunities include the Hilldale Undergraduate/Faculty Research Fellowship, Sophomore Research Fellowship, and Trewartha Undergraduate Honors Research Grant.
Research presentation: Students can showcase research through the annual UW–Madison Undergraduate Symposium, which features undergraduate research and creative work from across the university.
Scientific skill development: Program learning outcomes specifically include the ability to formulate hypotheses, design and conduct scientific experiments, use quantitative approaches, and communicate scientific information orally and in writing.
Study abroad: Students also have access to 300+ UW–Madison study-abroad programs in more than 80 countries, allowing them to add international academic experiences to their undergraduate education.

Progression & Future Opportunities

The Molecular and Cell Biology, BS gives students a strong foundation in molecular mechanisms, genetics, biochemistry, cellular systems, and experimental science, preparing them for research, healthcare, biotechnology, pharmaceutical, and other life-science careers. The program is also designed for students planning professional or graduate study, with extensive opportunities to gain laboratory and research experience alongside their coursework.

Typical job roles: Research Technician, Laboratory Scientist, Biotechnology Specialist, Pharmaceutical Research Associate

Career support: Students work with a Molecular and Cell Biology academic advisor, while L&S also provides career-development resources and opportunities to connect academic study with future careers. Undergraduate research is strongly encouraged because the university notes that research experience is valued by employers, graduate programs, and professional schools.
Research opportunities: Students can work with leading UW–Madison researchers through undergraduate laboratory research, including opportunities involving directed or independent study such as MOL BIOL 699 Directed Studies in Molecular Biology.
Employment outcomes: UW–Madison's 2024–25 First Destination Survey found that 90% of bachelor's graduates were employed, pursuing further education, serving in the military, volunteering, or engaged in entrepreneurship; among graduates working, serving, or volunteering, 93% reported accepting a position within six months, with a $73,000 median full-time salary. These figures are university-wide and are not specific to Molecular and Cell Biology.
Industry connections: The major prepares students for careers in biotechnology and pharmaceutical science, as well as employment in public and private agencies, healthcare, research, and product development. UW–Madison also reports close partnerships with local and national industry as part of its broader career-development ecosystem.
Accreditation value: UW–Madison is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC); the university was last accredited in 2019 and is scheduled for reaccreditation in 2028–29, providing continuing institutional recognition of the university's academic quality.
Graduation outcomes: Students graduate with skills to understand molecular and cellular processes, analyze genetic and biological systems, design and conduct scientific experiments, apply quantitative reasoning, and communicate scientific information in written and oral formats.

Further Academic Progression: After the BS, students can pursue graduate or professional education in areas such as cellular and molecular biology, biochemistry, genetics, microbiology, medicine, veterinary medicine, and allied health. At UW–Madison, the Cellular and Molecular Biology MS is offered as a pathway toward the PhD rather than as a terminal master's degree, while the Cellular and Molecular Biology PhD provides interdisciplinary research across areas including cancer biology, developmental biology and regenerative medicine, immunology, molecular and genome biology, RNA biology, systems biology, and virology.