bachelor's in Molecular and Cellular Biology

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Lehigh University

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Science in Molecular and Cellular Biology at Lehigh University provides a focused foundation in the molecular mechanisms, cellular processes, genetics, biochemistry, and quantitative methods that explain how living systems function. It is well suited to students interested in biological research, biotechnology, health and medicine, or advanced graduate study, with the curriculum combining core science preparation, laboratory experience, and upper-level molecular and cellular biology electives.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1: Students begin with the molecular and cellular foundations of the degree through BIOS 041 Introduction to Cellular and Molecular Biology and its laboratory component, while building their quantitative and chemical knowledge through MATH 021 Calculus I, MATH 022 Calculus II, CHM 030 Introduction to Chemical Principles, and CHM 031 Chemical Equilibria in Aqueous Systems. This first-year sequence establishes the scientific and mathematical base needed for more advanced molecular and cellular biology study.

Year 2: The second year develops students’ understanding of heredity, organic chemistry, and physical principles of biological systems through BIOS 115 Genetics and BIOS 116 Genetics Laboratory, CHM 110 Organic Chemistry I and CHM 111 Organic Chemistry Laboratory I, and CHM 112 Organic Chemistry II and CHM 113 Organic Chemistry Laboratory II. Students also complete physics coursework, giving them a broader scientific foundation for advanced biological analysis.

Year 3: Students move into more specialized biological study through BIOS 044 Introduction to Integrative and Comparative Biology and BIOS 045 Introduction to Integrative and Comparative Biology Laboratory, alongside advanced options such as BIOS 324 Microbiology or BIOS 328 Immunology. The recommended sequence also includes BIOS 345 Molecular Genetics and BIOS 346 Molecular Genetics Laboratory and BIOS 371 Elements of Biochemistry I and BIOS 372 Elements of Biochemistry II, strengthening students’ understanding of genes, cells, proteins, and biochemical processes.

Year 4: The final year emphasizes advanced molecular and cellular concepts through BIOS 367 Cell Biology and BIOS 381 Physical Biochemistry, while students complete approved Molecular and Cellular Biology electives tailored to their interests. Elective possibilities include areas such as molecular modeling and simulation, developmental biology, disease, microbiology, molecular evolution, virology, and cellular biology, allowing students to develop a more individualized academic focus.

Focus areas: Molecular genetics, cell biology, biochemistry, genetics, biostatistics, physical biochemistry, microbiology, immunology, molecular evolution, developmental biology, virology, molecular modeling and simulation.

Learning outcomes: Students develop knowledge of cellular and molecular processes, genetics, biochemical systems, quantitative biological analysis, laboratory methods, and advanced biological concepts through laboratory courses and specialized electives.

Professional alignment (accreditation): The Lehigh University catalog does not state a separate professional accreditation specifically for the B.S. in Molecular and Cellular Biology; the program is offered through the university’s College of Arts and Sciences.

Reputation (employability rankings): Lehigh University reported that 92% of its Class of 2025 graduates were employed, continuing education, or pursuing other activities within six months of graduation, with an average starting salary of $77,000; the university also reported that Lehigh was ranked 23rd on LinkedIn’s 2026 career-focused Top Colleges list. These figures are university-wide and are not specific to Molecular and Cellular Biology graduates.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The BS in Molecular and Cellular Biology at Lehigh University gives students substantial hands-on experience through laboratory-based coursework, independent research, and advanced study of molecular and cellular processes. Students can work directly with faculty and graduate researchers, develop scientific problem-solving and teamwork skills, and gain experience using specialized biological instrumentation in Lehigh’s research and teaching facilities. The curriculum includes dedicated laboratory experiences such as Cellular and Molecular Biology Laboratory, Genetics Laboratory, Molecular Genetics Laboratory, Cell Biology Laboratory, Biochemistry Laboratory, and Undergraduate Research.

These opportunities allow students to build practical skills across molecular biology, genetics, biochemistry, cell biology, and quantitative analysis:

Undergraduate research: Students are actively encouraged to undertake independent study and honors research, working directly with faculty and graduate students to contribute to the generation of new scientific knowledge.
Laboratory experience: The BS curriculum includes Introduction to Cellular and Molecular Biology Laboratory, Genetics Laboratory, Molecular Genetics Laboratory, and an advanced laboratory selected from options including Cell Biology Laboratory, Biochemistry Laboratory, Microbiology Laboratory, Advanced Phage Research Laboratory, and Undergraduate Research.
Molecular modeling: Students can take BIOS 237 Introductory Molecular Modeling and Simulation, providing exposure to computational approaches used in molecular and cellular biology.
Research facilities: Iacocca Hall houses biological sciences research laboratories and upper-level teaching laboratories, while STEPS provides 50 research and state-of-the-art teaching labs, computer labs, classrooms, and seminar spaces.
Specialized instrumentation: Department facilities include Bio-Rad ChemiDoc MP imaging, GE Amersham Typhoon 5, NanoDrop OneC, qRT-PCR systems, Agilent Bioanalyzer, flow cytometry equipment, fluorescence and UV-Vis spectroscopy equipment, microscopy systems, chromatography equipment, and centrifuges. Training on common equipment can be arranged through the department’s laboratory manager.
Cell and molecular research: Lehigh’s Cell & Molecular Biology research includes microbial evolution and genetics, molecular genetics, developmental biology, eukaryotic cell biology, and regulation of gene expression, giving students opportunities to engage with active research areas.
Health Research Hub: Lehigh’s Health Research Hub provides specialized spaces for cell culture, optical microscopy and imaging, and microfabrication, with research infrastructure including BSL-2 hoods, CO₂ incubators, fluorescence and confocal microscopy, and other characterization technologies.
Interdisciplinary environment: The STEPS facility brings biological sciences together with natural sciences, social sciences, and engineering, supporting collaborative research and teaching across disciplines.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Lehigh University’s Bachelor of Science in Molecular and Cellular Biology provides a strong foundation for careers and further study across molecular biology, biotechnology, healthcare, research, and related life-science fields. The program combines laboratory experience, scientific problem-solving, and opportunities for independent research, preparing graduates for roles such as biological laboratory technician, research assistant, molecular biology technician, and biotechnology professional.

Career and Employment Opportunities:

Career support: Lehigh’s Career Center provides personalized career-pathway coaching, connections to internships, co-ops and research placements, and networking with alumni and employer partners.
Employment outcomes: Across Lehigh’s Class of 2025, 92% were employed, continuing education, or engaged in military/volunteer service within six months; 88% completed an internship or experiential-learning opportunity, and 577 unique employers hired Lehigh students.
Salary information: Lehigh reports an average starting salary of $60,000 for Math & Natural Sciences graduates in the College of Arts and Sciences. The university does not publish a program-specific starting salary for Molecular and Cellular Biology.
Industry connections: Lehigh connects students with employer partners and its global alumni network through career programming, while the Biological Sciences department encourages independent study and honors research with faculty and graduate students.
Accreditation value: Lehigh University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, supporting the institutional recognition of the degree for employment and continued academic study.
Graduation outcomes: Lehigh’s Biological Sciences department reports that graduates move into environmental and forensic sciences, science writing, teaching, graduate school, professional training, and health-related industries.

Further Academic Progression: After completing the B.S. in Molecular and Cellular Biology, students can pursue master’s or doctoral study in molecular biology, cellular biology, biochemistry, biotechnology, biomedical sciences, or related life-science disciplines. The program also provides preparation for professional training and health-related pathways, with Lehigh’s Biological Sciences department specifically identifying graduate school, professional training, and health-related industries as progression opportunities.