BS in Biological Sciences (Cell & Molecular Biology)

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Cincinnati

Program Overview

The BS in Biological Sciences: Cell & Molecular Biology at the University of Cincinnati is designed for students who want to explore the molecular basis of living organisms, with deeper study of cellular physiology, genetics, cell biology, and molecular biology. It suits students interested in laboratory science, biotechnology, biomedical research, healthcare professions, or graduate study, while developing skills in biological observation, data analysis, critical thinking, and modern laboratory techniques.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1: Students establish their scientific foundation through introductory biology and chemistry lecture-and-laboratory sequences, alongside mathematics and writing. Core study includes BIOL 101/111, 102/112, 103/113 Biology Lecture and Lab, CHEM 101/111, 102/112, 103/113 First Year Chemistry Lecture and Lab, and MATH 226–227 Applied Calculus I & II.

Year 2: The second year moves into more specialized biological study while continuing the chemistry sequence and developing quantitative skills. Students complete BIOL 301, 302 and 303 Sophomore Biology, covering areas including genetics, cell biology, evolution and ecology, together with CHEM 201/211, 202/212 and 203/213 Organic Chemistry Lecture and Lab.

Year 3: Students begin concentrating more strongly on cell and molecular biology through upper-level electives while completing college physics and broader degree requirements. Options include BIOL 598 Introduction to Molecular Biology, BIOL 599 Eukaryotic Genetics, BIOL 642 Advanced Cell Biology, BIOL 573 Developmental Biology, and BIOL 695 Immunology, with upper-level laboratory experiences required.

Year 4: The final year provides further specialization through advanced biology electives, research opportunities, and the biology capstone requirement. Students can select courses such as BIOL 639 Virology, BIOL 656 Biology of Cancer, BIOL 697 Immune Defense and Disease, or BIOL 600–603 Undergraduate Research, while completing BIOL 686 Biology Capstone and the remaining degree requirements.

Focus areas:

Cell biology, molecular biology, genetics, cellular physiology, microbiology, developmental biology, virology, immunology, cancer biology, neurobiology, and molecular genetics.

Learning outcomes:

Students develop the ability to observe biological systems carefully, analyze and interpret biological data, apply scientific knowledge to draw conclusions, and use modern cellular and molecular laboratory techniques.

Professional alignment (accreditation):

The University of Cincinnati and its regional campuses are accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. The Cell & Molecular Biology concentration also provides preparation for professional pathways including medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine and other health professions, as well as graduate study and research careers.

Reputation (employability rankings):

The University of Cincinnati reports No. 3 in the nation for co-ops and internships in the 2027 U.S. News & World Report rankings, and its university-wide outcomes report states that 92.5% of graduates were employed or enrolled in graduate school within six months of graduation based on its latest reported outcomes. These are university-wide figures rather than outcomes specifically for the Biological Sciences: Cell & Molecular Biology concentration.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The BS in Biological Sciences with a Cell & Molecular Biology concentration at the University of Cincinnati gives students practical experience through laboratory coursework, advanced cell and molecular biology electives, and undergraduate research. Students work in well-equipped teaching laboratories and can participate in faculty-led research, with opportunities to earn academic credit for research and potentially contribute to peer-reviewed publications.

Students can build hands-on and research skills through the following program-specific opportunities:

Laboratory coursework: Students complete Biology I and II with laboratories, followed by upper-level courses that include laboratory components; the Cell & Molecular Biology concentration offers courses such as Microbiology and Lab, Eukaryotic Genetics, Advanced Cell Biology, and Undergraduate Research.
Undergraduate research: Students can undertake research in Biological Sciences and receive academic credit that can count toward upper-level biology requirements. Research projects are arranged with faculty mentors and may provide opportunities for students to contribute to peer-reviewed scientific publications.
Research areas: Students can connect with research in Molecular Biology, Genetics & Physiology (MBGP), one of the department's three major research focus areas, alongside Sensory Biology & Behavior and Ecology, Evolution & Conservation.
Research beyond the department: Biology undergraduates can pursue research opportunities at the UC College of Medicine, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, and the Environmental Protection Agency, expanding practical experience into medical, biomedical, and environmental research settings.
Capstone research: The capstone experience can include research in a biology laboratory, with students completing a written component and presenting their work. Undergraduate research can also satisfy a laboratory requirement when completed for three credits with a presentation at an approved research forum.
Field-based learning: The department offers field-learning opportunities through the UC Center for Field Studies, including biology field-station experiences that can be used toward the capstone requirement.
Greenhouse research: The Biological Sciences Greenhouse on the roof of Rieveschl Hall supports undergraduate, graduate, and faculty research and houses plant collections used as reference materials for classes.
Teaching facilities: The department maintains well-equipped teaching laboratories dedicated to undergraduate education and uses new teaching methods and technology to enhance laboratory learning.
Specialized facilities and research connections: Biology students can access research opportunities connected with areas including molecular genetics, biochemistry, microbiology, molecular and cellular physiology, metabolic disease, neuroscience, and conservation research through UC and affiliated research organizations.
Internships: The department states that internships can be completed for free-elective credit, providing an additional route to gain experience outside the classroom.

Progression & Future Opportunities

The BS in Biological Sciences with a Cell & Molecular Biology concentration prepares students for careers involving molecular biology, genetics, biotechnology, laboratory research, and biomedical science. The University of Cincinnati specifically identifies career pathways including molecular biologist, biotechnologist, bioinformaticist, geneticist, cell biologist, medical technologist, and academic, industrial, medical, or pharmaceutical researcher.

Career and Employment Opportunities: Typical roles include molecular biologist, biotechnologist, biological research technician, and bioinformaticist; some of these careers may require postgraduate training.

Career Services: The Bearcat Promise Career Studio provides individual career coaching for career exploration, job and internship searches, interview preparation, resume and cover-letter reviews, LinkedIn support, salary negotiation, and graduate-school planning. Students also have access to Handshake for jobs, internships, co-ops, career fairs, and employer events.
Employment statistics: Across the University of Cincinnati, 92.5% of graduates were employed or enrolled in graduate school within six months of graduation, based on the university's latest published overall graduate-outcomes data. This is a university-wide figure rather than a Cell & Molecular Biology-specific rate.
Salary information: A current Cell & Molecular Biology-specific salary figure is not stated on the official program page. UC's published historical outcomes data reported a three-year average salary of $32,104 for Biological Sciences BS graduates; this older figure should not be treated as a current salary expectation.
University–industry connections: UC identifies biology graduates working with employers and organizations including Medpace, Cincinnati Children's, UC Health, Christ Hospital, Procter & Gamble (P&G), and Eli Lilly. Biology students can also undertake research in laboratories at UC Medical School, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, and the Environmental Protection Agency.
Long-term accreditation value: The University of Cincinnati and its regional campuses are accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). UC states that institutional accreditation supports educational quality, transfer of credits, access to federal financial aid, and eligibility for graduate-school admission where accredited degrees are required.
Graduation outcomes: Graduates may enter technical and research-oriented employment or progress into graduate and professional education. UC specifically notes opportunities for further study in biology and professional schools such as medical, dental, veterinary, and other professional programs.

Further Academic Progression: After completing the BS, students can continue into the University of Cincinnati's M.S. or Ph.D. in Biological Sciences, where graduate study emphasizes research and can lead to careers in industry, academia, teaching, natural sciences, and conservation. The Cell & Molecular Biology concentration is also particularly suited to students planning professional education in areas such as medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine, and other health-related fields.