What you will study
A bachelor’s in Molecular and Cellular Biology degree from UCM provides you with an
understanding of the life sciences from the inside out, including the cellular and
molecular processes involved in health and disease.
You’ll study fascinating living organisms to learn about cellular and molecular processes,
organismal physiology and morphology, genetics, natural history, evolution and more.
As you deepen your Molecular Biology studies, you can concentrate on plant or animal
model systems and choose among several elective courses such as:
Immunology
Plant Breeding and Genetics
Parasitology
Microbiology
Wildlife Diseases
The definition of molecular biology is based on curiosity about new discoveries. As
you master scientific methods used in the lab, you’ll discover how disease affects
cells, tissues, organs and the body as a whole. Rather than assign lab supervision
to GAs, UCM Ph.D.-level faculty work directly with you to reinforce classroom learning.
Excellence in Biology
- Best Value College for Biological & Biomedical Sciences (College Factual, 2022)
Unique learning opportunities in biomedical, cellular and molecular biology studies
You’ll learn a range of industry-standard scientific methods, data analysis techniques
and presentation skills. Our strong emphasis on lab-based research reinforces the
classroom material in your Molecular Biology studies:
- Lab skills: Focus on the scientific analysis and technology tools needed to work in lab settings.
You’ll master essential lab skills, conduct collaborative student-centered projects
and gain real-world experience in our fully renovated molecular/cellular research
lab, wildlife biology research lab and wildlife disease lab. Working in student teams,
you’ll troubleshoot research protocols, use cutting-edge molecular research equipment
and analyze real molecular data.
- Field work: UCM’s 300-acre Pertle Springs Nature Preserve, our 3,000-sq-ft aquatic and animal
research center and our greenhouse offer ample opportunities to conduct research and
apply classroom learning to real-life scenarios in the field.
- Undergraduate research: You’ll have multiple opportunities to get real experience in labs and through undergraduate
research projects. This hands-on work will help build your career in molecular biology
and define your strengths, interests and readiness for molecular biology jobs or graduate
studies.
- Career guidance: The UCM Biology faculty have industry connections and work experience to help you
decide which molecular biology jobs appeal to you the most. Internships in the public
and private sectors and participation in campus chapters of national organizations
— such as Beta Beta Beta National Biology Honors Society, American Medical Student
Association, Paramedico, National Wildlife Society and the American Fisheries Association
— help you build solid networks for career advancement and pave the way to earning
a higher molecular biology salary.
What can you do with a degree in Molecular and Cellular Biology from UCM?
Molecular Biology studies lead to innovations in science and medicine. With a Biology
BS degree from UCM, you’ll be prepared for molecular biology jobs in critical health
care, agribusiness, forensics and biochemical engineering, toxicology, nutrition,
pharmaceuticals and technology fields.
You could work on research or quality control in a lab. If you want to earn a molecular
biology salary at a job in government or industry, your Molecular Biology studies
can guide product safety and policy development. Teaching, scientific writing or applying
to medical school offer more options to Molecular Biology majors.
Molecular biology jobs span the spectrum
Whether you enter grad school or work as an entry-level scientist, the expanding field
of molecular and cellular biology continues to develop technologies, particularly
in genetics.
Use the interactive tool below to explore potential salaries and career pathways with
a Biomedical, Cellular and Molecular BS from the University of Central Missouri.
Financial assistance options for your Biomedical, Cellular and Molecular Biology studies
As an undergraduate Biology student at the University of Central Missouri, you may
be eligible for university scholarships, awards and other resources that can help
you finance your college education.
Beyond that, many scholarships are available exclusively to Biology majors, including
those in Cellular and Molecular Biology studies:
- Carlos Kays Biology and Earth Science Scholarship
- Dr. Sam P. Hewitt Memorial Scholarship
- Dr. John Beishe Biology Scholarship
- Ardyth C. Boucher Scholarship
You can learn more about program-specific scholarships with the UCM Scholarship Finder.
Pertle Springs Nature Preserve
Conduct research and fieldwork
Student teams use industry-standard research techniques in an active classroom format.
At UCM’s 300-acre on-campus nature preserve, you’ll study and conduct lab research
outdoors. Molecular Biology majors learn anatomy, study plant and animal physiology
and behaviors and run ongoing Molecular Biology studies in marshlands, lakes, woodlands
and other natural environments.
Meet Joel S.
BS Biology ’14
“UCM laid the foundation of my scientific career. I was challenged to discover not
just answers but also to understand mechanistic underpinnings and to hypothesize answers
to unasked questions. These skills of logical reasoning and curiosity propelled me
to obtain a prestigious fellowship and become the first member of my family to seek
a Ph.D.”
Meet Our Faculty
Published with research credentials
Research by UCM Biology program faculty is widely published in Developmental Cell,
Biotechniques, Comparative Biochemistry, the Journal of Developmental Biology and
Physiology and other scientific journals. Our faculty lead co-curricular research
projects that give you multiple opportunities to learn to write, fund and implement
research projects independently.
Faculty Research Areas
Fully Renovated Facilities
Active learning in Warrensburg, Missouri
Beyond UCM’s existing molecular and cellular biology labs, 300-acre nature preserve
and 3,000-sq-ft aquatic/animal research center, we have upgraded all labs, classrooms
and student lounge areas and workspaces. Use our benchtop bioreactor with fermenter,
brewing chamber and quality controller to master industry-standard lab skills in cell
and enzyme engineering.
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Funding for undergraduate research
Three distinct funding sources are available for Biology BS students, including Molecular
Biology majors, who want targeted exposure to research techniques, grant writing and
presentation skills. If you want to conduct your own faculty-approved research projects
and need funding for supplies and travel expenses, you may be eligible for these UCM-sponsored
programs:
