An illustration of DNA strands and other biological material
Cellular and Molecular Biology Major (B.S.)

Cellular and Molecular Biology Major (B.S.)

Cellular and Molecular Biology students dive into vibrant, exiting and rapidly growing areas of modern biology. The ongoing revolutions in genetic engineering, genomics, and proteomics have profound implications for medicine and for our understanding of the biological world around us.

Students in this program are encouraged to participate in research opportunities during their junior and senior years to prepare for further studies in graduate or professional school and/or a successful career in research or development.

Careers with a Cellular and Molecular Biology Degree

Cellular and molecular biology are two of the most rapidly growing and exciting areas in modern biology. This specialization will prepare students for graduate or professional school, and career paths in biotechnology, biomedical research, and related areas. These are fields that are experiencing tremendous growth in employment opportunities both in academia and in the private sector.

Biology Careers & Internships

Aiden Eliot Shearer

Admission Requirements

In the past, Biological Sciences had a very strong admission requirement of a PL1-level math placement. With the implementation of the test optional admission pathway, this requirement is no longer in place. However, achievement of PL1-level math placement can be a good indicator of strong preparation in math. After admission to Ohio University, first-year students may transfer into a Biological Sciences major if they have earned a grade of “C” or better in both BIOS 1700 and BIOS 1705 and have a minimum accumulative GPA of 2.5 at Ohio University.

For information about changing your major to biological sciences or transfer admissions requirements, view the academic catalog.

OHIO Admissions

  • Tuition and Fees

    OHIO is committed to your lifelong success through our Guarantee+, which offers fixed tuition and fees, a graduation plan and lifelong benefits to our students. We're continuously striving to make college more affordable and accessible, while maintaining the high quality and value of an OHIO education.

    Tuition & Fees

  • Financial Aid & Scholarships

    Our Office of Student Financial Aid and Scholarships provides services to students and parents both in-person and remotely. You can visit our office on the ground floor of Chubb Hall or reach us at financial.aid@ohio.edu or 740.593.4141.

    Financial Aid & Scholarships

Cellular and Molecular Biology B.S. Courses & Curriculum

View Courses & Degree Requirements in the Official Academic Catalog

Students must complete a total of 42 semester credit hours of BIOS coursework, including required courses in genetics, cell and microbiology techniques, mechanisms of gene regulation, and more. Students also take courses in chemistry, math and physics.

How to Prepare for Medical School and Professional Health Careers

Careers in medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine, physical therapy, physician assistant, optometry, and other allied health professions start with strong academic performance. That first step happens with OHIO’s Pre-Health Advising Center.

Advising for Pre-Med and Pre-Professional Majors

Ph.D. Programs in Molecular and Cellular Biology at OHIO

Ohio University offers several graduate programs focused on molecular and cellular biology. The Cell, Developmental and Molecular Biology graduate program offers world-class facilities and faculty in biochemistry, genetics, microbiology, cell biology, developmental biology. Ohio University offers interdisciplinary graduate study in through the Molecular and Cellular Biology Ph.D. program. In addition, a Cell, Developmental & Microbiology Concentration is available in the Biological Sciences Ph.D. and M.S. programs.

Graduate Programs in Molecular and Cellular Biology

Student Success Stories

Jayanna Smith: From Small Town to Prestigious Award

Jayanna Smith won a 2024 Goldwater Scholarship, the nation's most prestigious award for undergraduate STEM students. “It means a lot because I come from a really small town,” Smith says. “Coming to a larger school, I initially found it hard to feel like I belonged here. I struggled with imposter syndrome. Winning the Goldwater gave me confidence," Smith says. "I was so scared that I would never figure out a career path. I would tell my younger self to relax and enjoy it a bit while also working hard.

About Jayanna Smith's Journey

Jayanna Smith

Ben Stiadle Wins Prestigious Award for Diabetes Research

Molecular Biology student Ben Stiadle won a 2024 Goldwater Scholarship, the nation's most prestigious award for undergraduate STEM students. His research investigates treatments for Type 2 diabetes. He uses a florescent probeto track the amount of calcium in the beta cell in real time in order to better understand the role of the sodium-potassium ATPase (NKA), an ion exchanger in cells. Stiadle works with Dr. Craig Nunemaker to further his interest and understanding of the treatment process for chronic diseases.

About Ben Stiadle's Journey 

Ben Stiadle displays his work at OHIO's Student Expo