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Cell and Molecular Biology, B.S.
The Cell and Molecular Biology (CMB) degree is for students with a passion for the life sciences who want to receive research experience as an undergraduate, and who wish to distinguish themselves when applying for employment in their field or for graduate/professional training. CMB is focused on determining how cells develop and function as well as the application of this knowledge in fields such as biotechnology, pharmacology, and biomedicine.
Source: EMSI, 2020
Available as a minor.
Program Overview
The Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in CMB consists of a series of high-impact laboratory and computational courses as well as a research project which prepare students for employment or graduate training in the life sciences and professional (eg. medical, dental) schools.
Additional programming in the cell and molecular biology department includes a minor in CMB and the combined degree program (B.S./M.S.). Undergraduate and graduate certificates in bioinformatics and genomics are also available, see gvsu.edu/catalog for program details.
Why Study CMB at Grand Valley?
- The CMB graduating class is consistently ranked in the top 10% of life science programs in the country by the Educational Testing Service.
- Employers and medical school officials agree that a significant research experience is one of the most important considerations for hiring in the life sciences or admission to medical school our degree uniquely incorporates this experience into the curriculum.
- Located in a region quickly developing into an important center for biotechnology research, industry, and education.
- Students may take advantage of our location as well as our institutional and personal ties to area research labs while they fulfill the research component of their degree.
- Rewarding internships are available at the Van Andel Research Institute, Walter's Greenhouses, area hospitals, biotech start-ups, and other area organizations.
- Faculty members are actively engaged in research, much of it carried out with students.
- Students use state-of-the-art research equipment.
Location & Format
Undergraduate students in this major study at Grand Valley's Allendale Campus.
Format:- Face To Face
Coursework
Students study a variety of disciplines, including:
- Biology
- Bioinformatics
- Cell and molecular biology
- Biochemistry
- Mathematics
- Physics
Career Options
CMB prepares students for careers in:
- Biotechnology
- Higher education
- Forensics
- Agriculture
- Intellectual property law
- Life science research
- Medicine
- Pharmaceuticals
Combined Degree Programs
This undergraduate degree can be combined with a master's degree to save you time and money, and get you into the workforce sooner. On average, students save $8,500 in our combined degree programs and take up to four fewer classes than if earning the degrees separately.
You can even build your own combined degree from programs in different disciplines to further personalize your education and meet specific career goals.
Skills Employers Want
The B.S. in Cell and Molecular Biology at GVSU will develop the skills you need to land the job you want. Whether the skills are advanced or general, you will build a resume of qualifications that are sure to attract employers. The following skills correlate with those pulled from actual job postings in the biology field.
- Biology
- Bioinformatics
- Genetics
- (R) Programming Data
- Molecular Biology
- (Python) Programming Language
- DNA Sequencing
- Chemistry
- Computer Science
- Genomics
Source: EMSI, 2020
Admission Requirements
Visit the Admissions website for undergraduate requirements.
Helpful Links
For More Information
Cell and Molecular Biology
gvsu.edu/cmb
3300A Kindschi Hall
of Science
(616) 331-2315
“During my freshman and sophomore years, the faculty members were especially supportive. They helped guide me through, especially in picking and scheduling classes.”
DE'VONA GLOVER
CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY ALUMNA
CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY ALUMNA