Cell Biology
Overview
Cell biology programs teach people the structure, function, and regulation of cells as individual units or as components of a larger system.Cell biology programs include topics such as:
- Molecular biology
- Structural biology
- Cell reproduction, growth, and change
- Cell anatomy
- Cell chemistry
- Membrane function
- Organelles
Concentrations
In cell biology programs, students may be able to specialize in:
- Cell/cellular biology and histology
- Developmental biology and embryology
- Neuroanatomy
- Cell biology and anatomy
- Cell/cellular and molecular biology
Schools
Community colleges and other two-year schools offer associate degree programs in cell biology. An associate degree usually takes two years to complete. After earning an associate degree students can transfer to a college or university for further study.
Many colleges and universities offer bachelor's degrees in cell biology. A bachelor's degree usually takes about four years of full-time study.
Many universities offer graduate degrees in cell biology. A master's degree typically requires two years of study beyond a bachelor's degree. Doctoral (PhD) degree programs usually require two or more years of study beyond the master's degree.
See schools that offer this program.
Related Educational Programs
- Biochemistry
- Cancer and Oncology Biology
- Cytotechnology
- Genetics
- Immunology
- Medical Microbiology and Bacteriology
- Microbiology
- Molecular Biology
- Neuroscience
- Pathology and Experimental Pathology
- Pharmacology
- Physiology
- Plant Pathology
- Plant Physiology
- Toxicology
- Virology
Related Careers
Careers Directly Related to this Program of Study
Other Careers Related to this Program of Study
Program Admission
You can prepare for this program by taking courses in high school that prepare you for college. This typically includes four years of English, three years of math, three years of social studies, and two years of science. Some colleges also require two years of a second language.
Below is a list of high school courses that will help prepare you for this program of study:
- Advanced Biology courses
- Anatomy and Physiology
- Calculus
- Chemistry
- Computer Science and Programming
- Physics
- Probability and Statistics
Graduate Admissions
Admission to graduate programs is competitive. You need a bachelor's degree in cell biology or a related science, good grades, and good test scores.
Additional requirements at some schools include:
- Graduate Record Examination (GRE) General
- Graduate Record Examination (GRE) Biochemistry, Biology
- Statement of research interest and personal goals
- Letters of recommendation
Typical Course Work
Program Courses
This undergraduate program typically includes courses in the following subjects:
- Biochemistry
- Biology
- Calculus
- Cellular and Molecular Biology
- Developmental Biology
- Functional Neuroanatomy
- Gene Structure and Function
- General Chemistry
- Genetics
- Human Embryology
- Human Physiology and Anatomy
- Introduction to Neurobiology
- Organic Chemistry
- Organismal Biology
- Physics
- Physiology
- Plant Development
- Statistics
No matter where you go to school, you're likely to take a set of "core" courses similar to the list above. Once you've completed those courses, you can take advanced courses in cell biology.
Graduate Program Courses
Graduate programs may include:
- Advanced Cell Biology
- Biochemistry and Structural Biology
- Cell Motility
- Gene Structure and Function
- Graduate Research Seminar
- Molecular Genetics
- Molecular Mechanisms of Cell Growth and Differentiation
- Signal Transduction
Graduate students usually focus on one particular application. Typical courses vary by specialty. All require original research. A list of common graduate requirements is below:
- Required courses
- Required lab rotations
- Thesis (master's degree)
- Preliminary exams (doctoral degree only)
- Dissertation and dissertation defense (doctoral degree)
Things to Know
A bachelor's degree prepares you for graduate studies or for an entry-level position as a research assistant or lab technician. It can be good preparation for medical, dental, and veterinary school.
A postdoctoral research assignment can help you gain experience before finding a permanent research position.
Schools
East Side Area
Central Washington University
- Biology--Molecular and Cell Specialization
King-Snohomish Area
University of Washington - Seattle
- Biology--Molecular, Cellular & Developmental Option
- Biomolecular Structure & Design
- Molecular and Cellular Biology
West Side Area
Western Washington University
- Biology--Molecular & Cell Biology Emphasis