How will you change the world?
In the School of Molecular & Cellular Biology, undergraduates receive a broad, rigorous education in biological sciences and can tailor the curriculum to their interests. We offer three degree programs and many enriching opportunities in and outside of the classroom.
Molecular & Cellular Biology Neuroscience Biochemistry Learn more
Prospective students for majors in the School of Molecular and Cellular Biology
First-year students (freshmen)
MCB: Incoming first-year students who are interested in majoring in Molecular & Cellular Biology should apply for admission to the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences (LAS) and choose biology as your intended major. During your first year you will take an introductory course in Molecular and Cellular Biology (MCB) and an introductory course in Integrative Biology (IB). Based on experience in both classes, you will choose a major to declare, typically during the second semester of your first year. View slides from our biology admitted student/illini days presentation from 2023.
Neuroscience: Incoming first-year students interested in majoring in Neuroscience should apply for admission to the College of LAS and choose Neuroscience as their intended major. View slides from our neuroscience admitted student/Illini days presentation from 2023.
Biochemistry: Incoming first-year students interested in majoring in Biochemistry should apply for admission to the College of LAS and choose Biochemistry as their intended major.
Transfer students
The process for transferring to the MCB, Neuroscience, and Biochemistry majors varies depending on your current status, whether you're a student at another institution, another program in the College of LAS, or in another unit at UIUC.
Visit the Transferring Information Page for detailed information on the process that applies to you.
Get to know us
Visit MCB
Prospective students can schedule a visit by calling 217-333-6774 or emailing advising@mcb.illinois.edu. Visits can include one-on-one meetings with a member of the MCB Instructional Program team and tours of instructional spaces. We offer in-person and virtual appointments.
Visits are generally scheduled during normal university business hours. Please call at least one week in advance to ensure staff availability.
Talk to current students
The MCB Leaders are a small group of accomplished students in MCB who help current and prospective students learn more about the campus and our school. Feel free to email them your questions.
Browse our handouts and slides
Prospective First-Year Biology Information Packet
Slides from our Prospective Biology Information Session
Prospective Neuroscience Major Information Packet
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Watch our videos
- View the MCB at Illinois video to see and hear about the amazing opportunities that await you.
- Take a virtual tour of our campus.