How will you change the world?

Body

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)

Major in 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 2024.

Major in 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 2024.

Major in 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

Body

Visit the School of MCB
 

Individual Meetings (on campus or virtual):

The School of MCB (MCB, Neuroscience, and Biochemistry) offers a limited number of one-on-one appointments for prospective and admitted students with a member of our instructional program. During your visit, staff will answer questions about the curriculum, career options, research, study abroad, and more. Visits can be scheduled by calling 217-333-6774 or emailing advising@mcb.illinois.edu.

Upon request, optional additions to on-campus visits may include a meeting with a student leader and tours of instructional spaces.

Visits are generally scheduled during normal university business hours. Please contact us at least one week in advance to ensure staff availability.

Group Meetings (on campus):

Major specific meetings will follow the 3 PM College of LAS presentations:
Admitted Biology Majors will meet in room 1066 Lincoln Hall.
Admitted Neuroscience and Biochemistry Majors will meet in room 1028 Lincoln Hall.

Friday, February 23 at 4 PM
Friday, March 22 at 4 PM
Friday, April 5 at 4 PM CT
Friday, April 26 at 4 PM CT

During these information meetings you will be able to meet with academic advisors as well as current students. You'll learn about our course requirements, suggestions for use of AP credit, career options, common extra-curricular activities, and much more.

The School of MCB will also be participating in Illini Fest on Saturday, April 20. We hope to see you there!

Virtual Information Sessions

We will offer virtual admitted student information sessions on the following dates this spring 2024.

Biology Majors:
Thursday, March 7th from 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM CT via Zoom.
Thursday, March 28th from 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM CT via Zoom.
Email advising@mcb.illinois.edu for Zoom links.

Neuroscience Majors:
Wednesday, March 6th from 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM CT via Zoom.
Wednesday, March 20th from 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM CT via Zoom.
Email advising@mcb.illinois.edu for Zoom links.

Please join us if you are able. A recording of this session will be provided at a later date.

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

 

Follow us on social media

Instagram  YouTube  Twitter   Facebook  LinkedIn