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
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 Illinois.
Visit the Transferring Information Page for detailed information on the process that applies to you.
Get to know us
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.
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.