MS Molecular & Cellular Biology at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Programme overview

A non-thesis, course-based MS giving advanced preparation before professional or graduate school, or for careers in industry, government or academia. It serves post-baccalaureate gap-year students and those seeking advanced laboratory skills for industry, government or NGO work.

Faculty: College of Liberal Arts & Sciences | Department: School of Molecular & Cellular Biology | Duration: 32 credit hours; minimum two full-time semesters, many students take three or four | Study mode: full-time | Location: Champaign, IL, United States

What you will study

One 3-4 hour 400-level course from each of four areas (Biochemistry; Cell & Developmental Biology; Microbiology; Molecular & Integrative Physiology), plus 6-8 hours of approved electives.

Career pathways

Industry, government, nongovernmental organizations and academia; preparation for professional or graduate school.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year institution with undergraduate coursework in biology, chemistry, physics, calculus and English composition (deficiencies require additional coursework); last 60 credit hours with a B (3.0) or better.

Domestic applicants: USD 20,114 a year (2026-27). Illinois resident rate. Tuition only for new and continuing graduate students, Fall 2026-Spring 2027 at full-time (12 credit hours per term). Non-Illinois U.S. resident tuition for this programme: $37,410. Excludes campus and mandatory fees, health insura Source

International applicants: USD 37,410 a year (2026-27). International rate. Tuition only for new and continuing graduate students, Fall 2026-Spring 2027 at full-time (12 credit hours per term). Excludes campus and mandatory fees, health insurance, housing and other expenses as the source states them separately Source

Not all graduate programmes offer admission in all terms; term availability is set by each programme of study.

Graduate applicants apply online through the Graduate College application; deadlines and term availability are set by each programme. Medicine, law and veterinary medicine applicants apply directly to their colleges.

Apply through the official page: https://grad.illinois.edu/admissions/apply

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