College of Veterinary Medicine > Education > Undergraduate > Genetics and Cell Biology

Bachelor of Science in Genetics and Cell Biology

Genetics and cell biology students study the science of heredity and the structure and function of living cells.

Our majors prepare for many careers in the life sciences, including technical positions in pharmaceutical, food, and biotechnology industries; private or governmental laboratories; and nonprofit institutions, such as clinical and hospital laboratories or institutes that focus on research.

Graduates can also pursue professional degrees in human medicine, dentistry, veterinary science, and other fields. Advanced degrees can lead to work teaching at the college level or conducting basic or applied research in the government, higher education, or private industry.

Undergraduate degree quick links

Specializations

  • Molecular Biology focuses on the fundamental mechanisms of living cells through approaches from chemistry, physics, and biology.
STARS student in lab

STARS

Students Targeted toward Advanced Research Studies

  • Earn an Bachelor of Science in as little as 3 years.
  • Earn an accelerated PhD degree in as little as 7 years.
Learn more about our accelerated degree program

“I took a Cellular Biology and Genetics class at my community college and I had learned that genetics in particular was a very new field. I also loved learning about how genes make up a person and I wanted to learn more about them.

Francesca Tedeschi, genetics and cell biology student

Career

With a Genetics and Cell Biology degree, you can work in:  

  • Biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries 
  • Agricultural and food industries 
  • Private or governmental laboratories 
  • Research and development 

Tuition and financial resources

We know financial planning is important. Learn about estimated annual cost of attendance for resident and nonresident students, and available financial aid and scholarships.

If you’re a current undergraduate student, log in to the college’s internal web to see additional available college scholarships and financial resources.

Undergraduate stories

View all undergraduate stories

About the school

The School of Molecular Biosciences offers undergraduate through postdoctoral education in biochemistry, genetics and cell biology, and microbiology. Beginning their first year, students have the opportunity to work with leading faculty to gain hands-on research experience.

Questions about the Genetics and Cell Biology degree program? Email smbugrad@vetmed.wsu.edu

June morning Kamiak butte

Tours & Visits

Pullman is located in the Palouse region of the Inland Northwest, homelands of the Nimíipuu (Nez Perce) Tribe and Palus people. The Palouse has one of the most beautiful and unique landscapes in the world. Rolling hills and wide-open skies give the region its distinctive appeal.

Residents enjoy outdoor activities and the benefits of small town living with the cultural richness of bigger city life.

Tours & Visits
Visit Pullman

Notice of Nondiscrimination – WSU does not discriminate and prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex, race, color, national origin, disability, age, religion, creed, genetic information, marital status, protected veteran/military status, or immigration or citizenship status in any education program or activity that it operates complaint with Title IX and other civil rights laws and regulations. Inquiries regarding Title IX, ADA, or other civil rights laws, as well as reports of discrimination can be directed to the Compliance and Civil Rights, WSU ADA Coordinator, or WSU Title IX Coordinator. More information on WSU’s policies and procedures to respond to discrimination and harassment are available here: Nondiscrimination statement.