Molecular & Cellular Biology
Bachelor of Arts

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Quick Facts


Credits Required: 120*
Cost Per Credit: $525.00
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Cellular biologist working with samples in laboratory

Top 3%

Online Bachelor's
Program in the Nation

- U.S. News & World Report, 2025

TOP 25

Public Flagship
University

- U.S. News & World Report, 2024

College of Science
Program Details

Embark on a journey into the fundamental building blocks of life with the University of Arizona Online's Bachelor of Arts in Molecular and Cellular Biology. This comprehensive online program delves into the intricate world of biological molecules, exploring their functions at the cellular level and how genetics governs these processes.

This program will equip you with a profound understanding of this dynamic field's current concepts and challenges. Through engaging online coursework, you'll gain a solid foundation in:

Genetics: Explore the principles of heredity and gene expression, from DNA replication to genetic mutations.

Cellular Biology: Delve into the structure and function of cells, including cell signaling, metabolism, and cell division.

Biotechnology: Discover the innovative applications of molecular and cellular biology in areas such as genetic engineering and drug development.

The Bachelor of Arts in Molecular and Cellular Biology is tailored for students who aspire to apply their biological knowledge in various non-laboratory settings. 

*Residents of some U.S. Territories may not be eligible. Please see our Eligibility & State Authorization page for more information.

Courses

You must complete one of the following math courses: Math 113, Math 122A, Math 122, or Math 125. First-semester calculus is required for engineering, science, and math majors. There are also specific chemistry requirements. You must also take ENGL 308 or ENGL 313.

This class focuses on the origin, diversity, and evolution of life, the physiology of plants, animals, and organ systems, processes of micro and macroevolution, animal behavior, and ecology of populations and communities, emphasizing biotic interactions and biogeography.

Learn the principles that govern the inheritance of all living organisms, including molecular, chromosomal, organismal, population and evolutionary aspects of genetics. Extensive problem-solving required.

You will apply your molecular and cellular biology coursework to real-world scenarios.

This course reviews advances in biomedical research and discusses their ethical, social, and legal implications. An honors section is available (Fall and Spring only).

This course introduces Molecular and Cellular Biology. It covers biological function at the molecular level, focusing on the structure and regulation of genes, the structure, and synthesis of proteins, how these molecules are integrated into cells, and how these cells are integrated into multicellular systems.

Learn about the molecular basis of the structure and function of animal, plant, and prokaryotic cells, emphasizing experimental analysis. An honors section is available. 

This course covers mechanisms of genome replication, genetic recombination, DNA repair, gene expression, and regulation. An honors section is available.

Outcomes

Skills

Earning your Bachelor of Arts in Molecular & Cellular Biology will build core skills, including:

  • Application of scientific reasoning
  • Basic laboratory skills analysis
  • Communication of scientific knowledge
  • Foundational knowledge in online group projects
  • Knowledge & understanding of scientific literature
  • Scientific reasoning skills
  • Written & oral skills

Potential Career Paths

Graduates of the BA in Molecular & Cellular Biology program will be prepared to pursue careers in the following fields: 

  • Molecular biology
  • Cell biology
  • Genetics
  • Bioethics
  • Communicating science
  • Application of Science Reasoning
  • Understanding science literature
  • Analyzing experimental data
  • Working in online teams