Harvey Mudd College

What you'll study

The BBMB major at Harvey Mudd College blends core molecular and cellular biology with deep quantitative training. You will study fundamental subjects such as general and organic chemistry, physical chemistry, calculus and physics alongside biology courses in molecular biology, cell biology and genetics. Key modules typically include introductory and advanced biochemistry, molecular genetics, biophysical methods, structural biology, and laboratory courses that emphasise technique, experimental design and data analysis.

Laboratory work is central to the programme: students gain practical experience in molecular cloning, protein purification and characterisation, microscopy, spectroscopy and electrophoresis. Computational and quantitative components cover statistics, mathematical modelling of biological systems, and introductory bioinformatics, giving students tools for analysing large datasets and applying computational methods to molecular problems.

The curriculum culminates in an independent senior research project or thesis supervised by faculty, where students design experiments, carry out sustained laboratory work, and present their findings. In addition to disciplinary courses, students complete Harvey Mudd's core curriculum in the humanities and social sciences, fostering communication skills and ethical reflection relevant to scientific practice.

Entry requirements

Successful applicants demonstrate strong achievement in high school science and mathematics. Typical preparation includes coursework in chemistry (through at least introductory or advanced chemistry), biology, physics and mathematics (including pre‑calculus and preferably calculus). Schools look for evidence of quantitative ability, laboratory experience where available, and a capacity for sustained, independent work.

Admission is holistic: academic record and teacher recommendations, a personal statement that reflects genuine interest in scientific inquiry and problem solving, and extracurricular engagement such as research internships, science clubs or independent projects all strengthen an application. Applicants are expected to be prepared for a curriculum with rigorous coursework in both laboratory and quantitative subjects.

Career prospects

Graduates of the BBMB programme enter a wide range of careers. Many pursue postgraduate study, including PhD programmes in molecular biology, biochemistry, biophysics or related fields, and professional degrees such as MD. The strong quantitative and laboratory training also prepares students for roles in biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies as research associates, laboratory scientists, process development technicians, and quality control or regulatory affairs specialists.

Other common paths include computational biology and bioinformatics positions that draw on the programme's data analysis training, patent and intellectual property careers for those who combine science with law, science policy and consulting, and teaching at secondary or post‑secondary levels. The combination of experimental skills, quantitative literacy and communication training gives graduates flexibility across industry, academia and public sector roles.

Why study at Harvey Mudd College

Harvey Mudd offers a distinctly undergraduate‑focused environment with small class sizes and close faculty mentorship, enabling students to begin meaningful research early in their studies. The college's emphasis on integrating quantitative foundations with laboratory biology complements the BBMB major, producing graduates who are comfortable at the interface of experimental and computational approaches.

Students also benefit from being part of the Claremont Colleges consortium, which expands course options, facilities and collaborative opportunities across institutions. State‑of‑the‑art teaching laboratories, access to shared instrumentation, robust career services and an active culture of interdisciplinary projects make Harvey Mudd a strong choice for students seeking a rigorous, research‑oriented undergraduate education in molecular life sciences.