Ithaca College

What you'll study

This interdisciplinary programme integrates core topics from chemistry, physics and biology with focused molecular and cellular coursework. You will take foundational courses in organic chemistry, physical chemistry principles relevant to biomolecules, cell and molecular biology, genetics and biophysics, alongside mathematics and statistics for life-science applications. Laboratory experience is a major component: students perform wet-lab experiments, quantitative measurements, microscopy, protein and nucleic acid analysis, and learn contemporary techniques such as chromatography, spectrophotometry and basic molecular cloning methods.

The curriculum typically includes:

• Introductory and advanced molecular biology and genetics
• Organic chemistry and biochemistry with laboratory sequence
• Physical chemistry concepts applied to biological systems (biophysics)
• Cell biology, physiology and laboratory methods
• Biostatistics, data analysis and experimental design
• Capstone project or undergraduate research under faculty supervision
• Electives allowing specialisation in areas such as structural biology, enzymology, computational biology or neuroscience

Entry requirements

Applicants should demonstrate a strong secondary-school preparation in science and mathematics. Typical expectations include successful completion of high-school biology, chemistry and mathematics (including algebra and preferably precalculus). Prior laboratory experience or coursework is advantageous but not always required. Ithaca College evaluates applications holistically, so admissions decisions consider academic record, teacher references, and personal statements or essays that indicate motivation for scientific study. International applicants must meet the college's general requirements for language proficiency.

Career prospects

Graduates with a BBMB degree have a wide range of career options. Many enter the workforce as research technicians, laboratory analysts or quality-control specialists in biotechnology, pharmaceutical, environmental and food industries. The degree also provides strong preparation for graduate study (MSc/PhD) in molecular biology, biochemistry, biophysics and related fields, as well as professional programmes such as medicine, dentistry and pharmacy. Other common pathways include roles in clinical research coordination, regulatory affairs, science writing and communication, patent law (with additional legal training) and teaching.

Why study at Ithaca College

Ithaca College offers a liberal-arts environment with small class sizes and close faculty mentoring, which is particularly beneficial for laboratory-based training and independent research. The programme emphasises hands-on learning and accessible opportunities to participate in faculty-led research projects and summer internships. Located in a region with an active academic and biotech community, students can build collaborative links and access extracurricular resources that complement formal coursework. The college’s approach balances technical training with communication and critical-thinking skills that employers and graduate programmes value.