Molecular and Cell Biology

Explore Your Major

• Visit the MCB website to learn about the five emphases within the MCB major.

• Meet with an MCB Peer advisor to discuss your options and map out a 4-year plan

• Enroll in Freshman Seminars on interesting topics; explore major opportunities and resources.

Connect and Build Community

• Attend the Calapalooza student activities fair and explore student organizations such as MCBUSA and MCBcDNA 

• Form a study group and get tutoring in the Student Learning Center

• Follow MCB on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

Discover Your Passions

• Visit the Office of Undergraduate Research and Scholarships to learn about research opportunities and resources on campus.

• Take L&S1 for an introduction to the College.

• Explore new topics in student-facilitated DeCal courses.

Engage Locally and Globally

• Research study abroad options for MCB students.

• Explore volunteering opportunities on campus and in the berkeley community such as Berkeley Free Clinic or Suitcase Clinic

• Learn about community service with the Public Service Center.

Reflect and Plan Your Future

• Join Handshake to find Berkeley-specific internship opportunities and career development workshops.

• Shadow alumni with the Cal Job Shadow Program

• Visit the Career Counseling Library to explore all of the career options in MCB.

Explore Your Major

• Continue completing lower division requirements.

• Consider a minor or summer minor to complement your MCB major.

• Talk to an MCB staff advisor to review your major requirements and discuss declaring.

Connect and Build Community

• Go to office hours to build relationships withMCB faculty and graduate student instructors.

• Sign up for the MCB newsletter to find out about events happening in the department.

• Connect with a community of biology students in the Biology Scholars Program.

Discover Your Passions

• Learn about the many ways to find research in MCB-related fields.

• Apply to the Undergraduate Research Apprenticeship Program

• Develop skills teaching math and science to K-12 students in the CalTeach Program.

Engage Locally and Globally

• Apply to study abroad programs to fulfill breadth  or major requirements.

• Consider the Alternative Breaks program to go on service-learning trips over school breaks.

• Look into the Career Center’s list of health volunteer opportunities.

Reflect and Plan Your Future

• Meet alumni and learn about their career paths in the Career Connections Networking Series

• Conduct informational interviews to learn more about different career fields

• Attend internship fairs.

Explore Your Major

• Finish lower division requirements for the major and start your emphasis-specific upper division courses

• If still undeclared, visit the MCB website to start the declaration process

• Expand your studies with an enrichment course or elective in another department.

Connect and Build Community

• Give back by becoming an MCB Peer Advisor or tutor at the Student Learning Center

• Get involved with citizen science

• Grow your study groups into communities of support.

• Apply for leadership positions in student organizations.

Discover Your Passions

• Apply to summer research opportunities such as SURF and the Haas Scholars Program

• Apply for fellowships to fund your own research project.

• Talk to your major advisor about the MCB Honors Program.

Engage Locally and Globally

• Apply for NSF Research Experience for Undergraduates at colleges around the country.

• Attend professional association conferences for networking opportunities.

• Explore science and policy in Washington D.C. with UCDC or Cal in the Capital. 

Reflect and Plan Your Future

• Build job search skills and confidence with Berkeley Career Engagement workshops

• Explore post-grad options at career and graduate school fairs

• Ask professors for letters of recommendation.

• Plan for any post-grad exams (GRE, MCAT, etc).

• Update resume and practice interviewing skills.

Explore Your Major

• Check your Academic Progress Report (APR) and meet with an MCB staff advisor and college advisor to ensure you are on track to fulfill all major, college, and campus requirements.

• Finish any remaining major and college requirements. 

• Complete an optional senior honors thesis.

Connect and Build Community

• Connect with faculty and advisors about future career goals and opportunities.

• Present at or attend the MCB Fall Poster Session.

Discover Your Passions

• Facilitate your own DeCal course on a topic you are interested in or passionate about.

• Enroll in non-major courses you haven’t had time to pursue or courses that are outside your comfort zone.

• Talk with professors about research conferences to present at or attend.

Engage Locally and Globally

• Apply for fellowships available to recent Berkeley graduates.

• Explore gap year opportunities prior to embarking on your next academic or career adventure.

Reflect and Plan Your Future

• Update resume and practice interviewing skills.

• Find jobs and internships through the On-Campus Recruiting program.

• Attend Employer Info Sessions and network through the MCB Industry Affiliates Program

• Apply for graduate schools, jobs, and research opportunities.