This program studies life processes occurring at the molecular level. You will examine biological molecules, structures, and reactions, and learn how biological molecules interact to form cells and organisms. This knowledge prepares students for various careers and continued post-graduate education leading to higher degrees for working in academic, healthcare professions or industry.
Within six months of graduation, nearly 99% of Wheaton’s Class of 2021 found work in their field or continued their education.
The majority of Wheaton's BHS/Chemistry majors attend graduate, medical, dental, veterinary, or nursing school within 10 years.
Small class sizes mean individualized attention and greater access to faculty.
You can reach us anytime via admissions@wheaton.edu.
Molecular Biology is a major in the Biological and Health Sciences department. Studying molecular biology will train you to read, write, produce, and speak about molecular science. You will learn from faculty members who have a wide range of research interests in their fields. With this firm foundation, you will be well-positioned to pursue employment or graduate studies in a range of specialties.
Learn from caring, accomplished faculty members with expertise in areas such as cell biology, microbiology, molecular mechanisms, genetics, protein biochemistry, membrane biophysics, and cardiovascular physiology.
The Meyer Science Center is home to state-of-the-art labs and learning spaces filled with modern equipment and instrumentation including fluorescence microscopy, gel imaging systems, RT-PCR, HPLC chromatography, mammalian tissue culture, mass spectrometry, and UV/VIS, NMR and IR spectroscopies.
Studying molecular biology at Wheaton opens you up to many immersive learning experiences, from collaborative research projects with faculty mentors and internships to mission-driven service work around Chicagoland and abroad.
Interdisciplinary learning is a way of life at Wheaton. Aside from your work within your chosen major, you can enrich your educational experience and connect with peers and professors across campus (and beyond) in many ways.
A major in molecular biology coupled with additional liberal arts courses in Wheaton's innovative Christ at the Core general education curriculum will equip you to form a Christian worldview, engage with current issues, and live as a witness for Christ in your places of influence.
More About Christ at the CoreWheaton BHS students are well-prepared for further professional training to ultimately pursue careers as practitioners, researchers, and educators. Many graduates head right into the workforce, landing roles in a variety of industries.
You can get a job. Examples include:
You can pursue an advanced degree that will lead to careers such as
Kristen Page, Ph.D. - Ruth Kraft Strohschein Distinguished Chair; Professor of BiologyDr. Kristen Page's research focuses on the raccoon roundworm Baylisascaris procyonis, how it is transmitted, and how its presence can be decreased in public areas such as forest preserves and green spaces. She often consults with wildlife officials on development and use of mitigation strategies.
If you want to dig deeper in this area of study, here are some additional resources to explore.
Visit the Department of Biological and Health Sciences website for more information about majors, minors, faculty, facilities, and more.
View the Wheaton College catalog for specific degree requirements and course descriptions.
Interested in studying molecular biology at Wheaton? Request more information or start your application today.