Molecular Genetics Program

Investigate the Science Behind Life

Explore the frontiers of modern experimental biology with Fredonia’s Molecular Genetics program. With a focus on cell biology, biochemistry, and genetics, you’ll gain the critical skills needed to understand how organisms develop and respond to their environments. From cutting-edge lab work to personalized research opportunities, we prepare you for a dynamic future in the biological sciences.

What You'll Gain

Scientific Communication: Develop the ability to communicate complex scientific ideas, analyses, and arguments with clarity.
Biological Foundations: Master essential principles in biological sciences, from molecules to ecosystems, and deepen your understanding of scientific theories and laws.
Experimental Design: Gain expertise in designing and conducting experiments, collecting and analyzing data, and interpreting scientific findings.
Hands-on Experience: Train in state-of-the-art laboratories using the latest instrumentation and techniques in cell and molecular biology.

Career Opportunities for Molecular Genetics

Biochemist
Biotech Patent Attorney
Clinical Research Director
Genetic Counselor
Molecular Biologist

Biotechnology Scientist
Chief Scientific Officer
Forensic Scientist
Medical Science Liaison
Pharmaceutical Researcher

What does a 4-year degree look like?

First Year

Fall Semester

Course	Title	Credits
BIOL 100	Studying For Success	1
BIOL 131	Introductory Ecology and Evolution	3
BIOL 132	Introductory Ecology and Evolution Lab	1
CHEM 115	General Chemistry Lecture I	3
CHEM 125	General Chemistry Lab I	1
MATH 120	Survey of Calculus I	3
FF	Course	3
	TOTAL	15

Spring Semester

Course	Title	Credits
BIOL 133	Introductory Cell and Molecular Biology	3
BIOL 134	Intro. Cell and Molecular Biology Lab	1
CHEM 116	General Chemistry Lecture II	3
CHEM 126	General Chemistry Lab II	1
MATH 121	Survey of Calculus II	3
FF	Course	3
	General Elective	3
	TOTAL	17

Second Year

Fall Semester

Course	Title	Credits
BIOL 237	Genetics	3
BIOL 238	Genetics Lab	1
CHEM 215	Organic Chemistry Lecture I	3
CHEM 225	Organic Chemistry Lab I	1
FF	Course	3
	General Elective	3
	TOTAL	14

Spring Semester

Course	Title	Credits
BIOL 243	Organismal Biology	3
CHEM 216	Organic Chemistry Lecture II	3
CHEM 226	Organic Chemistry Lab II	1
FF	Course	3
FF	Course	3
	General Elective	3
	TOTAL	16

Third Year

Fall Semester

Course	Title	Credits
BIOL 333	Biochemistry	3
BIOL 334	Biochemistry Lab	1
BIOL 380	Cell and Molecular Biology	3
BIOL 381	Cell and Molecular Biology Lab	1
PHYS 121	Physics I	3
PHYS 123	Physics Lab I	1
	General Elective	3
	TOTAL	15

Spring Semester

Course	Title	Credits
BIOL 437	Molecular Genetics Lab	2
PHYS 122	Physics II	3
PHYS 124	Physics Lab II	1
	Biology Major Elective	3
FF	Course	3
	General Elective	3

	TOTAL	15

Fourth Year

Fall Semester

Course	Title	Credits
BIOL 435	Development Biology Lecture and Lab	3
	BIOL Major Elective (300-400 Level)	3
FF	Course	3
	General Elective	3
	General Elective	3
	TOTAL	15

Spring Semester

Course	Title	Credits
BIOL 338	Microbiology	4
BIOL 49*	Senior Capstone	3
	BIOL Major Elective (300-400 Level)	3
	General Elective	3

	TOTAL	13

GRAND TOTAL:

This Sample Degree Map is based on the requirements published in the University Catalog.

What are all the required and elective courses offered to obtain this degree?

View Full Curriculum

BIOL 380 Cell and Molecular Biology

A cell biologist must not only be able to examine structures within a cell, but must understand the underlying molecular processes that govern the formation and regulation of those structures, as well as the interaction of those structures with each other and the environment both inside and outside the cell.

BIOL 435 Developmental Biology

A study of animal development integrating descriptive, experimental, cellular, and molecular studies of gametogenesis, fertilization, cleavage, gastrulation, induction, and maturation. Labs examine development from an historical perspective.

BIOL 437 Molecular Genetics Laboratory

You will learn techniques that biologists use to study and manipulate the physiology, biochemistry, and genetics of a cell at a molecular level. This course is designed to help students build their molecular "toolkit" and teach them how to bring the concepts learned in lecture courses to bear on a research project.

It's Different Here

In-Demand

Molecular Genetics graduates command top salaries and face strong job prospects in this rapidly expanding field.

Health Professions

Students interested in health professions Medicine, Dentistry, Veterinary, Optometry, or Pharmacy often select the Molecular Genetics program.

97%

Placement Rate

Fredonia’s Molecular Genetics graduates are finding success working in science or medicine.

Why Molecular Genetics at Fredonia?

Student working in a lab. Fredonia molecular genetics degree students earn a versatile and sought-after degree.

Tech-Ready

Molecular biologists must understand how to use complex lab equipment, such as cloning kits and DNA synthesizers. Fredonia gives you that opportunity.

student bike riding by science center. The molecular genetics program at Fredonia trains the next generation of scientists.

Primed for Success

The ‘Studying for Success’ course helps students develop time management, organizational and study skills. Required lectures and labs are kept small to ensure students can work closely with their instructors.

Faculty and student talking. The molecular genetics program prepares graduates for great careers in many fields.

Quality Education

Faculty come from world-renowned universities; they teach the same courses at Fredonia taught at those institutions.

Microscope with slide. molecular genetics degrees prepare students for a variety of rewarding jobs and career opportunities.

Biochemists and Biophysicists

Biochemists and biophysicists study the chemical and physical principles of living things and of biological processes.

Average Salary: $107,460 per year
Job Outlook 2023-2033: 9% growth
Typical Entry-Level Education: Doctoral or professional degree

Bureau of Labor Statistics

medical researcher in a lab. molecular genetics jobs like pharmaceutical research can be extremely rewarding.

Medical Scientists

Medical scientists conduct research aimed at improving overall human health.

Average Salary: $100,890 per year
Job Outlook 2023-2033: 11% growth
Typical Entry-Level Education: Doctoral or professional degree

Bureau of Labor Statistics

DNA strand. Students who earn a molecular genetics degree can find great success in a variety of emergent fields.

Genetic Counselor

Genetic counselors assess clients' risk for a variety of inherited conditions, such as birth defects.

Average Salary: $95,770 per year
Job Outlook 2023-2033: 16% growth
Typical Entry-Level Education: Master's degree

Bureau of Labor Statistics

The Science Center at Fredonia. Earning a degree in Molecular genetics leads to a variety of great careers.

Cutting-Edge Facilities

$60 Million Science Center

Experience hands-on learning with $5 million of cutting-edge equipment in our Science Center. As a Biology or Chemistry student, you'll use professional-grade tools in both teaching and research labs.