What can I do with a degree in MCB?

Students with undergraduate degrees in MCB have many different career options. Here are just a few:

  • Academic Research - laboratory technicians, research assistant/associate,
  • Business and Law - consulting, business finance, administration, management, marketing, science journalism, science writing, patent law
  • Government and Education - public policy, Teach for America, National Institute of Health, tutoring, high school education
  • Graduate School - MA, MS, and PhDs in the bioscience fields, bioengineering
  • Health Professional Programs - medicine, pharmacy, dentistry, optometry, public health
  • Pharmaceutical and Biotech Industries - pharmaceutical sales, scientific equipment sales, research associates
  • Public Service - AmeriCorps, Peace Corps, Health Corps, etc.
  • Technology - project management, software development, IT associates

If you want to see what recent MCB majors have done after graduating from Cal, check out the Career Center's annual Career Destination Survey.

If you are just beginning your career search, we suggest starting the Career Center's Career Field: Sciences-Biological & Physical webpage. This page has many resources including links to career profile guides, professional organizations, and internships/job listings. You can make an appointment with an MCB career specialist at the Career Center.

Medical School and Other Health Professions

About half of MCB students are preparing for acceptance to professional schools such as medical, dental, optometry, or pharmacy school. The MCB major will cover many prereqs for medical school and other health-related professional schools. See the Career Center’s website for recommended prereqs.

Graduate School

Approximately 25% of MCB students continue their education at the graduate level (i.e. Ph.D., MBA., masters programs, etc.). Students who receive a graduate degree can pursue careers as research scientists, teachers, or professors. In addition to excellent academic achievement in appropriate courses and on entrance exams (such as the GRE) graduate study in a biological science generally requires laboratory research experience. Refer to the research section of the website for information on obtaining research experience as an undergraduate. Students planning to pursue a graduate degree are encouraged to take MCB graduate level courses (this requires the approval of the instructor). Talk with your faculty advisor and contact the Career Center for additional graduate school guidance.

Job Postings from the Career Center