It’s been five years since we first spoke with three molecular & cellular biology majors about their professional goals. They shared with us both their short- and long-term goals, as well as how Rowan prepares them to achieve those goals. Now young professionals embarking on their careers, let’s see where they are today.
An Overview of What You Can Do with a Molecular & Cellular Biology Degree
Graduates with an MCB degree have a lot of options. Many choose to work in healthcare, biotechnology, or pharmaceuticals, while others continue on to graduate or professional programs in medicine, veterinary science or dentistry.
Here are just a few career paths you could take with this degree:
- Research Scientist – Conduct experiments to explore disease mechanisms, drug development or gene therapies.
- Biotech/Pharmaceutical Lab Technician – Work in product development, quality control or regulatory compliance.
- Clinical Research Coordinator – Manage clinical trials that test new treatments or medications.
- Forensic Scientist – Use biological evidence to help solve crimes.
- Genetic Counselor – Work with families to understand inherited conditions (additional grad study often required).
- Science Communicator – Translate complex research into content for healthcare organizations, education platforms or media outlets.
Many students also use this degree as a stepping stone to medical, dental or veterinary school, thanks to its strong foundation in anatomy, genetics and disease biology.
Lauren S.
2026, Lauren S. Today
In January 2026, Lauren celebrated a promotion to histology technologist at Inspira Medical Center, Vineland Laboratory. She secured this role after serving as a histology laboratory assistant for just under a year and earning a certificate of histotechnology from the University of North Dakota December 2025.
After her 2022 graduation with a BS in molecular and cellular biology and a minor in chemistry, Lauren pursued an MS in pharmaceutical sciences from Rowan University. During graduate school gained additional experience through a part-time job as a COVID-19 wastewater testing specialist, as well as a second position as a graduate-level genetics research assistant.
2021, Lauren’s Goals as an Undergraduate Student
“My short-term professional goals include securing an internship as a research assistant and going to a graduate school with an accredited genetic counseling program. My long-term dream goal is to either become a certified genetics counselor or work in the field of gene therapy. I am learning a lot concerning my desired future field of work through classes such as molecular genetics, school research opportunities, and clubs such as Women Inspiring the Next Generation of Scientists (WINGS). This degree with provide me with the fundamental tools and information necessary to jump start my career in the field of molecular biology,” says junior Lauren S., from Gloucester County, NJ.
Esteban D.
2026, Esteban Today
A Temple University Ph.D. candidate studying vascular biology, Esteban’s focus today is on advancing his research skills and growing his body of published work. Under principal investigator Xiaolei Liu, Ph.D. within the Lemole Center for Integrated Lymphatics Research, he researches the lymphatic system in health and disease.
A major area of the lab’s work explores how the lymphatic system responds to cardiovascular conditions such as ischemic heart disease, which occurs when blood flow to the heart is reduced. By uncovering the signals and pathways that guide lymphatic vessel growth, the team aims to better understand how this system supports heart health—and how it can be harnessed to treat lymphatic-related diseases in the future.
2021, Esteban’s Goals as an Undergraduate Student
“My short-term professional goals include going to a graduate school for molecular and cellular biology and trying out new areas of research. Long-term goals include building up my research experience and confidence by working for different companies or universities. In addition, to eventually try and go back to school to keep expanding my knowledge and grasp with biological concepts. I am currently doing research with a professor in the molecular and cellular biology department as well as applying for a 5-year accelerated master’s program for molecular and cellular biology that is offered here at Rowan. This degree is providing me with a quality education on biological concepts that will increase my knowledge, and help me with my research journey,” says Esteban D., a junior from Atlantic County, NJ.
Lauren C.
2026, Lauren C. Today
Lauren continued her education, earning a BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing) two years after earning her BS in molecular and cellular biology. She is now a registered nurse with Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center, a job she secured immediately after earning her credentials and has now held for about a year. Lauren had previous healthcare experience, as she worked part-time during her undergraduate years as a certified nursing assistant at United Methodist Communities.
2021, Lauren’s Goals as an Undergraduate Student
“My short-term goal is to graduate with a 3.5 and gain healthcare experience. My long-term goal is to work in the orthopedic field as a PA [physician’s assistant.] I am preparing to reach these goals by studying the content I acquired in class every day. I also speak with professionals in the healthcare field about the steps to take. My degree will help me in Physician Assistant school because I have already acquired a lot of knowledge about the body and its functions,” says Lauren C., a sophomore from Sussex County, NJ.
Why Rowan?
At Rowan University, our molecular & cellular biology program combines a rigorous academic curriculum with hands-on learning experiences that prepare students for today’s fast-moving life sciences industry. But what really makes Rowan stand out is its tight-knit community and access to real research opportunities even as an undergrad.
From working with cutting-edge technology such as CRISPR gene editing and high-throughput sequencing to studying infectious diseases and cancer biology, students here aren’t just learning about breakthroughs—they’re part of them.
Rowan’s collaborative research labs and opportunities to co-author published studies give students valuable, real-world experience. Our course offerings cover everything from molecular genetics to regenerative medicine, and students have access to faculty mentors who genuinely care about helping them succeed.
Plus, with student organizations like the Biology Club and opportunities for internships and on-campus research assistantships, it’s easy to get involved, build connections, and start shaping your future in science.
About Rowan University
The fastest-growing public research institution in the Northeast and among the country’s top 10 fastest-growing, Rowan University is home to a thriving multidisciplinary environment with a strong emphasis on practical research at the intersection of health care, engineering, science and business. Carnegie-classified as an R2 (high research activity) institution and operating at R1 (very high research activity), the University partners with industry, government and nonprofit organizations in New Jersey and beyond to drive innovation, while developing the future workforce. Students are essential contributors, presenting at national conferences, sharing credit in professional publications and earning recognition for their work. Selected entrepreneurs receive support through the Rowan Innovation Venture Fund. Rowan’s partnerships with Virtua Health, Cooper University Health Care and all major health care systems in southern New Jersey distinguish the region as a hub for health care research and education. Rowan is also a key partner with the New Jersey Economic Development Authority in two strategic innovation centers focused on medical technology.
Story by: Stephanie Batista, sophomore Music Industry major
Header: Image by Arek Socha from Pixabay