Computer Science + Education: Secondary Education

Major Description

The Bachelor of Science (BS) in Computer Science+ Education with a concentration in Secondary Education is the only program of its kind in the state of Illinois. This program is sponsored by the Department of Curriculum & Instruction and the Siebel School of Computing and Data Science. This program provides computer science and education curriculum, preparing you to obtain a Professional Educator License (PEL) to teach grades 5-12.

More About CS + Education

Degree Requirements

ICT Requirements

Concentration

The Secondary Education concentration provides the coursework and field experience for students to be licensed to teach computer science in grades 5-12, providing them with the knowledge necessary to teach and develop computer science curricula.

Courses That Introduce the Major

EDUC 201—Identity and Difference in Education
EDUC 202—Social Justice, School & Society
EPSY 201—Educational Psychology
CS 124 – Intro to Computer Science I
CS 128 – Intro to Computer Science II
MATH 220/221 – Calculus/Calculus I

Students should consult with an academic advisor regarding course selection prior to the advanced registration period.

Possible Career Opportunities

The CS+ Education program prepares future educators, researchers, leaders, and passionate advocates. Graduates will be prepared for careers in a range of settings, including K-12 education, higher education, technology and software companies, government agencies, and research organizations.

Common Career Skills

Teaching/Pedagogy
Educational Assessment
Classroom Management
Communication
Technology Skills
Analytical Skills
Equity & Inclusion
Critical Thinking
Problem-Solving
Creativity
Adaptability
Teamwork & Collaboration
Organization
Professionalism
Initiative
Leadership

Common Career Titles

Middle School Teacher
High School Teacher
Curriculum Specialist
Game and Simulation Designer
Educational Software Developer
User Interface and Experience Designer
Mobile Application Developer
Educational Technology Consultant
Technology Specialist
Data Analyst
Education Administrator

Some careers may require education beyond an undergraduate degree.

Enhancing Your Academic Experience

Participating in undergraduate research
Applying for a study abroad experience
Utilizing resources of The Career Center
Joining a Registered Student Organization (RSO) related to this major, such as:
- Association for Computing Machinery: The university’s largest computer science organization, with
  diverse interests and a strong student and alumni network.
- Epsilon Delta: A professional teaching fraternity for undergraduate students who are preparing for
  careers in education.
- Leaders in Secondary Education: A student-led organization for aspiring high school students with opportunities for professional development, networking, and community building.

Further Information

There are several professional organizations dedicated to Computer Science and Education. Their websites might be able to provide a glimpse in the world of computer science and education. These organizations include National Education Association, American Federation of Teachers, and Association for Computing Machinery.

Mathematics

Major Description

Mathematics is a tool essential to many other scientific disciplines and careers. Applications are necessary in engineering, the biological and social sciences, economics, and computer science in addition to the more traditional physical sciences. Mathematics is a broad discipline that contains a range of areas of specialization. Mathematics is designed to enable students to conduct research in fundamental mathematics or to apply mathematical techniques to solve problems within various fields.

More About Mathematics

Degree Requirements

ICT Requirements

Concentrations

Mathematics offers five possible concentrations to choose from.

Mathematics

The most flexible concentration, allowing students to explore the areas that interest them.

Math Doctoral Preparation

Intended for students interested in pursuing a PhD in Mathematics.

Applied Mathematics

Designed for students interested in coursework relevant to engineering/scientific applications of mathematics.

Data Optimization

Intended for students interested in statistics, optimization, logistics, and analysis of business data.

Mathematics Teaching

For students planning to complete the Teacher Education Minor in Secondary School Teaching to teach mathematics in grades 9-12.

Courses That Introduce the Major

MATH 220 (or 221), 231, 241—Calculus Sequence
MATH 347—Fundamental Mathematics

Students should consult with an academic advisor regarding course selection prior to the advanced registration period.

Possible Career Opportunities

Government and industry need skilled mathematicians for work in operations research, numerical analysis, computer systems market research and commercial surveys. Jobs related to statistics, computer science, actuarial work, economics and engineering hold possibilities, especially if the student has a minor in one of these areas. The employment opportunities are best for graduates with advanced degrees in applied mathematics.

Common Career Skills

Ability to analyze & interpret data
Advanced quantitative skills
Computer literacy
Critical thinking
Efficient
Logical thinking
Numerical computation
Organizational skills
Problem solving
Systemizing skills
Team skills
Testing skills

Common Career Titles

Actuary Estimator
Bank Examiner
Budget Analyst
Claims Adjuster
Commodities Trader
Computer Programmer
Cryptologist
Engineering Analyst
Financial Planner
Information Scientist
Insurance Agent or Broker
International Trade Specialist
Investment Analyst
Investment Researcher
IRS Investigator
Market Research Analyst Trust Analyst
Mathematical Technician
Mathematician
Numerical Analyst
Operations Research Analyst
Purchasing Agent or Buyer
Psychometrist
Quality Control Analyst
Securities Broker
Statistician
Technical Writer
Underwriter

Some careers may require education beyond an undergraduate degree.

Enhancing Your Academic Experience

Participating in undergraduate research. See math specific opportunities.
Applying for a study abroad experience
Utilizing resources of The Career Center
Joining a Registered Student Organization (RSO) related to this major, such as:
- Mathematical Advancement Through Research and Idea eXchange (MATRIX): Social activities, game nights, math talks.
- uAWM: Undergraduate Association for Women in Mathematics, which is open to students of ALL genders with a particular eye to supporting women and genders less-traditionally represented in math.
- Undergraduate Friday Seminars
- Society for Industrial and Applied Mathematics: Aims to advance the application of mathematics and computational science to engineering, industry, science and society. Locally, the chapter seeks to build a community of members interested in the intersection of mathematics, computing, engineering, and science.

Further Information

There are several professional organizations dedicated to Mathematics. Their websites might be able to provide a glimpse in the world of Mathematics. These organizations include American Mathematical Society, M athematical Association of America, and Association for Women in Mathematics.

Statistics & Computer Science

Major Description

Statistics and Computer Science is divided equally between the two areas. The first two years are spent on basic work in mathematics and general education, and an introduction to the fundamental areas of computer science: programming, theory of computation, the architecture of digital computers, and numerical analysis. The third year completes the work in basic computer science and statistics, and requires electives to broaden the background of the student. During the fourth year, each student is encouraged to obtain a deeper understanding of topics in which the student has particular interest.

More About Statistics & CS

Degree Requirements

ICT Requirements

What is the difference between Statistics & Computer Science and Statistics?

Statistics and Computer Science is sponsored jointly by the Department of Statistics and the Department of Computer Science. The major is designed for students who desire a strong foundation in computer science, coupled with significant advanced coursework in statistics. The major prepares students for professional or graduate work in statistics and computer science, and for applications of computing in which knowledge of statistics is particularly important, such as data mining and machine learning.

Statistics is designed to provide students with an understanding of the concepts of statistical inference and a familiarity with the methods of applied statistical analysis, preparing students for a career in business, industry, or government, and for further graduate study in statistics or in a related area.

Courses That Introduce the Major

CS 124—Intro to Computer Science 1
CS 128—Intro to Computer Science 2
MATH 220 (or 221), 231, 241—Calculus sequence
STAT 100 or 200—Statistics

Students should consult with an academic advisor regarding course selection prior to the advanced registration period.

Possible Career Opportunities

The major prepares students for professional or graduate work in statistics and computer science, and for applications of computing in which knowledge of statistics is particularly important, such as data mining and machine learning.

Common Career Skills

Ability to analyze & interpret data
Advanced quantitative skills
Computer literacy
Critical thinking
Efficient
Logical thinking
Numerical computation
Organizational skills
Problem solving
Systemizing skills
Team skills
Testing skills

Common Career Titles

Actuary Estimator
Bank Examiner
Claims Adjuster
Computer Programmer
Cryptologist
Financial Planner
Information Scientist
Insurance Agent/Broker
Investment Analyst
Investment Researcher
Mathematical Technician
Mathematician
Numerical Analyst
Operations Research Analyst
Purchasing Agent/Buyer
Statistician
Technical Writer
Underwriter

Some careers may require education beyond an undergraduate degree.

Enhancing Your Academic Experience

Participating in undergraduate research
Applying for a study abroad experience
Utilizing resources of The Career Center
Joining a Registered Student Organization (RSO) related to this major, such as:
- Illini Statistics Club: promotes students who have interests in statistics and a future career in the field of statistical applications.
- iRobotics: A community of students interested in competing in CARD and other robotics competitions, as well as spreading the word of science and technology to the community.
- Women in Computer Science: Dedicated to creating a comfortable environment for everybody who studies and does research in computer science.

Further Information

There are several professional organizations dedicated to Statistics and Computer Science. Their websites might be able to provide a glimpse in the world of Statistics and Computer Science. These organizations include American Statistical Society, Association for Computing Machinery, Assocation for Women in Computing, IEEE Computer Society and Institute of Mathematical Statisticians.

Statistics

Major Description

Statistics is the science of modeling, summarizing, and analyzing data, and of using mathematics and computing tools to make predictions and decisions in the face of uncertainty. Statistical ideas are applicable in any area involving quantitative measurement and in almost every area of scholarly pursuit.

More About Statistics

Degree Requirements

ICT Requirements

What is the difference between Statistics and Statistics & Computer Science?

Courses That Introduce the Major

MATH 220 (221), 231, and 241—Calculus sequence
STAT 200—Statistical Analysis

Students should consult with an academic advisor regarding course selection prior to the advanced registration period.

Possible Career Opportunities

The world is becoming more and more quantitative and data focused. Many professions depend on numerical measurements to make decisions in the face of uncertainty. Statisticians use quantitative abilities, statistical knowledge, and communication skills to work on many challenging problems.

Common Career Skills

Ability to analyze and interpret data
Ability to design experiments
Advanced quantitative skills
Advising skills
Computer literacy
Critical thinking
Evaluating theoretical models
Logical thinking
Numerical computation
Organizational skills
Problem Solving
Systemizing skills
Teamwork skills
Verbal and written communication skills

Common Career Titles

Business Analyst
Data Analyst
Economist
Environmental Scientist
Investigator
Manager
Mathematician
Pharmaceutical Engineer
Professor
Project Manager
Quality Analyst
Researcher
Risk Analyst
Software Engineer

Some careers may require education beyond an undergraduate degree.

Enhancing Your Academic Experience

Participating in undergraduate research
Applying for a study abroad experience
Utilizing resources of The Career Center
Joining a Registered Student Organization (RSO) related to this major, such as:
- Illini Statistics Club: promotes students who have interests in statistics and a future career in the field of statistical applications.

Further Information

There are several professional organizations dedicated to Statistics. Their websites might be able to provide a glimpse in the world of Statistics. These organizations include American Statistical Society and Institute of Mathematical Statisticians.

Philosophy

Major Description

Philosophy focuses on the “nature of being,” knowledge, and contemplating right and wrong in moral issues. It is the oldest, broadest, and most fundamental form of inquiry. Philosophy trains students to become disciplined and imaginative and how to reason through both profound and mundane questions. Some philosophical questions have to do with the understanding of ourselves and whatever else there may be. Others concern the nature of different forms of knowledge and experience or ethical issues and problems of value. The study of philosophy is one of the most important elements in a good liberal education. Philosophical training is also very useful in that it improves one’s ability to think clearly and to construct, analyze, and criticize arguments of any kind.

More About Philosophy

Degree Requirements

ICT Requirements

Courses That Introduce the Major

PHIL 100/101—Introduction to Philosophy
PHIL 102/103—Logic and Reasoning
PHIL 104/105—Introduction to Ethics
Students are also encouraged to take other 100- and 200-level PHIL courses of interest, any one of which can serve as an introduction to the major

Students should consult with an academic advisor regarding course selection prior to the advanced registration period.

Possible Career Opportunities

There are many career possibilities available to students who choose to major in Philosophy.

Common Career Skills

Analytic writing skills
Close, extensive reading
Curiosity
Debating skills
Decision making
Deductive reasoning
Objectivity
Open-mindedness
Oratory skills
Problem solving
Self-discipline
Statistical reasoning
Theory development
Work independently

Common Career Titles

Arts Consultant
Associate Pastor
Author
Business Administrator
Campus Minister
Campus Religious Coordin
Chaplain
Church Camp Director
Consultant
Counselor
Diplomat
Director of Religious Education
Fund-raiser
Guidance Counselor
Hospital Administrator
Journalist
Lawyer
Lobbyist
Management Analyst
Minister/Youth Minister
Missionary
Pastor
Psychologist
Public Policy Manager
Public Service Official
Religious Researcher
Seminary Administrator
Social Worker
YMCA/YWCA Worker

Some careers may require education beyond an undergraduate degree.

Enhancing Your Academic Experience

Participating in undergraduate research
Applying for a study abroad experience
Utilizing resources of The Career Center and LAS Career Services
Joining a Registered Student Organization (RSO) related to this major, such as:
- Phi Sigma Tau Philosophy Club: recognized interest and achievement in philosophy.

Further Information

Consult the American Philosophical Association‘s undergraduate guide to philosophy to learn about philosophy’s subfields and uses, as well as about the typical undergraduate philosophy curriculum.

Molecular & Cellular Biology

Major Description

Molecular and Cellular Biology (MCB) is the study of living organisms through the understanding of basic molecular and cellular structure and function as well as the metabolic, genetic and physiological processes common to all organisms. The MCB major offers courses taught by faculty and instructors in the School of MCB, which is comprised of the departments of biochemistry, cell and developmental biology, microbiology, and molecular and integrative physiology. MCB courses explore both common and unique aspects of living organisms; how cells are organized to carry out functions that enable them to grow and replicate; how cells and organisms respond to each other and their environment; how cells communicate signals and regulate gene expression; and how these processes go awry during injury, infection or genetic diseases. The MCB curriculum imparts not only basic principles of modern biology, but also fundamental analytical, critical-thinking, and communication skills necessary for a successful scientific career.

More About MCB

Degree Requirements

ICT Requirements

How does Molecular and Cellular Biology differ from Integrative Biology?

Those interested in conservation biology or the evolution of disease, for example, will find a good match in Integrative Biology, while those interested in the detailed workings of the human immune system or structure-function relationships in proteins will likely find more relevant courses in Molecular & Cellular Biology. Students should note which aspects of biology interest them as they take the shared introductory courses to distinguish which option will be the best fit.

Molecular & Cellular Biology

Molecular & Cellular Biology is focused on the fundamental structures, functions and mechanisms of living organisms. The MCB major provides students with a solid foundation in areas that include molecular genetics, microbiology, cell biology, developmental biology, biochemistry, physiology, and structural biology.

Integrative Biology

Integrative Biology seeks to discover the complex interrelationships between organisms and the physical and biological environment in which they live. The IB major provides students with a solid foundation in areas that include anatomy, behavior, ecology, evolution, genetics, genomics and physiology.

Courses That Introduce the Major

MCB 150—Molecular and Cellular Basis of Life

Students should consult with an academic advisor regarding course selection prior to the advanced registration period.

Possible Career Opportunities

MCB is designed to prepare students for a wide spectrum of career opportunities including medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, research scientist, biotechnology and pharmaceuticals, genetic counseling, forensic science, bioinformatics and computational biology, and graduate school training.

Common Career Skills

Analytical & quantitative abilities
Biology theory & practical knowledge
Curiosity and creativity
Experimental Design
Ability to work as part of a team (or Teamwork)
Information handling & organization
Innovative talents
Interpretation of scientific literature
Operate scientific equipment
Oral & written communication
Problem solving
Statistical awareness
Collaboration
Technical skills

Common Career Titles

Biological Consultant
Biological Photographer
Biological or Medical Illustrator
Cell Culture Operator
Crime Lab Technician
Cytotechnologist
Dentist
Doctor
Emergency Medical Technician
Food and Drug Inspector
Forensic Scientist
Genetic Counselor
Industrial Hygienist
Laboratory Technician
Lawyer
Meat and Poultry Food Inspector
Medical Records Administrator
Medical Technologist
Medical Writer
Museum Educational Staff Member
Pathologist
Pharmacist
Physician’s Assistant
Professor
Prosthesis-Maker
Public Relations
Radiology Technician
Sales Representative
Science Librarian
Teacher
University Research Assistant
Water Quality Controller
Veterinarian

Some careers may require education beyond an undergraduate degree.

Enhancing Your Academic Experience

Participating in Undergraduate Research in MCB
Applying for a study abroad experience
Utilizing resources of The Career Center
Joining a Registered Student Organization (RSO) related to this major

Further Information

There are several professional organizations dedicated to Molecular and Cellular Biology. Their websites might be able to provide a glimpse in the world of Molecular and Cellular Biology. These organizations include American Association for the Advancement of Science, American Institute of Biological Sciences, American Society for Cell Biology, American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, American Physiological Society Society for Neuroscience, and American Society for Microbiology.

Mathematics & Computer Science

Major Description

In Mathematics and Computer Science, the first two years are spent on basic work in mathematics and general education, and an introduction to the fundamental areas of computer science: programming, theory of computation, the architecture of digital computers, and numerical analysis. The third year completes the work in basic computer science and mathematics and requires electives to broaden the background of the student. During the fourth year, each student is encouraged to obtain a deeper understanding of topics in which the student has particular interest.

What is the difference between Mathematics & Computer Science and Mathematics?

Mathematics is designed to enable students to conduct research in fundamental mathematics or to apply mathematical techniques to solve problems within various fields.
Mathematics and Computer Science is sponsored jointly by the Department of Mathematics and the Department of Computer Science. The major is designed for students who desire a strong foundation in computer science, coupled with significant advanced coursework in mathematics. The major prepares students for professional or graduate work in mathematics and computer science.

More About Mathematics & CS

Degree Requirements

ICT Requirements

Courses That Introduce the Major

CS 124—Intro to Computer Science 1
CS 128—Intro to Computer Science 2
MATH 220 (or 221), 231, 241—Calculus Sequence
MATH 347—Fundamental Mathematics

Students should consult with an academic advisor regarding course selection prior to the advanced registration period.

Possible Career Opportunities

Mathematics and Computer Science can lead to many different career options.

Common Career Skills

Ability to analyze & interpret data
Advanced quantitative skills
Computer literacy
Critical thinking
Efficient
Logical thinking
Numerical computation
Organizational skills
Problem solving
Systemizing skills
Team skills
Testing skills

Common Career Titles

Actuary Estimator
Bank Examiner
Budget Analyst
Claims Adjuster
Computer Programmer
Cryptologist
Financial Planner
Information Scientist
Insurance Agent/Broker
Investment Analyst
Investment Researcher
Mathematical Technician
Mathematician
Numerical Analyst
Operations Research Analyst
Purchasing Agent/Buyer
Statistician
Technical Writer
Underwriter

Some careers may require education beyond an undergraduate degree.

Enhancing Your Academic Experience

Participating in undergraduate research
Applying for a study abroad experience
Utilizing resources of The Career Center
Joining a Registered Student Organization (RSO) related to this major, such as:
- Mathematical Advancement Through Research and Idea eXchange (MATRIX): fosters student-faculty relationships within the Math Department and educates students on research possibilities in the field of math.
- Women in Computer Science: Dedicated to creating a comfortable environment for everybody who studies and does research in computer science.

Further Information

There are several professional organizations dedicated to Mathematics and Computer Science. Their websites might be able to provide a glimpse in the world of Mathematics and Computer Science. These organizations include American Mathematical Society, Association for the Advancement of Artificial Intelligence, Association for Computing Machinery, Association for Women in Computing, Association for Women in Mathematics and IEEE Computer Society.

Linguistics & Teaching English as a Second Language

Major Description

The BA degree in Linguistics + TESL prepares undergraduates to teach English as an additional language in private and boarding schools in the US and in international, public, and private schools outside the US, as well as work in international English language teaching, publishing, and testing companies and organizations. Linguistics + TESL majors interested in seeking a graduate degree will have relevant training and coursework to prepare them for master and PhD degrees in a wide range of disciplines related to linguistics, education, and psychology.

More About Linguistics + TESL

Degree Requirements

ICT Requirements

Courses That Introduce the Major

LING 100 – Introduction to Language Science
LING 222 – Language in Globalization
LING 250 – American Voices: Linguistic Diversity in the U.S.

Students should consult with an academic advisor regarding course selection prior to the advanced registration period.

Possible Career Opportunities

Graduates go on to teach English as an additional language in private and boarding schools in the US and in international, public, and private schools outside the US, as well as work in international English language teaching, publishing, and testing companies and organizations.

Common Career Skills

Critical Thinking
Patience
Communication
Organization
Imaginative Thinking
Leadership
Teamwork
Time Management
Course Planning

Common Career Titles

ESL Teacher
TESOL Teacher
Instructor of Adult English Language Learners

Some careers may require education beyond an undergraduate degree.

Enhancing Your Academic Experience

Participating in undergraduate research
Applying for a study abroad experience
Utilizing resources of The Career Center
Joining a Registered Student Organization (RSO) related to this major, such as:
- League of Linguists: We are the undergraduate linguistics student organization at UIUC. Our mission is to stimulate social interaction and academic enrichment throughout the Department of Linguistics. We hold fundraisers, weekly meetings, and various academic and social events in order to promote the study of language as a science, a hobby, and an academic institution.
- Linguistics Student Organization: We foster academic and social interaction among the undergraduate and graduate students in the Linguistics department and related disciplines, as well as to enrich the discipline through invited speakers and linguist-related events.

Further Information

There are several professional organizations dedicated to Linguistics. Their websites might be able to provide a glimpse in the world of Linguistics. These organizations include Linguistic Society of America and Modern Language Association.

Linguistics

Major Description

Language is central to our being human and represents perhaps the most worthy subject for intellectual investigation. Linguists are interested in many aspects of language: phonology, syntax, semantics, morphology, phonetics, sociolinguistics, psycholinguistics, computational linguistics, and historical linguistics.

Linguistics courses focus on empirical and theoretical issues connected with how languages are structured, how they are used, and how they change through time. These courses are of interest not only to linguistics majors, but to students in any field where the analysis of languages is important: anthropology, speech and hearing science, psychology, philosophy, computer science, foreign languages, and others.

More About Linguistics

Degree Requirements

ICT Requirements

Courses That Introduce the Major

LING 100 – Introduction to Language Science
LING 210 – Language History
LING 222 – Language in Globalization
LING 225 – Language, Mind and Brain
LING 250 – Language Diversity in the USA

Students should consult with an academic advisor regarding course selection prior to the advanced registration period.

Possible Career Opportunities

Linguistics opens the door to careers in diverse industries. Possible career opportunities include working as a linguist, application developer, bilingual engineer, data analyst or as a research technician.

Common Career Skills

Comparing interpretations
Evaluating evidence
Identifying patterns
Reading critically
Applying knowledge about language
Identifying patterns
Presenting information effectively
Understanding historical language change
Adapting to/functioning in other cultures
Emphasizing a global perspective
Identifying relationships between language groups
Relating language to social context

Common Career Titles

Advertising Account Executive
Attorney
Business Manager
Campaign Manager
Claims Examiner
Community Relations Director
Copy Writer
Corporate Trainer
Critic
Customer Relations Rep.
Editor
Education Director
Government Agency
Historian
Human Resources Spec
Information Systems Manager
Insurance Underwriter
Intelligence Systems Designer
Journalist
Legislative Assistant
Lexicographer
Lobbyist
Management Trainee
Marketing or Sales Manager
Market Research Analyst
Media Buyer
Non-profit Administrator
Overseas Trade Representative
Personnel Trainee
Policy Analyst
Production Assistant
Professor
Public Relations Specialist
Public Administrator
Publicity Assistant
Research Assistant
Researcher or Writer
Sales Representative
School Psychologist
Special Events Coordinator
Speech Pathologist
Speech Synthesis Specialist
Speech Writer
Teacher
Technical Writer
Television Producer
Underwriter
Volunteer Coordinator
Writer or Author

Some careers may require education beyond an undergraduate degree.

Enhancing Your Academic Experience

Participating in undergraduate research
Applying for a study abroad experience
Utilizing resources of The Career Center
Joining a Registered Student Organization (RSO) related to this major, such as:
- League of Linguists: We are the undergraduate linguistics student organization at UIUC. Our mission is to stimulate social interaction and academic enrichment throughout the Department of Linguistics. We hold fundraisers, weekly meetings, and various academic and social events in order to promote the study of language as a science, a hobby, and an academic institution.
- Linguistics Student Organization: We foster academic and social interaction among the undergraduate and graduate students in the Linguistics department and related disciplines, as well as to enrich the discipline through invited speakers and linguist-related events.

Further Information

Integrative Biology

Major Description

From genomics to global change, integrative biology seeks to discover the complex interrelationships between living organisms and the physical and biological environment in which they live. This is the new biology, with an emphasis on bringing multiple disciplines to bear on complex scientific questions. For students, this emphasis leads to a deep understanding of biology and its interrelationships.

Our curriculum provides instruction regarding principles of biology, but also emphasizes the critical thinking and analytical skills required for a successful career in STEM fields.

More About Integrative Biology

Degree Requirements

ICT Requirements

How does Integrative Biology differ from Molecular and Cellular Biology?

Those interested in an interdisciplinary approach focused on the complex relationships between different areas of study in biology will likely find a good match in Integrative Biology, while those interested in the detailed workings of the human immune system or structure-function relationships in proteins will likely find more relevant courses in Molecular & Cellular Biology. Students should note which aspects of biology interest them as they take the shared introductory courses to distinguish which option will be the best fit.

Integrative Biology (IB)

Molecular & Cellular Biology (MCB)

Courses That Introduce the Major

IB 150—Organismal and Evolutionary Biology
MCB 150—Molecular and Cellular Basis of Life

Students should consult with an academic advisor regarding course selection prior to the advanced registration period.

Possible Career Opportunities

This major prepares students for careers in multiple areas in the life sciences including health professions such as medicine, dentistry, veterinary sciences, pharmaceutical sciences, and optometry. Other fields include conservation biology, sustainability, bioinformatics, forensic science, research, biotechnology, and teaching.

Common Career Skills

Analytical & quantitative abilities
Application of information technology
Attention to detail/detail oriented
Biology theory & practical knowledge
Critical thinking
Curiosity and creativity
Hypothesis construction
Independent worker
Information handling & organization
Innovative talents
Numerical computation
Operate scientific equipment
Oral & written communication
Problem solving
Statistical awareness
Teamwork
Technical skills

Common Career Titles

Aquarist
Arborist
Biological Scientist
Botanist
Consumer Products Researcher
Dentist
Doctor
Emergency Medical Technician
Ecologist
Fish & Game Warden
Forensic Scientist
Forester and Conservation Scientist
Genetic Counselor
High School Biology Teacher
Lab and Field Technician
Marine Scientist
Medical Illustrator
Medical Transcriptionist
Medical Writer
Microbiologist
Oceanographer
Pharmacist
Physician Assistant
Professor
Quality Control Specialist
Teacher
Veterinarian

Some careers may require education beyond an undergraduate degree.

Enhancing Your Academic Experience

Participating in undergraduate research
Applying for a study abroad experience
Utilizing resources of The Career Center
Joining a Registered Student Organization (RSO) related to this major, such as:
- Integrative Illini: provides IB majors and students in other related sciences a community in which to network, learn more about research and how to get involved, and to volunteer to give back to the Champaign Urbana community.
- Illinois Student Chapter of the Wildlife Disease Association: focuses on the health and disease of wild animals in relation to their biology, conservation, research, and interactions with humans, domestic animals, and zoological species.

Further Information

There are several professional organizations dedicated to Integrative Biology. Their websites might be able to provide a glimpse in the world of Integrative Biology. These organizations include American Association for the Advancement of Science, American Institute of Biological Sciences , and American Society for Cell Biology.

To learn more about what you can do with your IB degree, visit the Alumni Mentoring Program resources page and scroll down to the “Careers In…” handouts or contact Christina Swanson at sillima2@illinois.edu.

Book an advising appointment with IB.