Molecular Biosciences encompasses the study of molecules that build living cells and organisms and the complex network of chemical reactions and physical processes connecting them. This field provides the foundation needed to work in a variety of disciplines including pharmacology, medicine, biochemistry, molecular biology, neuroscience, forensics, and food chemistry.
Successful Molecular Biosciences graduates will have a thorough understanding of the scientific disciplines underpinning molecular biosciences, as well as extensive laboratory experience using state-of-the-art equipment. They will also bring understanding of the complex regulatory environment surrounding the biosciences as well as the business skills needed to manage a project and/or the purchasing and tracking for a lab or study.
- Curriculum geared towards employability
- Hands-on research experience
- Modern laboratories
- Small class sizes
- Affordable
To be eligible for this program, students must first apply for general admission to Bellevue College, then submit a selective admissions application to the Molecular Biosciences BAS degree program. While students are pursuing the BAS degree, they must:
- complete an Associate’s degree in Biotechnology, Molecular Sciences Technician, General Science Technician, or equivalent degree with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.7 and demonstrated completion of coursework equivalent to the Molecular Sciences Technician AAST to receive an entry into the senior Capstone (MBS 480).
- earn a cumulative GPA of 2.7 (C+) or above. A minimum of 45 credits for the degree must be completed in residence at Bellevue College, of which 30 credits are upper division level. All 300- and 400-level courses require a minimum grade of “C+” or better.
You must meet with the Molecular Biosciences program chair to create an education plan that is tailored to your needs with your success in mind.
The official Program of Study for the Molecular Biosciences BAS degree is updated every catalog year starting in summer quarter. Students follow the degree according to the catalog year in which they enter the program, though they may choose to complete the requirements for a later catalog year. It’s a good idea to print and save a copy of the program of study for the year in which you started for your personal reference.
This is a sample schedule only and not to be used as an education plan unless created and signed by an advisor. Education plans are tailored to fit each student’s needs with their success in mind. Please schedule an appointment with an advisor to create the best education plan for your needs.
Sample Molecular Biosciences BAS Schedule
| FALL | WINTER | SPRING | |
| YEAR 3 | CHEM& 261 MBS 320 MBS 330 PHYS& 114 | CHEM& 262 MBS 340 PHYS& 115 | CHEM& 263 DA310 MBS 350 |
| YEAR 4 | CHEM 405 MBS 480 MBS 455 | CHEM 406 MBS 481 MBS 470 | MBS 482 MBS 410 MBS 430 |
Tuition and fee rates are published annually on the Bellevue College website. Please note there are different rates depending on the course level (300-400 level for the MBS BAS degree) and your Washington residency status.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, you can apply early and complete the Molecular Sciences Technician AAS-T (MST) as part of the BAS program.
We will evaluate your transcripts for applicable credits, and you may need to take some of the MST classes as prerequisites to the MBS classes.
Yes, students who have not been admitted to the program can register for up to 10 credits of 300- level coursework on a space-available basis, if they have appropriate prerequisites. To request permission to enroll in an MBS course, please email your request to molbio@bellevuecollege.edu.
The capstone course series, MBS 480, MBS 481, and MBS 482 are lab/research-based courses in which students propose projects and conduct the research to complete the projects.
MBS 480: Senior Capstone Proposal 1 cr.
First course in a sequence of three senior level capstone classes. Students will select a research topic, formulate a relevant research question, choose a research mentor, and design a detailed plan to answer their research question. Prerequisites: Permission of the Program Chair of Molecular Biosciences program.
MBS 481: Senior Capstone Project I 4 cr.
Second course in a sequence of three senior level capstone classes. Each student works on her/his research proposal developed during MBS 480, collecting and analyzing data, documenting results and completing approximately half of the project. Fee: $48.00 100-level Science lab. College in the High School students and students in on-line classes are exempt from this fee.
MBS 482: Senior Capstone Project II 5 cr.
Last course in the capstone project sequence where students complete their research. The project culminates with the preparation of a scientific poster and a seminar to be presented to the students and faculty in the Molecular Biosciences program. Fee: $48.00 100-level Science lab. College in the High School students and students in on-line classes are exempt from this fee.
Yes, depending on multiple factors such as your academic performance, the program, and the school.
Last Updated June 17, 2026
