The Cell and Molecular Biology major is an in-depth exploration of the underlying chemistry and molecular biology in living cells. Students in this major are well-prepared for a variety of careers and graduate programs including PhD programs in the life sciences, medical school, and related professional degrees.
Here you will find:
● Key information about your major
● How and when to meet with your major advisor
● Planning tools that will help you track your progress in the major
● Ways to explore career opportunities related to the CMB major
Take a few moments to look at the information below. It will help you plan effectively and avoid surprises during your studies at John Jay.
CMB Requirements
Freshmen
To be admitted to the CMB major as a freshman, you must have at least an 81 CAA (high school academic average) and one of the following:
1. Took the New York State Chemistry Regents Exam; OR
2. Took the AP Chemistry Exam; OR
3. Earned at least 3.5 units of High School Mathematics; OR
4. Earned at least a score of 50 on the CLEP Chemistry Exam.
If you do not meet the above criteria, you can attend John Jay with an undeclared major and achieve admission to the major by earning at least a 2.5 GPA in the introductory math courses and science courses. In this case, the course sequence would be: CHE 100 → BIO 101 & CHE 101 → BIO 102 & CHE 102 → BIO 104 & CHE 104. Once students have completed the requirements necessary to take CHE 104, they can see Dr. Jason Rauceo (jrauceo@jjay.cuny.edu) for admission to the CMB major.
Continuing Students
If you would like to switch to CMB from another major, consult with Dr. Jason Rauceo (jrauceo@jjay.cuny.edu) to discuss the feasibility of this switch and learn what you can do to put yourself in the strongest position for admission.
Transfer Students
In order to gain admission to CMB as a transfer student, you must have completed core science courses such as biology, chemistry, physics, algebra, or calculus at another college with grades of 2.5 or higher. If you don’t meet these admissions criteria, consult with Dr. Jason Rauceo (jrauceo@jjay.cuny.edu) to discuss your options.
You are responsible for the major requirements that were in effect when you declared the major. To confirm the requirements you should be following, go to the Undergraduate Bulletin for that academic year. For example, if you declared the Cell and Molecular Biology major in Fall 2015 or Spring 2016, you would click on the 2015-2016 Undergraduate Bulletin. If you declared the major and then left the College for more than one full semester, you’re responsible for the major requirements in effect when you return, if they have changed. Not sure when you declared the major? Find out here.
Below, find the Undergraduate Bulletin that was in effect when you declared the major.
Each of the CMB courses below can count toward your major requirements and toward your General Education requirements.
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Math &
Quantitative Reasoning
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Life and Physical Science
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Scientific World
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Note that a single course cannot meet both the Scientific World requirement and the Life and Physical Science requirement. You must meet these requirements with two separate courses.
Major Advising
Advisement is important and should not just be a visit to an office during registration. See your advisor at least once per semester. Also, if you are transferring course credits, make sure the correct course equivalencies are issued.
Dr. Jason Rauceo
CMB Major Coordinator
Room 5.61.07 NB
Fall 2018 walk-in hours: Monday 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m
Note: Dr. Jason Rauceo is currently advising for the CMB major in the absence of an official major advisor.
Incoming freshmen in the major can talk with a general academic advisor during summer registration about appropriate courses. Continuing and new transfer students with any CMB questions or concerns can contact Suzanne Sherbell: 212-484-1348, ssherbell@jjay.cuny.edu, 05.66.03 NB.
Sophomores with 45-59 credits may have a major hold placed on their registration. The hold will be removed when they have a major advising appointment with Dr. Jason Rauceo. This discussion will encourage wise planning and allow students to ask any questions they may have about the major.
How do you know if you have a major hold? Go to CUNYfirst and complete the following steps:
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Check the Holds box of your CUNYfirst Student Center. If "Advisement Required" appears, click on “details.”
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Click on “Advisement Required.”
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See which type of advisement you need. If you must see a major advisor, then make a major advising appointment following the steps preferred by this department.
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Plan Ahead: Graduate on Time
Planning ahead is vital to your success in the major. The following tips will ensure that you avoid issues during registration and graduation:
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DegreeWorks degree audit - Use this online planning tool to track your overall progress toward graduation. You will see which of your general education and major requirements are completed, in progress, or still needed. Refer to the DegreeWorks FAQs to better understand how to use this helpful tool. Note: be sure to confirm the accuracy of your degree audit with a general advisor and major advisor.
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CMB Major Checklist - Fill out this printable worksheet to keep track of which major requirements you have completed and which ones you still need.
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Sample Four Year Plan - See our Sample Four Year Plan for students who placed into MAT 105 or our Sample Four Year Plan for students who placed into MAT 141 for an example of how you could complete all your degree requirements (major, general education, electives) and graduate in four years! Remember that this sample plan shows just one possible way to combine your requirements. Transfer students in particular should work with advisors to determine a plan that works best for them.
A General Academic Advisor will confirm what general academic requirements you still need, make suggestions about smart course planning that will help you graduate without delays, discuss your interest in adding a minor or second major, inform you about opportunities such as study abroad, discuss general questions and concerns, and make helpful referrals. Visit the Academic Advisement Center's webpage for more information.
CMB and Careers
The Center for Career and Professional Development is another great resource for all questions related to job searches, internships, and career preparation. CCPD staff are available to meet individually with students and alumni in L72.00 New Building. To request a 45-minute counseling appointment, log on to John Jay Careers Online. 15-minute drop-in sessions are also available all day Mon-Fri. (Stop by in person earlier the same day to schedule a drop-in session.)
