Transfer Student FAQ
For Prospective Off-campus Transfer Students
This page lists Frequently Asked Questions relevant to students who are considering transferring to the University of Illinois to major in Integrative Biology. Other FAQs on the SIB web site can be found here.
1) How is IB different from MCB?
As the name implies, the School of Molecular and Cellular Biology (MCB) has a heavy emphasis on cells and the molecules that make them function, including DNA. Integrative Biology (IB), on the other hand, has an emphasis on systems biology, in which the relationship of one component is studied in relation to other components.
2) Can I still graduate in four years?
With appropriate foundational coursework at your previous institution, yes.
3) How much of my course work will transfer?
Transferology.com is a great website containing course articulations for many classes that have already been evaluated by U of I. Check here first. Please note that the transfer course equivalencies contained here and the reports generated from the system do not constitute a contract between the student and the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.
4) Do I have to take both MCB 150 and IB 150 equivalents before transferring to UI?
Yes, students must satisfactorily complete course work equivalent to these two courses prior to admission. IB advisors also strongly suggest taking General Chemistry before transferring. Other recommended courses include Organic Chemistry, Physics and Calculus.
5) If I go to summer school, can I take these courses anywhere or do I have to take them here?
This depends on the number of credit hours transferred to UI. The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences requires a certain number of credit hours to be earned here on campus. If you take summer courses here, these will count toward these residency requirements. You should contact your LAS Records Officer in the Student Affairs Office for more detailed information.
6) Can I go to medical school with an IB degree?
Yes! Medical school and MCAT requirements can easily be met in the IB major. Consider following our Pre-Health Advising Option.
7) What are IB advising options?
Advising options are a set of recommended courses for students who wish to follow a particular academic path or prepare for a particular career. The list of options and an explanation of what purpose each serves may be found here.
8) Must I follow one of the IB advising options?
No. The options are sets of suggested courses to meet specific educational or career goals. They are entirely optional.
9) What kind of jobs can I get with this degree?
Many careers are open to IB majors. Check out the career options page for a sampling.
10) How do I get tutoring assistance in biology, chemistry, physics, and math?
Each department offers academic assistance to students. Check out the departmental websites bulletin boards near the departmental offices for details. For help in IB, see an academic advisor to find out about tutoring. Check out these links for help in math, physics, and chemistry.
11) Can I study abroad as a transfer student?
Yes, we have had several IB transfer students go abroad to earn credit hours toward graduation. Some great opportunities exist in Costa Rica, South Africa, and Australia; many more have also served as sites for our IB majors to study abroad.
12) Can I get research experience even though I'm a transfer?
Yes. Faculty make no distinction between students who started at the UI and those who transferred from elsewhere. Check out the web page that describes undergraduate research.
13) What minors are available to me?
Interdisciplinary minors are available to all UI students. Though students may choose any minor, many IB students have supplemented their academic records with minors in a foreign language, Business, Anthropology, Chemistry, and the Environmental Fellows Program. Click here to find out more about getting a minor in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.