Cell Biologyat Western Washington University
Graduates earn $39,225/yr in their first year — about 5.0% above the national Cell Biology average. Base-case 10-year earnings $563K; scenarios range from $513K to $567K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at Western Washington University
Western Washington University's Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences program stands out by effectively preparing students for the next steps in a demanding field. Its strength likely comes from dedicated faculty and a curriculum that emphasizes hands-on lab experience, crucial for medical school admissions or entry into biotech and pharmaceutical research. Many graduates progress to roles in the robust Pacific Northwest healthcare and life sciences industries, from Seattle's major hospitals and biotech firms to smaller regional labs.
The career paths you see often require graduate degrees or significant experience, meaning your undergraduate degree here is an excellent springboard. Given the high AI risk in certain lab analysis or data interpretation roles, future-proofing your career means actively seeking interdisciplinary skills. Leverage your program's solid science foundation by adding computational biology, data science, or even strong communication skills. Seek out undergraduate research opportunities or internships; they are your best bet for gaining practical experience and networking.
Three scenarios, ten years out
Each scenario is a different assumption about how AI reshapes the career paths this major feeds into. Earnings projections stack the full 10-year cumulative trajectory; scores use the same 0–100 metric as the hero, recomputed under that scenario's assumptions.
10 year projection
Year-by-year earnings under each scenario. Base case reflects BLS growth patterns applied to Western Washington University's starting earnings; optimistic and pessimistic adjust for AI's effect on each career path this major feeds into.
Common career destinations for this program's graduates, weighted by the school's specific occupation mix. Salary is BLS national median; AI risk is per-role task-exposure research.
Peer schools offering Cell Biology
How Western Washington University stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at Western Washington University
Other highest-scoring programs offered at Western Washington University, ranked by DegreeOutlook Score.
Frequently asked about Cell Biology at Western Washington University
How does Western Washington University's Cell Biology program score?
This program scores 49/100 — on the lower end for Cell Biology. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
How vulnerable is Cell Biology to AI automation?
AI won't 'replace' Cell Biology careers outright, but it is likely to reduce the number of job openings. We model 46% task exposure, which compresses field employment probability in our scenarios.
Why does Western Washington University rank so high for Cell Biology?
The #9 ranking out of 39 programs is driven by strong financial outcomes — graduates earn well, debt is manageable relative to income, and the job market supports the field.