Radiation Biology: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Explore the profound interactions between radiation and living systems through a rigorous academic lens. This program delves into the scientific mechanisms by which ionizing radiation influences biological processes, equipping students with advanced knowledge for research, healthcare, and safety applications.
- Particle physics fundamentals: Examine the nature and behavior of subatomic particles, including their generation, interaction, and role in radiation phenomena.
- Ionization processes: Investigate how radiation strips electrons from atoms, leading to chemical changes in biological tissues and initiating cascading cellular effects.
- Biophysics of radiation perturbations: Analyze the physical principles governing how radiation energy is absorbed and transferred within biological materials.
- Cellular and organismic repair mechanisms: Study the molecular and physiological systems that detect and repair radiation-induced damage in DNA and other critical biomolecules.
- Genetic and pathological consequences: Explore the long-term biological impacts of radiation exposure, including mutations, cancer development, and tissue degeneration.
- Radiation dosimetry: Learn precise methods for measuring, quantifying, and managing radiation exposure in clinical, environmental, and industrial settings.
Radiation Biology Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Radiation Biology Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Radiation Biology degrees, including Natural Sciences Managers, Biological Scientists, All Other and Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary. These career paths represent common employment outcomes but are not guaranteed for all graduates. Salary ranges vary by location, employer, experience level, and specific role requirements. Nationally, these occupations employ approximately 213,830 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Natural Sciences Managers 11-9121 | $161,180 | $79,830 - $239,200 | 100,870 | $77.49 |
| Biological Scientists, All Other 19-1029 | $93,330 | $54,500 - $159,780 | 59,710 | $44.87 |
| Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary 25-1042 | $83,460 | $50,760 - $169,560 | 53,250 | N/A |
Radiation Biology Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $75,280 in Louisiana to $147,260 in California—a 96% difference. The highest-paying states include California, New Jersey, and Massachusetts. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 213,830 professionals across all states. Explore the interactive map below to compare regional compensation and identify optimal markets for your career goals.
Average Salary Range:
Top Universities for Radiation Biology by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 4 institutions offering Radiation Biology programs for the 2023-2024 academic year (the most recent data reported as of 2025), ranked by the number of graduates. The highest graduate enrollment in Radiation Biology is found at Suffolk University (10 graduates), University of Oklahoma (OUHSC), Health Sciences Center (3 graduates), The University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio (3 graduates), and University of Iowa (2 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 18 graduates across all degree levels. Program availability varies by award level, including Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees at participating universities and schools.
| College Name | Award Levels | Graduates | Location | Control | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Suffolk University |
Bachelor's
Postbac Cert.
|
10 | Boston, Massachusetts | Private | suffolk.edu |
| University of Oklahoma (OUHSC) |
Master's
|
3 | Oklahoma City, Oklahoma | Public | ouhsc.edu |
| The University of Texas Health Science Center |
Doctorate (Research)
|
3 | San Antonio, Texas | Public | uthscsa.edu |
| University of Iowa |
Doctorate (Research)
|
2 | Iowa City, Iowa | Public | uiowa.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Radiation Biology programs
How much can I earn with a Radiation Biology degree?
Salaries for Radiation Biology graduates vary by role and location. Natural Sciences Managers earn a median of $161,180 annually, while Biological Scientists, All Other earn around $93,330. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in California average $147,260 compared to $75,280 in Louisiana. Approximately 213,830 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program, May 2024. Earnings vary by experience, employer, and market conditions.
Which universities have the largest Radiation Biology programs?
Currently 4 accredited institutions offer Radiation Biology degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include Suffolk University (10 graduates), University of Oklahoma (OUHSC), Health Sciences Center (3 graduates), and The University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio (3 graduates).
Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated.
Is enrollment in Radiation Biology growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have increased over the past decade, rising from 14 in 2010 to a peak of 30 in 2020, before declining slightly to 18 in 2023-24. This represents a 29% increase overall from 2010.
The field remains specialized with steady interest, though opportunities are most concentrated in major metropolitan areas with active arts scenes like New York, California, and Illinois.
Graduate enrollment data from IPEDS, 2010-2024 academic years. Trends reflect reported completions at participating institutions.
What career paths are available with a Radiation Biology degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Natural Sciences Managers, Biological Scientists, All Other, and Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary. Related occupations employ approximately 213,830 professionals nationwide.
Skills in project management, creative leadership, and collaboration also transfer to event planning, arts administration, marketing, and corporate training roles. Many professionals work freelance or on a project basis across theatre, film, and live events.
Career pathways mapped using CIP-SOC crosswalk from the National Center for Education Statistics. Employment data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
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