Anatomy: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Explore the intricate architecture of the human body through a rigorous academic lens, focusing on the interplay between cellular organization, tissue systems, and whole-body structure. This program provides a comprehensive foundation in the biological and physiological principles underlying anatomy, preparing students for advanced study or professional practice in health sciences.
- Cell biology and histology: Examine the fundamental units of life and the microscopic organization of tissues to understand how cellular structure supports function.
- Structural biology: Investigate the physical and molecular frameworks that define biological form and stability across biological systems.
- Molecular mechanics: Analyze the forces and movements at the molecular level that govern tissue behavior and physiological processes.
- Regional and gross anatomy: Study the detailed organization of body regions and major anatomical structures through dissection and visualization techniques.
- Embryology: Explore the developmental origins of anatomical systems, tracing the transformation from single cell to complex organism.
- Neuroanatomy: Delve into the structure and organization of the nervous system, including the brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nerves.
- Endocrinology and secretory dynamics: Understand hormone production, regulation, and the impact of secretory systems on bodily function and homeostasis.
- Applications in aging and disease: Apply anatomical knowledge to real-world contexts, analyzing structural changes associated with degeneration, pathology, and age-related transformation.
Anatomy Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Anatomy Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Anatomy degrees, including Natural Sciences Managers, Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary and Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists. 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 599,850 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 |
| Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary 25-1071 | $105,620 | $51,760 - $239,200 | 229,720 | N/A |
| Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists 19-1042 | $100,590 | $61,860 - $168,210 | 156,300 | $48.36 |
| 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 |
Anatomy Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $77,793 in Louisiana to $135,342 in California—a 74% difference. The highest-paying states include California, Massachusetts, and New Jersey. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 599,850 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 Anatomy by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 37 institutions offering Anatomy 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 Anatomy is found at University of California (UCSD), San Diego (601 graduates), Parker University (61 graduates), Duke University (37 graduates), University of Florida (UF) (32 graduates), and Tulane University of Louisiana (22 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 902 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of California (UCSD) |
Bachelor's
|
601 | La Jolla, California | Public | ucsd.edu |
| Parker University |
Bachelor's
|
61 | Dallas, Texas | Private | parker.edu |
| Duke University |
Bachelor's
Postbac Cert.
Master's
|
37 | Durham, North Carolina | Private | duke.edu |
| University of Florida (UF) |
Master's
|
32 | Gainesville, Florida | Public | ufl.edu |
| Tulane University of Louisiana |
Master's
|
22 | New Orleans, Louisiana | Private | tulane.edu |
| Case Western Reserve University (CWRU) |
Master's
|
15 | Cleveland, Ohio | Private | case.edu |
| Lincoln Memorial University (LMU) |
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
12 | Harrogate, Tennessee | Private | lmunet.edu |
| University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus |
Master's
|
11 | Denver, Colorado | Public | ucdenver.edu |
| Creighton University |
Master's
|
11 | Omaha, Nebraska | Private | creighton.edu |
| Ohio State University |
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
9 | Columbus, Ohio | Public | osu.edu |
| Des Moines University-Osteopathic Medical Center (DMU) |
Master's
|
8 | West Des Moines, Iowa | Private | dmu.edu |
| Boston University (BU) |
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
8 | Boston, Massachusetts | Private | bu.edu |
| University of Louisville (UofL) |
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
7 | Louisville, Kentucky | Public | louisville.edu |
| Saint Louis University (SLU) |
Postbac Cert.
Master's
|
7 | Saint Louis, Missouri | Private | slu.edu |
| Pennsylvania State University |
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
6 | University Park, Pennsylvania | Public | psu.edu |
| University of Alabama (UAB) |
Master's
|
5 | Birmingham, Alabama | Public | uab.edu |
| University of Chicago (UChicago) |
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
5 | Chicago, Illinois | Private | uchicago.edu |
| Johns Hopkins University (JHU) |
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
4 | Baltimore, Maryland | Private | jhu.edu |
| Oakland University (OU) |
Bachelor's
|
4 | Rochester Hills, Michigan | Public | oakland.edu |
| Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) |
Master's
|
4 | Richmond, Virginia | Public | vcu.edu |
| Indiana University (IUB) |
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
3 | Bloomington, Indiana | Public | indiana.edu |
| University of Mississippi (Ole Miss) |
Doctorate (Research)
|
3 | University, Mississippi | Public | olemiss.edu |
| University of Puerto Rico (UPR‑MSC) |
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
3 | San Juan, Puerto Rico | Public | rcm.upr.edu |
| Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center (LSUHSC-S) |
Doctorate (Research)
|
3 | Shreveport, Louisiana | Public | lsuhs.edu |
| University of California (UCI) |
Doctorate (Research)
|
2 | Irvine, California | Public | uci.edu |
| Loma Linda University (LLU) |
Doctorate (Research)
|
2 | Loma Linda, California | Private | llu.edu |
| Howard University (HU) |
Master's
|
2 | Washington, District of Columbia | Private | howard.edu |
| University of Indianapolis (UIndy) |
Master's
|
2 | Indianapolis, Indiana | Private | uindy.edu |
| Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center (LSUHSC-NO) |
Doctorate (Research)
|
2 | New Orleans, Louisiana | Public | lsuhsc.edu |
| Wayne State University (WSU) |
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
2 | Detroit, Michigan | Public | wayne.edu |
| D'Youville University |
Master's
|
2 | Buffalo, New York | Private | dyu.edu |
| Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (LECOM) |
Doctorate (Research)
|
2 | Erie, Pennsylvania | Private | lecom.edu |
| University of Kentucky (UK) |
Postbac Cert.
|
1 | Lexington, Kentucky | Public | uky.edu |
| University at Buffalo (UB) |
Doctorate (Research)
|
1 | Buffalo, New York | Public | buffalo.edu |
| Upstate Medical University |
Doctorate (Research)
|
1 | Syracuse, New York | Public | upstate.edu |
| University of Utah (U of U) |
Doctorate (Research)
|
1 | Salt Lake City, Utah | Public | utah.edu |
| Eastern Washington University (EWU) |
Postbac Cert.
|
1 | Cheney, Washington | Public | ewu.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Anatomy programs
How much can I earn with a Anatomy degree?
Salaries for Anatomy graduates vary by role and location. Natural Sciences Managers earn a median of $161,180 annually, while Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary earn around $105,620. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in California average $135,342 compared to $77,793 in Louisiana. Approximately 599,850 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 Anatomy programs?
Currently 37 accredited institutions offer Anatomy degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include University of California (UCSD), San Diego (601 graduates), Parker University (61 graduates), and Duke University (37 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 Anatomy growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have increased over the past decade, rising from 747 in 2010 to 902 in 2023-24. This represents a 21% 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 Anatomy degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Natural Sciences Managers, Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary, and Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists. Related occupations employ approximately 599,850 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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