Cell Biology and Anatomy: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Cell Biology and Anatomy is an advanced interdisciplinary field that explores the intricate relationship between cellular processes and the structural organization of the human body. This program provides a rigorous foundation in both microscopic and macroscopic biological systems, preparing students to understand life at the cellular level and its manifestation in whole-organism physiology.
- Molecular Biology: Investigates the molecular mechanisms underlying genetic expression, DNA replication, and protein synthesis, forming the basis for cellular function.
- Cell Biology and Histology: Focuses on the structure, function, and microscopic organization of cells and tissues, emphasizing their roles in health and disease.
- Structural Biology: Examines the three-dimensional architecture of biological macromolecules and how their physical properties dictate biological activity.
- Anatomy: Studies the form and organization of body structures at organismic, regional, and gross levels, including systems such as skeletal, muscular, and nervous.
- Embryology: Explores the development of organisms from fertilization through early growth stages, highlighting the origins of anatomical systems.
- Endocrinology: Analyzes the hormonal regulation of physiological processes, including metabolism, growth, and reproduction, through glandular and signaling systems.
- System-Specific Applications: Applies foundational knowledge to real-world contexts, including the pathophysiology of diseases, congenital defects, and physiological processes across organ systems.
Cell Biology and Anatomy Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Cell Biology and Anatomy Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Cell Biology and Anatomy degrees, including Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists, 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 269,260 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
Cell Biology and Anatomy Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $66,930 in Mississippi to $123,037 in California—a 84% difference. The highest-paying states include California, Connecticut, and New Jersey. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 269,260 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 Cell Biology and Anatomy by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 12 institutions offering Cell Biology and 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 Cell Biology and Anatomy is found at Oklahoma State University (OSU), Main Campus (35 graduates), Indiana University (IU Indianapolis), Indianapolis (24 graduates), University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) (16 graduates), Wright State University, Main Campus (16 graduates), and Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW) (8 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 127 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oklahoma State University (OSU) |
Postbac Cert.
|
35 | Stillwater, Oklahoma | Public | okstate.edu |
| Indiana University (IU Indianapolis) |
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
24 | Indianapolis, Indiana | Public | indianapolis.iu.edu |
| University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) |
Master's
|
16 | Omaha, Nebraska | Public | unmc.edu |
| Wright State University |
Postbac Cert.
Master's
|
16 | Dayton, Ohio | Public | wright.edu |
| Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW) |
Doctorate (Research)
|
8 | Milwaukee, Wisconsin | Private | mcw.edu |
| Huntingdon College |
Bachelor's
|
7 | Montgomery, Alabama | Private | huntingdon.edu |
| Weill Medical College of Cornell University (WCMC) |
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
6 | New York, New York | Private | weill.cornell.edu |
| University of Iowa |
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
4 | Iowa City, Iowa | Public | uiowa.edu |
| Augusta University (AU) |
Doctorate (Research)
|
4 | Augusta, Georgia | Public | augusta.edu |
| Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science (RFU) |
Doctorate (Research)
|
3 | North Chicago, Illinois | Private | rosalindfranklin.edu |
| University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) |
Doctorate (Research)
|
3 | Chicago, Illinois | Public | uic.edu |
| University of Kansas (KU) |
Doctorate (Research)
|
1 | Lawrence, Kansas | Public | ku.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Cell Biology and Anatomy programs
How much can I earn with a Cell Biology and Anatomy degree?
Salaries for Cell Biology and Anatomy graduates vary by role and location. Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists earn a median of $100,590 annually, while Biological Scientists, All Other earn around $93,330. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in California average $123,037 compared to $66,930 in Mississippi. Approximately 269,260 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 Cell Biology and Anatomy programs?
Currently 12 accredited institutions offer Cell Biology and Anatomy degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include Oklahoma State University (OSU), Main Campus (35 graduates), Indiana University (IU Indianapolis), Indianapolis (24 graduates), and University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) (16 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 Cell Biology and Anatomy growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have increased over the past decade, rising from 57 in 2010 to a peak of 135 in 2020, before declining slightly to 127 in 2023-24. This represents a 123% 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 Cell Biology and Anatomy degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists, Biological Scientists, All Other, and Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary. Related occupations employ approximately 269,260 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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