Cell Biology and Anatomy: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Cell Biology and Anatomy explores the intricate structure, function, and organization of living cells and the human body at both microscopic and macroscopic levels. This interdisciplinary field integrates principles from molecular biology, physiology, and structural sciences to deepen understanding of biological systems and their roles in health and disease.
- Cellular Structure and Function: Investigates the organization of cellular components—including organelles, membranes, and cytoskeletal elements—and their roles in maintaining life processes such as metabolism, signaling, and reproduction.
- Cellular Signaling Pathways: Examines how cells communicate through biochemical cascades, including receptor-ligand interactions, second messengers, and gene regulation, essential for coordinated physiological responses.
- Human Anatomy and Histology: Focuses on the detailed study of body systems, tissues, and organ structures, emphasizing spatial relationships and microscopic architecture to support clinical and research applications.
- Developmental Biology: Explores the processes of cellular differentiation, tissue formation, and embryonic development, providing insight into how complex organisms arise from single cells.
- Molecular Mechanisms of Disease: Analyzes how disruptions in cellular function and anatomical integrity contribute to pathological conditions, including cancer, degenerative disorders, and genetic abnormalities.
- Advanced Laboratory Techniques: Provides hands-on training in microscopy, cell culture, staining methods, molecular assays, and imaging technologies critical for modern biological and medical research.
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 Natural Sciences Managers, Biochemists and Biophysicists and Biological Scientists, All Other. 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 268,110 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 |
| Biochemists and Biophysicists 19-1021 | $103,650 | $64,890 - $168,900 | 34,520 | $49.83 |
| Biological Scientists, All Other 19-1029 | $93,330 | $54,500 - $159,780 | 59,710 | $44.87 |
| Microbiologists 19-1022 | $87,330 | $51,220 - $150,650 | 19,760 | $41.98 |
| 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 $75,280 in Louisiana to $135,880 in California—a 80% difference. The highest-paying states include California, Massachusetts, and New Jersey. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 268,110 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 17 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 University of California (UCSB), Santa Barbara (74 graduates), Northwestern University (39 graduates), University of Southern California (USC) (35 graduates), Ohio State University, Main Campus (24 graduates), and University of Mary Hardin-Baylor (UMHB) (23 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 264 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 (UCSB) |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
74 | Santa Barbara, California | Public | ucsb.edu |
| Northwestern University |
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
39 | Evanston, Illinois | Private | northwestern.edu |
| University of Southern California (USC) |
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
35 | Los Angeles, California | Private | usc.edu |
| Ohio State University |
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
24 | Columbus, Ohio | Public | osu.edu |
| University of Mary Hardin-Baylor (UMHB) |
Bachelor's
|
23 | Belton, Texas | Private | go.umhb.edu |
| Northeast Ohio Medical University (NEOMED) |
Master's
|
15 | Rootstown, Ohio | Public | neomed.edu |
| Boston University (BU) |
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
10 | Boston, Massachusetts | Private | bu.edu |
| Johns Hopkins University (JHU) |
Master's
|
6 | Baltimore, Maryland | Private | jhu.edu |
| University of Michigan (U‑M) |
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
6 | Ann Arbor, Michigan | Public | umich.edu |
| Thomas Jefferson University |
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
6 | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania | Private | jefferson.edu |
| Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) |
Doctorate (Research)
|
6 | Charleston, South Carolina | Public | web.musc.edu |
| Miami University |
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
5 | Oxford, Ohio | Public | miamioh.edu |
| Kent State University |
Doctorate (Research)
|
4 | Kent, Ohio | Public | kent.edu |
| University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus |
Doctorate (Research)
|
3 | Denver, Colorado | Public | ucdenver.edu |
| Tulane University of Louisiana |
Master's
|
3 | New Orleans, Louisiana | Private | tulane.edu |
| University of Minnesota (UMN) |
Master's
|
3 | Minneapolis, Minnesota | Public | twin-cities.umn.edu |
| Rowan University |
Master's
|
2 | Glassboro, New Jersey | Public | rowan.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. Natural Sciences Managers earn a median of $161,180 annually, while Biochemists and Biophysicists earn around $103,650. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in California average $135,880 compared to $75,280 in Louisiana. Approximately 268,110 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 17 accredited institutions offer Cell Biology and Anatomy degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include University of California (UCSB), Santa Barbara (74 graduates), Northwestern University (39 graduates), and University of Southern California (USC) (35 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 decreased over the past decade, rising from 437 in 2010 to a peak of 290 in 2020, before declining slightly to 264 in 2023-24. This represents a 40% decrease overall from 2010.
The field remains specialized with consistent demand, 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 Natural Sciences Managers, Biochemists and Biophysicists, and Biological Scientists, All Other. Related occupations employ approximately 268,110 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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