Virology: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Exploring the intricate world of infectious agents, this program delves into the biology, behavior, and impact of viruses—subcellular entities that rely on host cells for replication and often trigger disease. Students engage in rigorous study of viral mechanisms, from molecular interactions to systemic effects, preparing for advanced roles in research, public health, and biotechnology.
- Virus taxonomy and systematics: The classification and evolutionary relationships among viral families, enabling systematic identification and study of viral diversity.
- Viral structures: Detailed examination of viral morphology, including capsid organization, envelope composition, and genomic packaging at the molecular level.
- Viral genetics: Investigation into viral genome organization, replication strategies, gene expression, and mutational dynamics that influence infectivity and evolution.
- Prions: Study of infectious protein particles that cause neurodegenerative disorders, exploring their unique replication mechanisms distinct from viruses.
- Virus/host cell interaction: Analysis of how viruses enter, hijack, and manipulate cellular machinery to facilitate replication and evade immune detection.
- Viral pathogenesis: Exploration of the mechanisms by which viruses induce disease, including stages of infection, immune evasion, and tissue damage.
- Applications in cancer biology: Examination of viral contributions to oncogenesis, including oncogenic viruses and their role in tumor development and therapeutic targeting.
Virology Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Virology Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Virology degrees, including Natural Sciences Managers, Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists 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 389,890 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
Virology Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $74,817 in Vermont to $136,118 in California—a 82% difference. The highest-paying states include California, Massachusetts, and New Jersey. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 389,890 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 Virology by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 3 institutions offering Virology 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 Virology is found at Harvard University (11 graduates), Baylor College of Medicine (BCM) (4 graduates), and Case Western Reserve University (CWRU) (1 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 16 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Harvard University |
Doctorate (Research)
|
11 | Cambridge, Massachusetts | Private | harvard.edu |
| Baylor College of Medicine (BCM) |
Doctorate (Research)
|
4 | Houston, Texas | Private | bcm.edu |
| Case Western Reserve University (CWRU) |
Master's
|
1 | Cleveland, Ohio | Private | case.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Virology programs
How much can I earn with a Virology degree?
Salaries for Virology graduates vary by role and location. Natural Sciences Managers earn a median of $161,180 annually, while Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists earn around $100,590. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in California average $136,118 compared to $74,817 in Vermont. Approximately 389,890 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 Virology programs?
Currently 3 accredited institutions offer Virology degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include Harvard University (11 graduates), Baylor College of Medicine (BCM) (4 graduates), and Case Western Reserve University (CWRU) (1 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 Virology growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have increased over the past decade, rising from 11 in 2010 to a peak of 23 in 2020, before declining slightly to 16 in 2023-24. This represents a 45% 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 Virology degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Natural Sciences Managers, Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists, and Biological Scientists, All Other. Related occupations employ approximately 389,890 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.
Related Biological Sciences Programs
Explore similar degree programs within the Biological Sciences field. These programs share the same academic discipline and may offer complementary skills and career pathways.
Biometry and Biometrics
A program that focuses on the application of statistics and other computational methods to the study of problems in the biological sciences and...
Biostatistics
A program that focuses on the application of descriptive and inferential statistics to biomedical research and clinical, public health, and industrial issues related...
Bioinformatics
A program that focuses on the application of computer-based technologies and services to biological, biomedical, and biotechnology research. Includes instruction in algorithms, network...
Computational Biology
A program that focuses on computational theoretical approaches to understanding biological systems, including computational models of biological processes, computational management of large-scale projects,...
Biomathematics and Computational Biology
Any instructional program in biomathematics, bioinformatics, and computational biology not listed above.
Biotechnology
A program that focuses on the application of the biological sciences, biochemistry, and genetics to the preparation of new and enhanced agricultural, environmental,...