Parasitology: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Parasitology is an advanced scientific discipline dedicated to understanding organisms that thrive at the expense of their hosts, exploring their complex interactions and the significant impacts they have on human health, animal welfare, and ecological systems. This field investigates the biological mechanisms behind parasitic infections, their transmission, and strategies for prevention and treatment, preparing students for research, clinical, and public health applications.
- Vector biology: Studies insects and other organisms that transmit parasites, focusing on their life cycles, behavior, and role in spreading diseases like malaria and Lyme disease.
- Immunoparasitology: Examines how host immune systems respond to parasitic infections and how parasites evade or manipulate immune defenses.
- Medical parasitology: Focuses on parasites that affect human populations, including protozoa, helminths, and ectoparasites, and their clinical implications.
- Molecular biology of parasitical associations: Explores genetic and biochemical processes that enable parasites to survive, reproduce, and interact with host cells at the molecular level.
- Veterinary and comparative parasitology: Investigates parasitic diseases in animals, comparing pathogenesis, host responses, and control methods across species.
- Chemotherapeutics: Addresses the development and application of drugs used to treat parasitic infections, emphasizing efficacy, resistance, and targeted delivery.
- Ecological and systematic parasitology: Analyzes the distribution, diversity, and evolutionary relationships of parasites within ecosystems, integrating taxonomy and environmental science.
Parasitology Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Parasitology Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Parasitology 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 |
Parasitology 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 Parasitology by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 1 institutions offering Parasitology 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 Parasitology is found at Cornell University (4 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 4 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cornell University |
Master's
|
4 | Ithaca, New York | Private | cornell.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Parasitology programs
How much can I earn with a Parasitology degree?
Salaries for Parasitology 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 Parasitology programs?
Currently 1 accredited institutions offer Parasitology degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include Cornell University (4 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 Parasitology growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have decreased over the past decade, rising from 4 in 2010 to a peak of 5 in 2020, before declining slightly to 4 in 2023-24. This represents a 0% 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 Parasitology 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.
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