Genetics: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Genetics is a rigorous scientific discipline dedicated to understanding how heritable information is organized, transmitted, regulated, and expressed across biological systems, from single cells to complex organisms. This program explores the molecular and cellular foundations of inheritance, equipping students with the analytical and research skills needed to investigate genetic mechanisms underlying development, disease, evolution, and biodiversity.
- Mendelian genetics: The study of inheritance patterns based on the principles established by Gregor Mendel, focusing on dominant and recessive traits and their transmission across generations.
- Gene regulation mechanisms: Investigation into how genes are turned on or off in response to internal and external signals, shaping cellular function and development.
- Chromosome structure and replication: Examination of the physical architecture of chromosomes and the precise processes that ensure accurate duplication of genetic material during cell division.
- Epigenetic phenomena: Exploration of heritable changes in gene expression that occur without altering the underlying DNA sequence, including DNA methylation and histone modification.
- DNA repair and recombination: Study of cellular systems that maintain genomic integrity by correcting DNA damage and facilitating genetic diversity through controlled DNA exchange.
- Sex determination: Analysis of the genetic and molecular pathways that govern the development of male and female characteristics in various species.
- Genetic interactions between genomes: Research into how genes from different sources—such as nuclear and mitochondrial DNA—interact to influence phenotype and fitness.
- Molecular evolution: Application of genetic principles to understand how genetic variation accumulates over time, driving the diversification of life.
Genetics Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Genetics Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Genetics degrees, including Genetic Counselors, 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 192,660 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Genetic Counselors 29-9092 | $98,910 | $78,680 - $137,780 | 3,510 | $47.55 |
| 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 |
| Biological Technicians 19-4021 | $52,000 | $38,060 - $81,990 | 76,190 | $25.00 |
Genetics Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $61,653 in Kentucky to $109,198 in California—a 77% difference. The highest-paying states include California, New Jersey, and Connecticut. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 192,660 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 Genetics by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 37 institutions offering Genetics 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 Genetics is found at University of Wisconsin-Madison (123 graduates), University of California (UCD), Davis (96 graduates), University of Georgia (UGA) (60 graduates), Iowa State University (ISU) (46 graduates), and Yale University (43 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 730 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 Wisconsin-Madison |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
123 | Madison, Wisconsin | Public | wisc.edu |
| University of California (UCD) |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
96 | Davis, California | Public | ucdavis.edu |
| University of Georgia (UGA) |
Bachelor's
Doctorate (Research)
|
60 | Athens, Georgia | Public | uga.edu |
| Iowa State University (ISU) |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
46 | Ames, Iowa | Public | iastate.edu |
| Yale University |
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
43 | New Haven, Connecticut | Private | yale.edu |
| Texas A & M University |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
39 | College Station, Texas | Public | tamu.edu |
| North Carolina State University (NC State) |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
36 | Raleigh, North Carolina | Public | ncsu.edu |
| Purdue University (PU) |
Bachelor's
|
33 | West Lafayette, Indiana | Public | purdue.edu |
| Washington State University (WSU) |
Bachelor's
|
29 | Pullman, Washington | Public | wsu.edu |
| University of New Hampshire (UNH) |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
28 | Durham, New Hampshire | Public | unh.edu |
| University of Alabama (UAB) |
Bachelor's
|
24 | Birmingham, Alabama | Public | uab.edu |
| Auburn University (AU) |
Bachelor's
|
17 | Auburn, Alabama | Public | auburn.edu |
| Columbia University in the City of New York |
Master's
Post-Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
17 | New York, New York | Private | columbia.edu |
| Cornell University |
Doctorate (Research)
|
13 | Ithaca, New York | Private | cornell.edu |
| University of Chicago (UChicago) |
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
12 | Chicago, Illinois | Private | uchicago.edu |
| University of California (UCI) |
Bachelor's
|
11 | Irvine, California | Public | uci.edu |
| University of Arizona |
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
10 | Tucson, Arizona | Public | arizona.edu |
| University of Iowa |
Doctorate (Research)
|
10 | Iowa City, Iowa | Public | uiowa.edu |
| Albert Einstein College of Medicine |
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
9 | Bronx, New York | Private | einsteinmed.edu |
| University of Rochester |
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
8 | Rochester, New York | Private | rochester.edu |
| Stony Brook University (SBU) |
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
7 | Stony Brook, New York | Public | stonybrook.edu |
| University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill |
Doctorate (Research)
|
7 | Chapel Hill, North Carolina | Public | unc.edu |
| The University of Texas Health Science Center (UTHealth) |
Doctorate (Research)
|
7 | Houston, Texas | Public | uth.edu |
| Case Western Reserve University (CWRU) |
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
6 | Cleveland, Ohio | Private | case.edu |
| University of Florida (UF) |
Doctorate (Research)
|
5 | Gainesville, Florida | Public | ufl.edu |
| New Mexico State University (NMSU) |
Bachelor's
|
5 | Las Cruces, New Mexico | Public | nmsu.edu |
| Ohio Wesleyan University (OWU) |
Bachelor's
|
5 | Delaware, Ohio | Private | owu.edu |
| Boston University (BU) |
Doctorate (Research)
|
4 | Boston, Massachusetts | Private | bu.edu |
| Michigan State University (MSU) |
Doctorate (Research)
|
4 | East Lansing, Michigan | Public | msu.edu |
| Southern California University of Health Sciences (SCU) |
Postbac Cert.
|
3 | Whittier, California | Private | scuhs.edu |
| Tufts University |
Doctorate (Research)
|
3 | Medford, Massachusetts | Private | tufts.edu |
| Dartmouth College |
Doctorate (Research)
|
3 | Hanover, New Hampshire | Private | dartmouth.edu |
| Kansas State University (K‑State) |
Doctorate (Research)
|
2 | Manhattan, Kansas | Public | k-state.edu |
| West Virginia University (WVU) |
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
2 | Morgantown, West Virginia | Public | wvu.edu |
| California Institute of Technology (Caltech) |
Doctorate (Research)
|
1 | Pasadena, California | Private | caltech.edu |
| University of Connecticut (UConn) |
Master's
|
1 | Storrs, Connecticut | Public | uconn.edu |
| University of Missouri (Mizzou) |
Doctorate (Research)
|
1 | Columbia, Missouri | Public | missouri.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Genetics programs
How much can I earn with a Genetics degree?
Salaries for Genetics graduates vary by role and location. Genetic Counselors earn a median of $98,910 annually, while Biological Scientists, All Other earn around $93,330. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in California average $109,198 compared to $61,653 in Kentucky. Approximately 192,660 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 Genetics programs?
Currently 37 accredited institutions offer Genetics degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include University of Wisconsin-Madison (123 graduates), University of California (UCD), Davis (96 graduates), and University of Georgia (UGA) (60 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 Genetics growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have increased over the past decade, rising from 476 in 2010 to 730 in 2023-24. This represents a 53% 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 Genetics degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Genetic Counselors, Biological Scientists, All Other, and Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary. Related occupations employ approximately 192,660 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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