Animal Genetics: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Animal Genetics is an advanced academic discipline dedicated to understanding the genetic foundations of multicellular animal organisms through experimental research, comparative analysis, and clinical applications in veterinary and human health. This field integrates molecular biology, evolutionary theory, and biomedical science to explore how genetic information shapes development, function, and disease across species.
- Molecular genetics: The study of genes at the molecular level, focusing on DNA structure, function, and inheritance patterns in animal systems.
- Gene expression: Investigates how genetic information is transcribed and translated into functional proteins, and how this process is regulated in different tissues and developmental stages.
- Gene regulation: Examines the mechanisms that control when, where, and how genes are turned on or off, influencing cellular identity and organismal development.
- Genomics: Involves the comprehensive analysis of entire animal genomes, including sequencing, annotation, and comparative studies across species.
- Epigenetic phenomena: Explores heritable changes in gene activity that do not involve alterations to the DNA sequence, such as DNA methylation and histone modification.
- DNA recombination and repair: Focuses on the biological processes that maintain genomic integrity through the accurate repair of DNA damage and the generation of genetic diversity.
- Genetic interactions: Analyzes how genes influence one another at both microbial and higher biological levels, including pathways, networks, and complex trait inheritance.
- Molecular evolution: Studies the genetic changes that occur over time within animal lineages, offering insights into adaptation, speciation, and the origins of biological diversity.
Animal Genetics Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Animal Genetics Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Animal Genetics degrees, including Natural Sciences Managers, 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 213,830 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 |
| 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 |
Animal Genetics Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $75,280 in Louisiana to $147,260 in California—a 96% difference. The highest-paying states include California, New Jersey, and Massachusetts. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 213,830 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 Animal Genetics by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 2 institutions offering Animal 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 Animal Genetics is found at Clemson University (54 graduates), and Tufts University (5 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 59 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clemson University |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
54 | Clemson, South Carolina | Public | clemson.edu |
| Tufts University |
Doctorate (Research)
|
5 | Medford, Massachusetts | Private | tufts.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Animal Genetics programs
How much can I earn with a Animal Genetics degree?
Salaries for Animal Genetics graduates vary by role and location. Natural Sciences Managers earn a median of $161,180 annually, while Biological Scientists, All Other earn around $93,330. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in California average $147,260 compared to $75,280 in Louisiana. Approximately 213,830 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 Animal Genetics programs?
Currently 2 accredited institutions offer Animal Genetics degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include Clemson University (54 graduates), Tufts University (5 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 Animal Genetics growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have decreased over the past decade, rising from 66 in 2010 to a peak of 67 in 2020, before declining slightly to 59 in 2023-24. This represents a 11% 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 Animal Genetics degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Natural Sciences Managers, Biological Scientists, All Other, and Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary. Related occupations employ approximately 213,830 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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