Genetics and Medical Genetics: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Genetics and Medical Genetics is a specialized field dedicated to understanding the role of genetic factors in human health and disease, with a strong emphasis on clinical and translational applications. This program equips students with advanced knowledge and analytical skills to investigate the molecular underpinnings of inherited conditions, develop diagnostic strategies, and contribute to emerging therapies in precision medicine.
- Human molecular genetics: Explores the structure, function, and regulation of genes at the molecular level, focusing on how genetic variation influences biological processes and disease outcomes.
- Genetic factors in disease etiology: Investigates how mutations, chromosomal abnormalities, and inherited genetic traits contribute to the onset and progression of pathological conditions.
- Gene expression dynamics: Examines how gene activity changes during development, cellular differentiation, and disease states, providing insights into regulatory mechanisms and pathological shifts.
- Recombinant DNA technology: Focuses on laboratory techniques for manipulating DNA sequences to study gene function, develop diagnostics, and engineer therapeutic agents.
- Gene therapy: Addresses cutting-edge approaches to treat or prevent genetic disorders by introducing, removing, or altering genetic material within a patient’s cells.
- Clinical genetics: Centers on the diagnosis, management, and counseling of individuals and families affected by genetic conditions, integrating laboratory findings with patient care.
- Genetic epidemiology: Applies population-level data to study the distribution, determinants, and patterns of genetic diseases within communities.
- Immunogenetics: Studies the genetic basis of immune system function and its role in susceptibility to autoimmune diseases, transplant rejection, and immune disorders.
- Cytogenetics: Involves the analysis of chromosomes and chromosomal abnormalities to identify structural and numerical changes linked to genetic disorders.
- Genetics of specific disorders: Provides in-depth study of the molecular and clinical aspects of well-defined genetic conditions, including inherited syndromes, neurogenetic diseases, and cancer predispositions.
Genetics and Medical Genetics Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Genetics and Medical Genetics Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Genetics and Medical Genetics degrees, including Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists, Genetic Counselors 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 213,060 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists 19-1042 | $100,590 | $61,860 - $168,210 | 156,300 | $48.36 |
| Genetic Counselors 29-9092 | $98,910 | $78,680 - $137,780 | 3,510 | $47.55 |
| Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary 25-1042 | $83,460 | $50,760 - $169,560 | 53,250 | N/A |
Genetics and Medical Genetics Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $58,090 in Mississippi to $130,730 in California—a 125% difference. The highest-paying states include California, New Jersey, and Alaska. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 213,060 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 and Medical Genetics by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 34 institutions offering Genetics and Medical 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 and Medical Genetics is found at Southern California University of Health Sciences (SCU) (51 graduates), University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh Campus (43 graduates), University of Michigan (U‑M), Ann Arbor (29 graduates), Missouri State University, Springfield (28 graduates), and Stanford University (23 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 424 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Southern California University of Health Sciences (SCU) |
Master's
|
51 | Whittier, California | Private | scuhs.edu |
| University of Pittsburgh |
Master's
Post-Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
43 | Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania | Public | pitt.edu |
| University of Michigan (U‑M) |
Master's
Post-Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
29 | Ann Arbor, Michigan | Public | umich.edu |
| Missouri State University |
Other Award
|
28 | Springfield, Missouri | Public | missouristate.edu |
| Stanford University |
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
23 | Stanford, California | Private | stanford.edu |
| Indiana University (IU Indianapolis) |
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
19 | Indianapolis, Indiana | Public | indianapolis.iu.edu |
| University of Connecticut (UConn) |
Postbac Cert.
Master's
|
18 | Storrs, Connecticut | Public | uconn.edu |
| University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center |
Doctorate (Research)
|
16 | Dallas, Texas | Public | utsouthwestern.edu |
| Midwestern University (MWU) |
Postbac Cert.
Master's
|
16 | Glendale, Arizona | Private | midwestern.edu |
| University of Utah (U of U) |
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
14 | Salt Lake City, Utah | Public | utah.edu |
| Emory University |
Master's
|
13 | Atlanta, Georgia | Private | emory.edu |
| Long Island University (LIU) |
Master's
|
12 | Brookville, New York | Private | liu.edu |
| University of Cincinnati (UC) |
Master's
|
11 | Cincinnati, Ohio | Public | uc.edu |
| Thomas Jefferson University |
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
11 | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania | Private | jefferson.edu |
| Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) |
Postbac Cert.
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
11 | Richmond, Virginia | Public | vcu.edu |
| Augustana University |
Master's
|
10 | Sioux Falls, South Dakota | Private | augie.edu |
| University of South Carolina (USC) |
Master's
|
9 | Columbia, South Carolina | Public | sc.edu |
| University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG) |
Master's
|
8 | Greensboro, North Carolina | Public | uncg.edu |
| Vanderbilt University (VU) |
Doctorate (Research)
|
8 | Nashville, Tennessee | Private | vanderbilt.edu |
| University of Wisconsin-Madison |
Master's
|
8 | Madison, Wisconsin | Public | wisc.edu |
| Washington University in St Louis (WashU) |
Doctorate (Research)
|
7 | Saint Louis, Missouri | Private | wustl.edu |
| University of Washington (UW) |
Master's
|
7 | Seattle, Washington | Public | washington.edu |
| Keck Graduate Institute (KGI) |
Master's
|
7 | Claremont, California | Private | kgi.edu |
| University of Chicago (UChicago) |
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
6 | Chicago, Illinois | Private | uchicago.edu |
| Tulane University of Louisiana |
Master's
|
6 | New Orleans, Louisiana | Private | tulane.edu |
| Clemson University |
Doctorate (Research)
|
6 | Clemson, South Carolina | Public | clemson.edu |
| University of Alabama (UAB) |
Doctorate (Research)
|
5 | Birmingham, Alabama | Public | uab.edu |
| University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) |
Master's
|
5 | Little Rock, Arkansas | Public | uams.edu |
| University of California (UCLA) |
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
5 | Los Angeles, California | Public | ucla.edu |
| Johns Hopkins University (JHU) |
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
5 | Baltimore, Maryland | Private | jhu.edu |
| University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus |
Doctorate (Research)
|
2 | Denver, Colorado | Public | ucdenver.edu |
| University of Miami (UM) |
Doctorate (Research)
|
2 | Coral Gables, Florida | Private | miami.edu |
| Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW) |
Postbac Cert.
|
2 | Milwaukee, Wisconsin | Private | mcw.edu |
| Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center (LSUHSC-NO) |
Doctorate (Research)
|
1 | New Orleans, Louisiana | Public | lsuhsc.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Genetics and Medical Genetics programs
How much can I earn with a Genetics and Medical Genetics degree?
Salaries for Genetics and Medical Genetics graduates vary by role and location. Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists earn a median of $100,590 annually, while Genetic Counselors earn around $98,910. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in California average $130,730 compared to $58,090 in Mississippi. Approximately 213,060 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 and Medical Genetics programs?
Currently 34 accredited institutions offer Genetics and Medical Genetics degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include Southern California University of Health Sciences (SCU) (51 graduates), University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh Campus (43 graduates), and University of Michigan (U‑M), Ann Arbor (29 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 and Medical Genetics growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have increased over the past decade, rising from 195 in 2010 to 424 in 2023-24. This represents a 117% 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 and Medical Genetics degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists, Genetic Counselors, and Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary. Related occupations employ approximately 213,060 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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