Genome Sciences and Genomics: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Genome Sciences and Genomics is an advanced interdisciplinary field dedicated to understanding the structure, function, and regulation of entire genomes across diverse organisms. This program equips students with the analytical and technical expertise needed to explore genetic information at scale, driving innovation in medicine, biotechnology, and environmental science.
- Molecular and cellular biology: Explores the fundamental processes of life at the cellular level, focusing on how cells grow, communicate, and respond to internal and external signals.
- Genetics: Investigates the inheritance and variation of traits through the study of genes, heredity, and genetic mutations across generations.
- Protein technologies: Focuses on the design, analysis, and application of proteins in research, diagnostics, and therapeutics, including techniques like protein expression and purification.
- Genomic sciences and techniques: Covers cutting-edge methodologies for genome sequencing, assembly, annotation, and functional analysis using high-throughput platforms.
- Bioinformatics: Applies computational tools and algorithms to manage, analyze, and interpret large-scale biological datasets, particularly genomic and proteomic information.
- Scientific and research ethics: Addresses the moral and societal implications of genetic research, including data privacy, informed consent, and responsible innovation in genomics.
Genome Sciences and Genomics Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Genome Sciences and Genomics Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Genome Sciences and Genomics degrees, including Natural Sciences Managers, Genetic Counselors 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 217,340 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 |
| 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 |
Genome Sciences and Genomics Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $75,280 in Louisiana to $144,218 in California—a 92% difference. The highest-paying states include California, New Jersey, and Massachusetts. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 217,340 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 Genome Sciences and Genomics by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 20 institutions offering Genome Sciences and Genomics 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 Genome Sciences and Genomics is found at Johns Hopkins University (JHU) (36 graduates), Saint Joseph's University (SJU) (32 graduates), Temple University (31 graduates), University of Oregon (UO) (29 graduates), and Manchester University (18 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 199 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Johns Hopkins University (JHU) |
Master's
|
36 | Baltimore, Maryland | Private | jhu.edu |
| Saint Joseph's University (SJU) |
Postbac Cert.
Master's
|
32 | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania | Private | sju.edu |
| Temple University |
Bachelor's
Other Award
|
31 | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania | Public | temple.edu |
| University of Oregon (UO) |
Master's
|
29 | Eugene, Oregon | Public | uoregon.edu |
| Manchester University |
Postbac Cert.
Master's
|
18 | North Manchester, Indiana | Private | manchester.edu |
| Duke University |
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
13 | Durham, North Carolina | Private | duke.edu |
| University of Saint Joseph (USJ) |
Postbac Cert.
|
6 | West Hartford, Connecticut | Private | usj.edu |
| Northwestern College (NWC) |
Bachelor's
|
5 | Orange City, Iowa | Private | nwciowa.edu |
| Florida Institute of Technology (Florida Tech) |
Bachelor's
|
4 | Melbourne, Florida | Private | fit.edu |
| Wayne State University (WSU) |
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
4 | Detroit, Michigan | Public | wayne.edu |
| University at Buffalo (UB) |
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
4 | Buffalo, New York | Public | buffalo.edu |
| North Carolina State University (NC State) |
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
4 | Raleigh, North Carolina | Public | ncsu.edu |
| University of New Haven (UNH) |
Bachelor's
|
2 | West Haven, Connecticut | Private | newhaven.edu |
| George Washington University (GW) |
Doctorate (Research)
|
2 | Washington, District of Columbia | Private | gwu.edu |
| Harvard University |
Doctorate (Research)
|
2 | Cambridge, Massachusetts | Private | harvard.edu |
| Grand Valley State University (GVSU) |
Postbac Cert.
Other Award
|
2 | Allendale, Michigan | Public | gvsu.edu |
| Davidson College |
Bachelor's
|
2 | Davidson, North Carolina | Private | davidson.edu |
| Regis University |
Post-Master's
|
1 | Denver, Colorado | Private | regis.edu |
| North Dakota State University (NDSU) |
Doctorate (Research)
|
1 | Fargo, North Dakota | Public | ndsu.edu |
| Keck Graduate Institute (KGI) |
Postbac Cert.
|
1 | Claremont, California | Private | kgi.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Genome Sciences and Genomics programs
How much can I earn with a Genome Sciences and Genomics degree?
Salaries for Genome Sciences and Genomics graduates vary by role and location. Natural Sciences Managers earn a median of $161,180 annually, while Genetic Counselors earn around $98,910. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in California average $144,218 compared to $75,280 in Louisiana. Approximately 217,340 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 Genome Sciences and Genomics programs?
Currently 20 accredited institutions offer Genome Sciences and Genomics degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include Johns Hopkins University (JHU) (36 graduates), Saint Joseph's University (SJU) (32 graduates), and Temple University (31 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 Genome Sciences and Genomics growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have increased over the past decade, rising from 9 in 2010 to 199 in 2023-24. This represents a 2,111% 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 Genome Sciences and Genomics degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Natural Sciences Managers, Genetic Counselors, and Biological Scientists, All Other. Related occupations employ approximately 217,340 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.
Botany and Plant Biology
Any instructional program in botany/plant biology not listed above.
Cell Biology and Histology
A program that focuses on the scientific study of the structure, function, and regulation of cells as individual units and as components of...
Anatomy
A program that focuses on the scientific study of organ systems, tissue structures, and whole bodies together with their cellular and structural components...
Developmental Biology
A program that focuses on the scientific study of embryology, development, and growth of animals and human beings. Includes instruction in fertilization, oogenesis,...
Cell and Molecular Biology
An integrated, combined program that focuses on the scientific study of cells, cellular systems, and the molecular basis of cell structure and function....
Cell Biology and Anatomy
An integrated, combined program that focuses on the scientific study of cell structure, function, and dynamics within the context of organismic, regional, and...