Oncology and Cancer Biology: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Explore the complex biological mechanisms underlying cancer development and progression through a rigorous, research-driven curriculum. This program provides advanced training in the cellular and molecular foundations of oncology, preparing students to understand and address the challenges of malignant disease from both scientific and therapeutic perspectives.
- Gene expression regulation: Investigate how genetic information is activated or suppressed in cancer cells, influencing tumor growth and response to treatment.
- Oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes: Examine the roles of mutated or dysregulated genes that drive uncontrolled cell division or fail to inhibit cancerous changes.
- Viral genes and cancer proliferation: Study how certain viruses contribute to oncogenesis through integration into host DNA and disruption of normal cellular controls.
- Signal transduction pathways: Analyze intracellular communication networks that govern cell survival, proliferation, and death, and how their dysregulation fuels cancer progression.
- Cancer-associated proteins: Explore the function and therapeutic targeting of key proteins involved in tumor development and metastasis.
- Hormonal and growth factor signaling: Assess how endogenous molecules regulate cell behavior and contribute to cancer growth in hormone-sensitive tissues.
- Tumor promotion, progression, and metastasis: Delve into the multi-stage process by which localized tumors evolve into invasive, spreading malignancies.
- Carcinogen receptors and metabolic pathways: Study how environmental and chemical agents interact with cellular systems and are processed to initiate or sustain cancer.
- Carcinogen ecology: Evaluate the environmental and societal factors influencing exposure to cancer-causing agents across populations.
- Immunological targeting strategies: Learn how the immune system can be harnessed or modulated to recognize and eliminate cancer cells.
- Therapeutic modalities: Engage with cutting-edge approaches including genetic, chemical, radiologic, and targeted treatment interventions designed to halt or reverse cancer progression.
Oncology and Cancer Biology Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Oncology and Cancer Biology Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Oncology and Cancer Biology degrees, including Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists 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 209,550 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 |
| Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary 25-1042 | $83,460 | $50,760 - $169,560 | 53,250 | N/A |
Oncology and Cancer Biology Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $58,090 in Mississippi to $128,550 in California—a 121% difference. The highest-paying states include California, New Jersey, and Connecticut. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 209,550 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 Oncology and Cancer Biology by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 30 institutions offering Oncology and Cancer Biology 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 Oncology and Cancer Biology is found at University at Buffalo (UB) (20 graduates), Georgetown University (GU) (19 graduates), University of Alabama (UAB), Birmingham (16 graduates), The University of Texas Health Science Center (UTHealth), Houston (16 graduates), and University of Chicago (UChicago) (14 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 193 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 at Buffalo (UB) |
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
20 | Buffalo, New York | Public | buffalo.edu |
| Georgetown University (GU) |
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
19 | Washington, District of Columbia | Private | georgetown.edu |
| University of Alabama (UAB) |
Bachelor's
|
16 | Birmingham, Alabama | Public | uab.edu |
| The University of Texas Health Science Center (UTHealth) |
Doctorate (Research)
|
16 | Houston, Texas | Public | uth.edu |
| University of Chicago (UChicago) |
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
14 | Chicago, Illinois | Private | uchicago.edu |
| University of Michigan (U‑M) |
Doctorate (Research)
|
8 | Ann Arbor, Michigan | Public | umich.edu |
| Vanderbilt University (VU) |
Doctorate (Research)
|
8 | Nashville, Tennessee | Private | vanderbilt.edu |
| Stanford University |
Doctorate (Research)
|
8 | Stanford, California | Private | stanford.edu |
| University of Arizona |
Doctorate (Research)
|
7 | Tucson, Arizona | Public | arizona.edu |
| University of Southern California (USC) |
Doctorate (Research)
|
7 | Los Angeles, California | Private | usc.edu |
| University of Miami (UM) |
Doctorate (Research)
|
7 | Coral Gables, Florida | Private | miami.edu |
| University of South Florida (USF) |
Doctorate (Research)
|
6 | Tampa, Florida | Public | usf.edu |
| University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center |
Doctorate (Research)
|
6 | Dallas, Texas | Public | utsouthwestern.edu |
| University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus |
Doctorate (Research)
|
5 | Denver, Colorado | Public | ucdenver.edu |
| Wayne State University (WSU) |
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
5 | Detroit, Michigan | Public | wayne.edu |
| Drexel University |
Master's
|
5 | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania | Private | drexel.edu |
| Wake Forest University (WFC) |
Doctorate (Research)
|
4 | Winston-Salem, North Carolina | Private | wfu.edu |
| Loyola University Chicago (LUC) |
Master's
|
3 | Chicago, Illinois | Private | luc.edu |
| University of Kansas (KU) |
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
3 | Lawrence, Kansas | Public | ku.edu |
| Dartmouth College |
Doctorate (Research)
|
3 | Hanover, New Hampshire | Private | dartmouth.edu |
| University of Toledo (UToledo) |
Doctorate (Research)
|
3 | Toledo, Ohio | Public | utoledo.edu |
| Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) |
Doctorate (Research)
|
3 | Portland, Oregon | Public | ohsu.edu |
| University of Utah (U of U) |
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
3 | Salt Lake City, Utah | Public | utah.edu |
| University of Wisconsin-Madison |
Doctorate (Research)
|
3 | Madison, Wisconsin | Public | wisc.edu |
| George Washington University (GW) |
Doctorate (Research)
|
2 | Washington, District of Columbia | Private | gwu.edu |
| University of Iowa |
Doctorate (Research)
|
2 | Iowa City, Iowa | Public | uiowa.edu |
| University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) |
Master's
|
2 | Omaha, Nebraska | Public | unmc.edu |
| Saint Francis University (SFU) |
Master's
|
2 | Loretto, Pennsylvania | Private | francis.edu |
| Saint Joseph's University (SJU) |
Doctorate (Research)
|
2 | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania | Private | sju.edu |
| John Patrick University of Health and Applied Sciences |
Postbac Cert.
|
1 | South Bend, Indiana | Private | jpu.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Oncology and Cancer Biology programs
How much can I earn with a Oncology and Cancer Biology degree?
Salaries for Oncology and Cancer Biology graduates vary by role and location. Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists earn a median of $100,590 annually, while Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary earn around $83,460. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in California average $128,550 compared to $58,090 in Mississippi. Approximately 209,550 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 Oncology and Cancer Biology programs?
Currently 30 accredited institutions offer Oncology and Cancer Biology degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include University at Buffalo (UB) (20 graduates), Georgetown University (GU) (19 graduates), and University of Alabama (UAB), Birmingham (16 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 Oncology and Cancer Biology growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have increased over the past decade, rising from 114 in 2010 to 193 in 2023-24. This represents a 69% 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 Oncology and Cancer Biology degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists, Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary, . Related occupations employ approximately 209,550 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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