Molecular Medicine: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Molecular Medicine is an advanced interdisciplinary field dedicated to understanding the fundamental biological mechanisms underlying disease at the molecular and cellular levels. This program prepares students to translate cutting-edge scientific discoveries into innovative medical solutions, including targeted therapies, precision diagnostics, and novel pharmaceuticals.
- Cell Biology: Explores the structure, function, and behavior of cells, emphasizing how cellular processes contribute to health and disease.
- Molecular Biology: Focuses on the interactions and functions of DNA, RNA, and proteins within living systems, forming the foundation for genetic and therapeutic research.
- Physiology: Investigates the normal functions of body systems and how these processes are altered in disease states.
- Pharmacology: Studies the effects of drugs on biological systems, including mechanisms of action, drug development, and therapeutic applications.
- Biochemistry: Examines the chemical processes within and relating to living organisms, particularly the role of biomolecules in cellular function and disease.
- Genetics: Analyzes heredity, gene expression, and genetic variation, with applications in diagnosing and treating inherited and complex disorders.
- Pathology: Studies the causes, mechanisms, and effects of disease, providing critical insights into disease progression and diagnosis.
- Molecular Immunology: Explores immune system function at the molecular level, with emphasis on immune responses, autoimmunity, and immunotherapies.
- Research and Quantitative Methods: Develops skills in experimental design, statistical analysis, data interpretation, and scientific inquiry essential for rigorous biomedical research.
- Biomedical Research Computing: Integrates computational tools and data science techniques to analyze biological data, model disease processes, and support discovery-driven research.
Molecular Medicine Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Molecular Medicine Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Molecular Medicine degrees, including Natural Sciences Managers, 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 310,420 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 |
| 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 |
Molecular Medicine Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $74,055 in Vermont to $153,733 in California—a 108% difference. The highest-paying states include California, Massachusetts, and New Jersey. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 310,420 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 Molecular Medicine by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 8 institutions offering Molecular Medicine 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 Molecular Medicine is found at University of Georgia (UGA) (97 graduates), University of Maryland (UMB), Baltimore (17 graduates), Case Western Reserve University (CWRU) (13 graduates), Hofstra University (7 graduates), and The University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio (7 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 156 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 Georgia (UGA) |
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
97 | Athens, Georgia | Public | uga.edu |
| University of Maryland (UMB) |
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
17 | Baltimore, Maryland | Public | umaryland.edu |
| Case Western Reserve University (CWRU) |
Doctorate (Research)
|
13 | Cleveland, Ohio | Private | case.edu |
| Hofstra University |
Doctorate (Research)
|
7 | Hempstead, New York | Private | hofstra.edu |
| The University of Texas Health Science Center |
Master's
|
7 | San Antonio, Texas | Public | uthscsa.edu |
| University of Cincinnati (UC) |
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
6 | Cincinnati, Ohio | Public | uc.edu |
| Wake Forest University (WFC) |
Doctorate (Research)
|
5 | Winston-Salem, North Carolina | Private | wfu.edu |
| University of Arizona |
Doctorate (Research)
|
4 | Tucson, Arizona | Public | arizona.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Molecular Medicine programs
How much can I earn with a Molecular Medicine degree?
Salaries for Molecular Medicine graduates vary by role and location. Natural Sciences Managers earn a median of $161,180 annually, while Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists earn around $100,590. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in California average $153,733 compared to $74,055 in Vermont. Approximately 310,420 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 Molecular Medicine programs?
Currently 8 accredited institutions offer Molecular Medicine degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include University of Georgia (UGA) (97 graduates), University of Maryland (UMB), Baltimore (17 graduates), and Case Western Reserve University (CWRU) (13 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 Molecular Medicine growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have increased over the past decade, rising from 18 in 2010 to 156 in 2023-24. This represents a 767% 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 Molecular Medicine degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Natural Sciences Managers, Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists, and Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary. Related occupations employ approximately 310,420 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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