Neurobiology and Anatomy: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Neurobiology and Anatomy is an advanced academic discipline dedicated to understanding the intricate architecture and physiological operations of nervous systems across diverse species. This program provides a rigorous foundation in the biological mechanisms underlying neural function, from molecular interactions to complex system-level behaviors, with a focus on both healthy processes and pathological conditions.
- Molecular and cellular neurobiology: Explores the fundamental building blocks of the nervous system, including the structure, function, and interactions of neurons and glial cells at the microscopic level.
- Neuronal signaling and synaptic communication: Investigates how electrical and chemical signals are transmitted across synapses, including the role of ion channels, neurotransmitters, and receptor dynamics.
- Neural circuitry and network mapping: Focuses on the organization and connectivity of neural pathways, using advanced techniques to chart functional and structural relationships within the brain and spinal cord.
- Autonomic nervous system function: Studies the regulation of involuntary physiological processes, such as heart rate, digestion, and respiration, through specialized neural control systems.
- Neurotransmitters and receptors: Examines the chemical messengers and their target proteins that mediate communication between nerve cells, influencing mood, cognition, and motor control.
- Structural and functional basis of neurological disorders: Analyzes the pathological changes in the central nervous system associated with diseases like Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, epilepsy, and multiple sclerosis.
Neurobiology and Anatomy Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Neurobiology and Anatomy Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Neurobiology and Anatomy degrees, including Natural Sciences Managers, Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists 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 370,130 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 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 |
Neurobiology and Anatomy Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $74,817 in Vermont to $143,303 in California—a 92% difference. The highest-paying states include California, New Jersey, and Massachusetts. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 370,130 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 Neurobiology and Anatomy by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 21 institutions offering Neurobiology and Anatomy 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 Neurobiology and Anatomy is found at University of California (UCD), Davis (387 graduates), University of California (UCI), Irvine (63 graduates), University of Washington (UW), Seattle Campus (60 graduates), University of Cincinnati (UC), Main Campus (43 graduates), and Purdue University (PU), Main Campus (40 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 780 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 California (UCD) |
Bachelor's
|
387 | Davis, California | Public | ucdavis.edu |
| University of California (UCI) |
Bachelor's
|
63 | Irvine, California | Public | uci.edu |
| University of Washington (UW) |
Bachelor's
|
60 | Seattle, Washington | Public | washington.edu |
| University of Cincinnati (UC) |
Bachelor's
|
43 | Cincinnati, Ohio | Public | uc.edu |
| Purdue University (PU) |
Bachelor's
|
40 | West Lafayette, Indiana | Public | purdue.edu |
| Georgetown University (GU) |
Bachelor's
|
38 | Washington, District of Columbia | Private | georgetown.edu |
| Harvard University |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
27 | Cambridge, Massachusetts | Private | harvard.edu |
| University of Connecticut (UConn) |
Postbac Cert.
Master's
|
25 | Storrs, Connecticut | Public | uconn.edu |
| University of Pittsburgh |
Doctorate (Research)
|
14 | Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania | Public | pitt.edu |
| University of Rhode Island (URI) |
Bachelor's
|
14 | Kingston, Rhode Island | Public | web.uri.edu |
| University of Iowa |
Doctorate (Research)
|
11 | Iowa City, Iowa | Public | uiowa.edu |
| Central Michigan University (CMU) |
Bachelor's
|
11 | Mount Pleasant, Michigan | Public | cmich.edu |
| University of Alabama (UAB) |
Doctorate (Research)
|
9 | Birmingham, Alabama | Public | uab.edu |
| University of Chicago (UChicago) |
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
9 | Chicago, Illinois | Private | uchicago.edu |
| Northwestern University |
Master's
|
7 | Evanston, Illinois | Private | northwestern.edu |
| The University of Texas (UTSA) |
Doctorate (Research)
|
6 | San Antonio, Texas | Public | utsa.edu |
| Rutgers University |
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
5 | New Brunswick, New Jersey | Public | newbrunswick.rutgers.edu |
| University of Utah (U of U) |
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
5 | Salt Lake City, Utah | Public | utah.edu |
| Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) |
Doctorate (Research)
|
3 | Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania | Private | cmu.edu |
| Hampshire College |
Bachelor's
|
2 | Amherst, Massachusetts | Private | hampshire.edu |
| University of Rochester |
Doctorate (Research)
|
1 | Rochester, New York | Private | rochester.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Neurobiology and Anatomy programs
How much can I earn with a Neurobiology and Anatomy degree?
Salaries for Neurobiology and Anatomy 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 $143,303 compared to $74,817 in Vermont. Approximately 370,130 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 Neurobiology and Anatomy programs?
Currently 21 accredited institutions offer Neurobiology and Anatomy degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include University of California (UCD), Davis (387 graduates), University of California (UCI), Irvine (63 graduates), and University of Washington (UW), Seattle Campus (60 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 Neurobiology and Anatomy growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have increased over the past decade, rising from 533 in 2010 to a peak of 920 in 2020, before declining slightly to 780 in 2023-24. This represents a 46% 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 Neurobiology and Anatomy degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Natural Sciences Managers, Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists, and Biological Scientists, All Other. Related occupations employ approximately 370,130 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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