Regulatory Science and Affairs: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Regulatory Science and Affairs is a specialized field focused on ensuring that innovative scientific and medical products meet rigorous safety, efficacy, and quality standards before reaching the market. This program equips students with the strategic knowledge and technical expertise needed to navigate complex global regulatory frameworks across high-stakes industries.
- Regulatory Affairs: The systematic management of policies, procedures, and documentation required to gain approval for new products from regulatory agencies.
- Clinical Documentation: The creation, organization, and submission of detailed records from clinical trials to support product safety and effectiveness claims.
- Human and Animal Subject Protection: Ethical and procedural safeguards ensuring the rights, safety, and well-being of participants in research studies.
- Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Regulations: Comprehensive legal and procedural guidelines governing the development, testing, manufacturing, and distribution of pharmaceuticals, biologics, and medical devices.
- Data Management and Analysis: The structured handling of clinical and non-clinical data to ensure accuracy, integrity, and compliance with regulatory standards.
- Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP): Industry standards that ensure consistent production and control of products to guarantee quality and safety.
- Quality Management: A systematic approach to maintaining product quality through process control, risk assessment, and continuous improvement across the product lifecycle.
Regulatory Science and Affairs Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Regulatory Science and Affairs Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Regulatory Science and Affairs degrees, including Medical and Health Services Managers and Compliance Officers. 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 963,610 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Medical and Health Services Managers 11-9111 | $117,960 | $69,680 - $219,080 | 565,840 | $56.71 |
| Compliance Officers 13-1041 | $78,420 | $46,230 - $130,030 | 397,770 | $37.70 |
Regulatory Science and Affairs Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $75,950 in Arkansas to $132,030 in District of Columbia—a 74% difference. The highest-paying states include District of Columbia, New York, and Washington. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 963,610 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 Regulatory Science and Affairs by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 6 institutions offering Regulatory Science and Affairs 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 Regulatory Science and Affairs is found at Arizona State University, Digital Immersion (65 graduates), Clemson University (12 graduates), Arizona State University Campus Immersion (ASU) (9 graduates), Kansas State University (K‑State) (9 graduates), and Regis College (9 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 106 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arizona State University |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
65 | Scottsdale, Arizona | Public | asu.edu |
| Clemson University |
Postbac Cert.
|
12 | Clemson, South Carolina | Public | clemson.edu |
| Arizona State University Campus Immersion (ASU) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
9 | Tempe, Arizona | Public | asu.edu |
| Kansas State University (K‑State) |
Postbac Cert.
|
9 | Manhattan, Kansas | Public | k-state.edu |
| Regis College |
Master's
Post-Master's
|
9 | Weston, Massachusetts | Private | regiscollege.edu |
| Keck Graduate Institute (KGI) |
Master's
|
2 | Claremont, California | Private | kgi.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Regulatory Science and Affairs programs
How much can I earn with a Regulatory Science and Affairs degree?
Salaries for Regulatory Science and Affairs graduates vary by role and location. Medical and Health Services Managers earn a median of $117,960 annually, while Compliance Officers earn around $78,420. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in District of Columbia average $132,030 compared to $75,950 in Arkansas. Approximately 963,610 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 Regulatory Science and Affairs programs?
Currently 6 accredited institutions offer Regulatory Science and Affairs degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include Arizona State University, Digital Immersion (65 graduates), Clemson University (12 graduates), and Arizona State University Campus Immersion (ASU) (9 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.
What career paths are available with a Regulatory Science and Affairs degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Medical and Health Services Managers, Compliance Officers, . Related occupations employ approximately 963,610 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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