by our College Data Analytics TeamA degree in Cell Biology & Anatomy involves the study of 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 Gross Anatomical Systems. Includes Instruction In Molecular Biology, Cell Biology And Histology, Structural Biology, Anatomy, Embryology, Endocrinology, And Applications To Specific Systems, Diseases, Defects, And Processes. Continue reading for the important information every cell biology & anatomy major should know — including career paths, salary data, the skills you will develop, and the best colleges offering cell biology & anatomy programs.
In the U.S., cell biology & anatomy is a popular field of study, with 127 degrees awarded annually.
Our 2026 Best Cell Biology & Anatomy Schools ranking analyzes these 12 schools to determine the best overall colleges for cell biology & anatomy students. Continue reading to check out one of our many unbiased rankings of cell biology & anatomy programs later in this article.
Studies in Cell Biology & Anatomy develop a specific mix of skills, knowledge, and abilities — derived from O*NET surveys of workers in the occupations cell biology & anatomy graduates commonly enter.
Skills developed in a cell biology & anatomy program reflects the day-to-day work of related occupations:
Based on O*NET data, a cell biology & anatomy major emphasizes the following knowledge areas:
There are several cell biology & anatomy degree levels. The table below shows the typical length of the most common levels, and how many graduates earn each one.
| Degree | Typical Program Length | Graduates Annually |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor’s Degree | 4 years | 7 |
| Master’s Degree | 1-3 years | 91 |
| Doctorate | At least 4 years | 29 |
People currently working in careers related to cell biology & anatomy tend to have obtained the following education levels.
| Level of Education | Percentage of Workers |
|---|---|
| Post-doctoral training | 32.8% |
| Doctoral degree | 28.5% |
| Master’s degree | 23.6% |
| Bachelor’s degree | 12.0% |
| Post-master’s certificate | 1.9% |
| Post-baccalaureate certificate | 0.9% |
| Associate’s degree (or other 2-year) | 0.4% |
See the chart below to get an idea of what level of education most of those in cell biology & anatomy careers hold.
Source: ONET Online education / training / experience requirements.*
Majoring in cell biology & anatomy opens doors to many career paths. These are some of the most common occupations related to cell biology & anatomy.
The following options are some of the most in-demand careers related to cell biology & anatomy.
| Occupation | Projected Jobs | Expected Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary | 276,211 | 6.3% |
| Geneticists | 183,832 | -1.1% |
| Molecular and Cellular Biologists | 164,357 | 8.7% |
| Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists | 125,815 | 8.9% |
| Biologists | 118,631 | -3.6% |
| Biological Scientists, All Other | 23,620 | 9.2% |
| Bioinformatics Scientists | 11,006 | 5.4% |
Federal data tracks median earnings of cell biology & anatomy graduates 1, 4, and 5 years after completion. These numbers tend to grow as graduates gain experience.
| Years Out | Median Earnings |
|---|---|
| 1 year | $39,752 |
| 4 years | $59,833 |
| 5 years | $74,905 |
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, field-of-study earnings tracker.
Salaries for cell biology & anatomy graduates vary widely by occupation. The following table shows the top highest-paying careers cell biology & anatomy grads often go into.
| Occupation | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists | $111,314 |
| Molecular and Cellular Biologists | $100,077 |
| Bioinformatics Scientists | $92,484 |
| Biological Scientists, All Other | $79,550 |
| Biologists | $54,070 |
| Geneticists | $48,526 |
| Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary | $41,048 |
With 12 different cell biology & anatomy programs to choose from, finding the best fit can be a challenge. We have analyzed these schools to produce unbiased cell biology & anatomy school rankings to help you.
If you are interested in cell biology & anatomy, you may also want to explore other closely related fields of study within the same broad area.
| Related Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Cell/Cellular and Molecular Biology | 4,488 |
| Anatomy | 902 |
| Cell/Cellular Biology and Histology | 486 |
| Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences, Other | 264 |
| Developmental Biology and Embryology | 88 |
More about our data sources and methodologies.
