by our College Data Analytics TeamDo you ever wonder why you have green eyes and your sister has blue eyes? In the study of Genetics you will follow in the footsteps of that famous monk, Gregor Mendel, who discovered how physical traits were passed through observing generations of peas. He pioneered the research in genetics, how DNA works, and the four letter codes that DNA is made up of.
During your time as a Genetics major you will learn all aspects of cell growth, reproduction, and mutations. Mutations are responsible for cancer as well as a host of other diseases. You will also explore Darwin's theory of natural selection.
Some of the courses you will take are: biochemistry, populations genetics, developmental genetics, molecular genetics, evolutionary genetics, genetic data analysis, human genetics, chemistry, advanced mathematics, biology, organic chemistry.
Concentrations in this major include: Molecular Genetics; Microbial and Eukaryotic Genetics; Animal Genetics; Plant Genetics; Human and Medical Genetics; and Genome Sciences. This major is most often offered as a Master's or Ph.D. However, some schools offer it as a Bachelor's degree.
Studying Genetics involves the study of Genetics. Continue reading for the essential details every genetics major should know — including career paths, salary data, the skills you will develop, and the best colleges offering genetics programs.
Nationwide, genetics is a popular field of study, with 1,733 degrees awarded annually.
Our 2026 Best Genetics Schools ranking analyzes these 93 schools to determine the best overall colleges for genetics students. Continue reading to check out one of our many unbiased rankings of genetics programs later in this article.
Studies in Genetics develop a specific mix of skills, knowledge, and abilities — derived from O*NET surveys of workers in the occupations genetics graduates commonly enter.
The study of genetics can be quite fascinating, but it also can take a lot of work and dedication. A passion for science and discovery will help you get through long hours studying math and science and memorizing formulas. You will also be studying evolution and history. Curiosity, innovation and ability to adapt to new technology will aid you. Do not get frustrated; persistence is the key to success in this major.
You will be working closely with peers and professors for a variety of group projects. Interpersonal and teamwork skills will aid you in completing these projects. Communication skills will help you write clearly when reporting your discoveries in lab, as well as complete research papers. Time management and organization will help you balance time spent in the lab with your other assignments.
The skill set developed in a genetics program reflects the day-to-day work of related occupations:
Based on O*NET data, a genetics major emphasizes the following knowledge areas:
There are several genetics 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 | 740 |
| Master’s Degree | 1-3 years | 612 |
| Doctorate | At least 4 years | 381 |
People currently working in careers related to genetics tend to have obtained the following education levels.
| Level of Education | Percentage of Workers |
|---|---|
| Master’s degree | 68.1% |
| Bachelor’s degree | 11.4% |
| Post-doctoral training | 8.8% |
| Doctoral degree | 7.2% |
| Postsecondary certificate | 1.2% |
| Associate’s degree (or other 2-year) | 1.0% |
| Some college courses | 1.0% |
| High school diploma or equivalent | 0.7% |
| Post-baccalaureate certificate | 0.4% |
| Post-master’s certificate | 0.3% |
See the chart below to get an idea of what level of education most of those in genetics careers hold.
Source: ONET Online education / training / experience requirements.*
Most people interested in this field will continue their education to get a minimum of a master's degree. You may also decide to focus on medicine, veterinary medicine, or biology in graduate school.
If you do not want to continue your education, genetics majors can also find work upon graduating in a number of fields. Some options include government or independent research, agricultural laboratories, botanical gardens, national parks or private research.
Studying genetics can lead to many career paths. Below are some of the most common occupations related to genetics.
The following options are some of the most in-demand careers related to genetics.
| Occupation | Projected Jobs | Expected Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Genetic Counselors | 3,289,795 | 13.4% |
| Clinical Research Coordinators | 542,888 | 10.4% |
| Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary | 276,211 | 6.3% |
| Biological Technicians | 224,048 | 12.8% |
| Geneticists | 183,832 | -1.1% |
| Natural Sciences Managers | 179,495 | 8.7% |
| Molecular and Cellular Biologists | 164,357 | 8.7% |
| Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists | 125,815 | 8.9% |
Federal data tracks median earnings of genetics graduates 1, 4, and 5 years after completion. Wages typically rise as graduates gain experience.
| Years Out | Median Earnings |
|---|---|
| 1 year | $43,852 |
| 4 years | $57,533 |
| 5 years | $73,410 |
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, field-of-study earnings tracker.
Salaries for genetics graduates vary widely by occupation. The following table shows the top highest-paying careers genetics grads often go into.
| Occupation | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Water Resource Specialists | $179,716 |
| Natural Sciences Managers | $132,227 |
| Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists | $111,314 |
| Clinical Research Coordinators | $110,931 |
| Biological Technicians | $100,160 |
| Molecular and Cellular Biologists | $100,077 |
| Bioinformatics Scientists | $92,484 |
| Biological Scientists, All Other | $79,550 |
With 93 different genetics programs to choose from, finding the best fit can be a challenge. We have analyzed these schools to produce unbiased genetics school rankings to help you.
Those considering genetics, you may also want to explore other closely related fields of study within the same broad area.
| Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Genetics, General | 730 |
| Human/Medical Genetics | 424 |
| Molecular Genetics | 278 |
| Genome Sciences/Genomics | 199 |
| Animal Genetics | 59 |
| Plant Genetics | 32 |
| Genetics, Other | 11 |
| Related Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Biology, General | 101,585 |
| Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology | 13,820 |
| Neurobiology and Neurosciences | 12,819 |
| Physiology, Pathology and Related Sciences | 11,175 |
| Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology | 9,295 |
| Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences | 6,355 |
| Microbiological Sciences and Immunology | 4,711 |
| Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Other | 4,612 |
| Biotechnology | 3,869 |
| Biomathematics, Bioinformatics, and Computational Biology | 3,638 |
More about our data sources and methodologies.
