Studying Endocrinology covers Endocrinology. A Program That Focuses On The Scientific Study Of The Composition, Manufacture, And Secretion Of Protein Compounds By Cells And Glands And The Role Of Endocrine Substances In Bodily Processes. Includes Instruction In Protein Chemistry, Protein Secretion, Membrane Biogenesis And Transfer Methods, Cellular Communication, Gene And Cell Regulation, Cytochemistry, Fractionation, Radioautography, And Applications Such As Neuroendocrinology. Continue reading for the key facts every endocrinology major should know — including career paths, salary data, the skills you will develop, and the best colleges offering endocrinology programs.
In the U.S., endocrinology draws strong interest, with 15 degrees awarded annually.
Our 2026 Best Endocrinology Schools ranking analyzes these 2 schools to determine the best overall colleges for endocrinology students. Continue reading to check out one of our many unbiased rankings of endocrinology programs later in this article.
Programs in Endocrinology develop a specific mix of skills, knowledge, and abilities — derived from O*NET surveys of workers in the occupations endocrinology graduates commonly enter.
The skill set built by a endocrinology program reflects the day-to-day work of related occupations:
Per O*NET surveys, a endocrinology major emphasizes the following knowledge areas:
There are several endocrinology 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Master’s Degree | 1-3 years | 1 |
| Doctorate | At least 4 years | 14 |
People currently working in careers related to endocrinology tend to have obtained the following education levels.
| Level of Education | Percentage of Workers |
|---|---|
| Doctoral degree | 44.6% |
| Post-doctoral training | 34.2% |
| Master’s degree | 15.7% |
| Bachelor’s degree | 2.6% |
| Post-master’s certificate | 2.1% |
| Associate’s degree (or other 2-year) | 0.9% |
See the chart below to get an idea of what level of education most of those in endocrinology careers hold.
Source: ONET Online education / training / experience requirements.*
A degree in endocrinology can lead to numerous career paths. Below are some of the most common occupations related to endocrinology.
The following options are some of the most in-demand careers related to endocrinology.
| Occupation | Projected Jobs | Expected Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary | 276,211 | 6.3% |
| Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists | 125,815 | 8.9% |
The U.S. Department of Education tracks median earnings of endocrinology graduates 1, 4, and 5 years after completion. Earnings tend to climb as graduates gain experience.
| Years Out | Median Earnings |
|---|---|
| 1 year | $32,024 |
| 4 years | $53,598 |
| 5 years | $65,802 |
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, field-of-study earnings tracker.
Salaries for endocrinology graduates vary widely by occupation. The following table shows the top highest-paying careers endocrinology grads often go into.
| Occupation | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists | $111,314 |
| Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary | $41,048 |
With 2 different endocrinology programs to choose from, finding the best fit can be a challenge. We have analyzed these schools to produce unbiased endocrinology school rankings to help you.
If you are interested in endocrinology, you may also want to explore other closely related fields of study within the same broad area.
| Related Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Exercise Physiology and Kinesiology | 7,132 |
| Physiology, General | 2,816 |
| Pathology/Experimental Pathology | 306 |
| Vision Science/Physiological Optics | 269 |
| Oncology and Cancer Biology | 193 |
| Physiology, Pathology, and Related Sciences, Other | 148 |
| Biomechanics | 62 |
| Cardiovascular Science | 62 |
| Molecular Physiology | 52 |
| Cell Physiology | 51 |
More about our data sources and methodologies.