by our College Data Analytics TeamStudying Molecular Physiology involves the study of Molecular Physiology. A Program That Focuses On The Scientific Study Of Dynamic Interactive Processes And Biochemical Communications At The Subcellular Level. Includes Instruction In Ion Channels And Transporters, Molecular Signaling Pathways, Endocrine Control And Regulation, Genetic Information Transfer, Homeostasis And Molecular Control Systems, Electrophysiology And Sensory Mechanisms, Protein Synthesis, And Applicable Research Methods And Technologies. Continue reading for the key facts every molecular physiology student should know — including career paths, salary data, the skills you will develop, and the best colleges offering molecular physiology programs.
Across the country, molecular physiology draws strong interest, with 52 degrees awarded annually.
Our 2026 Best Molecular Physiology Schools ranking analyzes these 8 schools to determine the best overall colleges for molecular physiology students. Continue reading to check out one of our many unbiased rankings of molecular physiology programs later in this article.
Programs in Molecular Physiology develop a specific mix of skills, knowledge, and abilities — derived from O*NET surveys of workers in the occupations molecular physiology graduates commonly enter.
The skill set developed in a molecular physiology program reflects the day-to-day work of related occupations:
Per O*NET surveys, a molecular physiology major emphasizes the following knowledge areas:
There are several molecular physiology 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 | 4 |
| Doctorate | At least 4 years | 48 |
People currently working in careers related to molecular physiology 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% |
View the chart below to get an idea of what level of education most of those in molecular physiology careers hold.
Source: ONET Online education / training / experience requirements.*
Studying molecular physiology prepares you for numerous career paths. These are some of the most common occupations related to molecular physiology.
The following options are some of the most in-demand careers related to molecular physiology.
| 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 molecular physiology 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 molecular physiology graduates vary widely by occupation. The following table shows the top highest-paying careers molecular physiology grads often go into.
| Occupation | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists | $111,314 |
| Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary | $41,048 |
With 8 different molecular physiology programs to choose from, finding the best fit can be a challenge. We have analyzed these schools to produce unbiased molecular physiology school rankings to help you.
Students interested in molecular physiology, 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 |
| Cell Physiology | 51 |
| Aerospace Physiology and Medicine | 40 |
More about our data sources and methodologies.
