by our College Data Analytics TeamA major in Gene/Genetic Therapy involves the study of Gene/genetic Therapy. A Program That Focuses On The Application Of Genetics To The Therapeutic Treatment Of Diseases And Inherited Abnormalities Through The Targeted Modification Of Gene Expression, And Prepares Individuals To Administer Genetic Therapies. Includes Instruction In Medical Genetics, Genome Analysis, Pharmacology Of Gene Transfer, Viral Vectors, Nonviral Therapeutic Techniques, Genetic Screening, Targeted Gene Delivery, Vector Production, Safety And Quality Assurance, Clinical Trials Management, And Bioethics. Continue reading for the important information every gene/genetic therapy major should know — including career paths, salary data, the skills you will develop, and the best colleges offering gene/genetic therapy programs.
Across the country, gene/genetic therapy is a popular field of study, with 55 degrees awarded annually.
Our 2026 Best Gene/Genetic Therapy Schools ranking analyzes these 3 schools to determine the best overall colleges for gene/genetic therapy students. Continue reading to check out one of our many unbiased rankings of gene/genetic therapy programs later in this article.
Studies in Gene/Genetic Therapy develop a specific mix of skills, knowledge, and abilities — derived from O*NET surveys of workers in the occupations gene/genetic therapy graduates commonly enter.
The skill set built by a gene/genetic therapy program reflects the day-to-day work of related occupations:
Based on O*NET data, a gene/genetic therapy major emphasizes the following knowledge areas:
There are several gene/genetic therapy 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 | 16 |
| Master’s Degree | 1-3 years | 38 |
| Doctorate | At least 4 years | 1 |
People currently working in careers related to gene/genetic therapy tend to have obtained the following education levels.
| Level of Education | Percentage of Workers |
|---|---|
| Postsecondary certificate | 19.2% |
| High school diploma or equivalent | 19.0% |
| Associate’s degree (or other 2-year) | 16.8% |
| Bachelor’s degree | 15.0% |
| Master’s degree | 13.6% |
| Some college courses | 7.4% |
| Doctoral degree | 3.5% |
| Post-baccalaureate certificate | 3.1% |
| Post-doctoral training | 2.7% |
View the chart below to get an idea of what level of education most of those in gene/genetic therapy careers hold.
Source: ONET Online education / training / experience requirements.*
Majoring in gene/genetic therapy prepares you for a variety of career paths. Below are some of the most common occupations related to gene/genetic therapy.
The following options are some of the most in-demand careers related to gene/genetic therapy.
| Occupation | Projected Jobs | Expected Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Patient Representatives | 3,368,169 | 4.8% |
| Health Technologists and Technicians, All Other | 3,206,816 | 12.2% |
| Ophthalmic Medical Technologists | 2,908,248 | 9.4% |
| Neurodiagnostic Technologists | 1,852,560 | 14.1% |
| Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary | 1,335,407 | 10.7% |
College Scorecard reports median earnings of gene/genetic therapy graduates 1, 4, and 5 years after completion. Wages typically rise as graduates gain experience.
| Years Out | Median Earnings |
|---|---|
| 1 year | $67,845 |
| 4 years | $61,295 |
| 5 years | $69,015 |
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, field-of-study earnings tracker.
Salaries for gene/genetic therapy graduates vary widely by occupation. The following table shows the top highest-paying careers gene/genetic therapy grads often go into.
| Occupation | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Health Technologists and Technicians, All Other | $153,940 |
| Ophthalmic Medical Technologists | $153,819 |
| Neurodiagnostic Technologists | $81,316 |
| Patient Representatives | $47,419 |
| Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary | $46,663 |
With 3 different gene/genetic therapy programs to choose from, finding the best fit can be a challenge. We have analyzed these schools to produce unbiased gene/genetic therapy school rankings to help you.
Students interested in gene/genetic therapy, you may also want to explore other closely related fields of study within the same broad area.
More about our data sources and methodologies.
