by our College Data Analytics TeamIn the latest year, 99 U.S. colleges awarded 1,838 degrees and certificates in Genetics. Bachelor’s degrees are the most popular award, at 43% of graduates. College Factual ranks 41 schools in its 2027 Best Genetics Schools ranking and compares their cost in a Best Value ranking. Graduates earn a median $43,852 one year after completing, rising to $76,616 after four years.
Do 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.
Source: IPEDS 2025; College Scorecard July 2026; BLS; O*NET; College Factual rankings 2027. Data as of: July 2026.
Nationwide, genetics is a popular field of study, with 1,838 degrees awarded annually. 99 colleges award genetics degrees, an average of 19 graduates per school; the largest program awarded 158.
By level, the 1,838 awards include 788 bachelor’s degrees, 635 master’s degrees and 414 doctorates.
Women earned 71% of genetics degrees and certificates in the latest year (1,303 of 1,838). The largest groups of graduates by race and ethnicity are White (1,056) and Asian (246), and international students earned 188.
College Factual ranks 41 schools in its 2027 Best Genetics Schools ranking, including 18 for bachelor’s degrees, 18 for master’s degrees and 15 for doctorates. It also ranks genetics schools within 22 states. In all, 99 colleges offer genetics programs; compare them by degree level below or in the Best Value Genetics Colleges ranking, which weighs quality against cost.
The most common genetics credential is the bachelor’s degree: 788 of the 1,838 awarded in the latest year. Jobs related to genetics call most for Reading Comprehension, Active Listening and Writing, and for knowledge of Biology, English Language and Medicine and Dentistry, according to O*NET. The most important abilities are Written Comprehension, Oral Expression and Deductive Reasoning.
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.
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How long a genetics degree takes:
| Degree | Typical Program Length | Graduates Annually |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor’s Degree | 4 years | 788 |
| Master’s Degree | 1-3 years | 635 |
| Doctorate | At least 4 years | 414 |
Master’s degree is the most common level of education among workers in jobs related to genetics, at 68.1%.
| 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% |
Source: O*NET Online.
12 occupations are related to Genetics, with an average median salary of $92,402; the strongest outlook belongs to Genetic Counselors, at 13.4% projected job growth. Typical job titles include Genetic Counseling Medical Specialist, Clinical Reviewer, Mitochondrial Disorders Counselor and Reproductive Genetic Counseling Coordinator.
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.
That occupation also has the most projected jobs of any related to genetics, at 3,289,795.
| 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% |
Genetics graduates earn a median $43,852 one year after completing their program, $76,616 after four years and $73,410 after five years, according to the U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard.
| Years Out | Median Earnings |
|---|---|
| 1 year | $43,852 |
| 4 years | $76,616 |
| 5 years | $73,410 |
Source: College Scorecard.
The highest-paying occupation related to genetics is Water Resource Specialists, with a median salary of $179,716.
| 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 |
Genetics includes 7 concentrations that together award 1,838 degrees a year; by graduates, the largest are Genetics, General (799), Human/Medical Genetics (477) and Molecular Genetics (259). It has 14 similar majors in the Biological & Biomedical Sciences field, which together award 185,265 degrees a year; the largest are Biology, General (103,797), Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology (14,729) and Neurobiology and Neurosciences (13,720). Browse all Biological & Biomedical Sciences majors or the full list of college majors.
| Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Genetics, General | 799 |
| Human/Medical Genetics | 477 |
| Molecular Genetics | 259 |
| Genome Sciences/Genomics | 210 |
| Animal Genetics | 58 |
| Plant Genetics | 27 |
| Genetics, Other | 8 |
| Related Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Biology, General | 103,797 |
| Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology | 14,729 |
| Neurobiology and Neurosciences | 13,720 |
| Physiology, Pathology and Related Sciences | 12,732 |
| Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology | 9,697 |
| Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences | 6,673 |
| Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Other | 4,879 |
| Microbiological Sciences and Immunology | 4,738 |
| Biotechnology | 4,423 |
| Biomathematics, Bioinformatics, and Computational Biology | 4,228 |
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