by our College Data Analytics TeamIn the latest year, 3 U.S. colleges awarded 92 degrees and certificates in Gene/Genetic Therapy. Master’s degrees are the most popular award, at 83% of graduates. College Factual ranks 2 schools in its 2027 Best Gene/Genetic Therapy Schools ranking and compares their cost in a Best Value ranking. Graduates earn a median $68,190 one year after completing, rising to $77,808 after four years.
A 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.
Source: IPEDS 2025; College Scorecard July 2026; BLS; O*NET; College Factual rankings 2027. Data as of: July 2026.
Across the country, gene/genetic therapy is a popular field of study, with 92 degrees awarded annually. 3 colleges award gene/genetic therapy degrees, an average of 31 graduates per school; the largest program awarded 76.
By level, the 92 awards include 12 bachelor’s degrees, 76 master’s degrees and 4 doctorates.
Women earned 83% of gene/genetic therapy degrees and certificates in the latest year (76 of 92). The largest groups of graduates by race and ethnicity are White (28) and Asian (11), and international students earned 36.
College Factual ranks 2 schools in its 2027 Best Gene/Genetic Therapy Schools ranking, including 2 for bachelor’s degrees. It also ranks gene/genetic therapy schools within 1 state. In all, 3 colleges offer gene/genetic therapy programs; compare them by degree level below or in the Best Value Gene/Genetic Therapy Colleges ranking, which weighs quality against cost.
The most common gene/genetic therapy credential is the master’s degree: 76 of the 92 awarded in the latest year. Jobs related to gene/genetic therapy call most for Active Listening, Speaking and Reading Comprehension, and for knowledge of Customer and Personal Service, Medicine and Dentistry and English Language, according to O*NET. The most important abilities are Oral Expression, Oral Comprehension and Written Comprehension.
Top skills, rated 0–5:
Top knowledge areas, rated 0–5:
How long a gene/genetic therapy degree takes:
| Degree | Typical Program Length | Graduates Annually |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor’s Degree | 4 years | 12 |
| Master’s Degree | 1-3 years | 76 |
| Doctorate | At least 4 years | 4 |
Postsecondary certificate is the most common level of education among workers in jobs related to gene/genetic therapy, at 19.2%.
| 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% |
Source: O*NET Online.
5 occupations are related to Gene/Genetic Therapy, with an average median salary of $96,631; the strongest outlook belongs to Neurodiagnostic Technologists, at 14.1% projected job growth. Typical job titles include Medical Technologist, Polysomnographic Technologist, Patient Resources Agent and Patient Care Coordinator.
The occupation related to gene/genetic therapy with the most projected jobs is Patient Representatives, at 3,368,169.
| 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% |
Gene/Genetic Therapy graduates earn a median $68,190 one year after completing their program, $77,808 after four years and $70,516 after five years, according to the U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard.
| Years Out | Median Earnings |
|---|---|
| 1 year | $68,190 |
| 4 years | $77,808 |
| 5 years | $70,516 |
Source: College Scorecard.
The highest-paying occupation related to gene/genetic therapy is Health Technologists and Technicians, All Other, with a median salary of $153,940.
| 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 |
Gene/Genetic Therapy has 21 similar majors in the Health Professions field, which together award 98,382 degrees a year; the largest are Emergency Medical Technology/Technician (EMT Paramedic) (32,528), Physician Associate/Assistant (13,743) and Radiologic Technology/Science - Radiographer (13,037). Browse all Health Professions majors or the full list of college majors.
More about our data sources and methodologies.
