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CIP 26.0802 Biological and Biomedical Sciences

Molecular Genetics

IPEDS Completions, US Department of Education · 2025

Total graduates

259

2025 · 16 schools

International share

10.0%

26 international students

Bachelor's degrees

163

3.1% international

Master's degrees

31

12.9% international

Overview

Molecular Genetics is a branch of genetics that focuses on the molecular structure and function of genes. This field combines principles of genetics and molecular biology to understand how genetic information is encoded, replicated, and expressed within organisms. It plays a crucial role in deciphering the complexities of genetic diseases, evolutionary biology, and biotechnology.

Students pursuing a degree in Molecular Genetics will study the molecular mechanisms of gene regulation, DNA replication, and repair, as well as the role of RNA in protein synthesis. They will also explore advanced techniques such as CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing, polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and genomic sequencing, which are essential for modern genetic research.

The applications of Molecular Genetics are vast and impactful, ranging from medical diagnostics to the development of gene therapies for genetic disorders. Researchers in this field contribute significantly to our understanding of hereditary diseases, cancer biology, and the genetic basis of various traits. Moreover, Molecular Genetics is instrumental in agricultural biotechnology, where it aids in the development of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) to enhance crop resilience and yield.

Career opportunities for graduates in this field are diverse and include positions in academic research, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology companies, and healthcare. As the field continues to evolve with advancements in technology and research methodologies, the demand for professionals with expertise in Molecular Genetics is expected to grow, making it a promising area of study for those interested in the intersections of biology, technology, and medicine.

Graduates by year

Graduates by degree level (first and second majors)

AssociateBachelor'sMaster'sDoctoral

From 2003 to 2025, graduates grew 104% and the international share went from 9.4% to 10.0%.

International share (%)
Graduates by group, 2025
White
54.1%
Asian
21.2%
Hispanic
7.7%
Black
2.3%
Other
4.6%
Intl.
10.0%

Colleges that award this degree

In 2025, 16 schools awarded this degree as a first major. The table lists those in the 2027 U.S. News National or Liberal Arts rankings, plus the unranked schools with the most graduates.

RankSchoolStateGraduatesInternational
#8 Duke University North Carolina 13 1
#9 University of Chicago Illinois 10 0
#16 Washington University in St Louis Missouri 16 6
#27 University of Southern California California 1 0
#34 Wake Forest University North Carolina 2 1
#44 Rutgers University-New Brunswick New Jersey 62 4
#44 Ohio State University-Main Campus Ohio 57 4
#59 University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus Pennsylvania 3 1
#69 Michigan State University Michigan 57 4
#169 Michigan Technological University Michigan 2 1
— Baylor College of Medicine Texas 12 2
— SUNY at Fredonia New York 8 0
— Western Kentucky University Kentucky 3 0
— Black Hills State University South Dakota 3 1
— Oregon Health & Science University Oregon 2 0
— Cedar Crest College Pennsylvania 2 0

Purple: international students are 25% or more of the school's graduates.

Related jobs and pay

OccupationUS employmentMean hourly wageMean annual wage
Natural Sciences Managers 108,690 $86.66 $180,250
Biological Scientists, All Other 55,850 $51.12 $106,330
Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary 50,190 — $102,840
Genetic Counselors 3,740 $50.30 $104,620

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025.

Graduate counts: IPEDS Completions, US Department of Education, 2003–2025. Rankings: 2027 U.S. News.