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What is Genetics?

Genetics is a field of study within biology focused on genes, the variation of genes, and the heredity of living organisms.  While a discipline within biology, genetics is tightly knit to a variety of life sciences along with information systems.  In the late 19th century, scientists began to study heredity or trait inheritance as a scientific field of study.

The current study of genetics has evolved beyond heredity to include the behavior and function of genes.  Specific gene function, structure, and distribution are analyzed within the context of a cell, organ, organ system, organism, and society.

Geneticists are highly trained professionals in a specialized scientific field with broad applications in every corner of the globe.  It follows that the demand for genetics professionals is giving rise to phenomenal job growth.  In fact, the estimated rise in employment for genetics professionals is set to top a frenetic 29% increase through the next decade.

Career Summary

MEDIAN SALARY

$82,810

PERCENT ABOVE NATIONAL
INCOME AVERAGE

54.90%

TOTAL SECTOR EMPLOYMENT

34,100

Degree Median Salary vs Adjacent Degree Types

Source: BLS, US Census, and IPEDS

2024 Best Genetics Degree

Harvard University, founded in 1636, deemed as the oldest institution of higher education in the U.S., prominent for its excellence in providing exceptional quality of higher education and known for its groundbreaking research, world-class faculty, and home to 36,012 outstanding, and talented students. 

Blavatnik Institute Genetics under Harvard Medical School offers a number of courses in the field; aims to work on diverse problems in various extensive techniques and model organisms. Provides extensive learning experience in the course of genetics and embryology to first year medical students, and provides postgraduate training of Genetics, following for Board qualification – students will have the opportunity to work and be involved in major teaching hospitals. The department encompasses wide research and education in human genetics of both single gene disorders, and complex traits, including cancer biology, developmental biology, cell biological problems, stem cell biology, computational genetics, immunology, synthetic biology, evolutionary biology, plant biology, and more. Working with the current community of faculty, postdoctoral, and graduate students, the department is committed in securing the future scientists and research opportunities. 

Acceptance Rate

4.64

Student to Faculty Ratio

7:1

Founded in 1701, the Yale University has long been dedicated in providing excellent quality of higher education, to expand and innovate, and provide knowledge, and life-changing experiences, and opening vast opportunities to aspiring students. It is now home to 6,057 undergraduate students, 7,517 graduate and professional students, 2,789 international scholars, and 4,869 dedicated faculty members; 

The genetics degree at Yale University conducts research using genetics and genomic model organisms such as yeast, fruit, fly, worms, humans. To understand the integral mechanisms of biology and disease. This program aims to provide students the in-depth knowledge and understanding about the various topics covered in the field of Genetics such as the development, molecular genetics, genomics and cell biology of stem cells, and genetic and genomic analysis of diseases in model systems and humans, including cancer, cardiovascular, and kidney disease. The Department members are already dealing with the new technology development- utilizing new methods of genetic analysis.

Acceptance Rate

6.08

Student to Faculty Ratio

6:1

Founded in 1754, Columbia University in the City of New York is the fifth oldest institution of higher education in the country, dedicated in providing outstanding quality of education and ground-breaking research. The globally renowned university is now home to more than 33,000 students from across the nation and different countries, more than 4,000 faculty and most of whom have a terminal degree in their credentials, and offers an exemplary and comprehensive array of academic programs for undergraduate, graduate, and professional students. 

The Department of Genetics and Development in Columbia University trains graduate students for advanced and comprehensive research in genetics and development – aims to train students in the regulation of gene expression and growth control in eukaryotic cells, molecular genetics of cancer and more broad subjects in the field. The department’s laboratory is located in the Hammer Health Sciences Center at the Columbia University Medical Center where students, together with faculty conduct research – the facilities are modern and well-equipped for all kinds of genetics research. Students may use other state-of-the-art facilities in the University such as the State Psychiatric Institute of Health and Sciences campus, and the Augustus Long Library which is the largest biomedical library in New York for research and other scholarly activity.  The program is only for Ph.D. degree, however, MA degree must be earned in the department, and must complete all additional required courses. 

Acceptance Rate

5.45

Student to Faculty Ratio

6:1

University of Chicago opened its doors in 1890 to provide excellent quality of higher education in different fields of study, to help students in the College develop critical, analytic, and writing skills with the interdisciplinary courses offered. The University now fosters 7,011 undergraduate students, 10,159 graduate, professional, and other students, with 2,377 outstanding faculty, and offers over 52 majors and 41 minor academic degrees. 

UChicago boasts a lot of breakthroughs related to cancer and genetics. The Department of Human Genetics is under the Division of Biological Sciences, and students who are majoring in Biological Sciences and have completed the requirements given can be recognized and have a specialization in Genetics. The program focuses on advanced and integrated research which enables students to gain knowledge and skills in broad subjects. The faculty conducts comprehensive teaching techniques which link basic and clinical research, perform studies in people as well as animals and cell models, to train students and prepare them for their careers in academia, industry, and medicine.

Acceptance Rate

6.17

Student to Faculty Ratio

5:1

Dartmouth College is one of the competitive colleges in the nation that was founded in 1769, and constantly ranks among the world’s excellent academic institutions; due to its exemplary work in providing quality higher education and research, it is classified by the Carnegie Foundation to have ‘very high’ research activity. Today the university is home to more than 6,000 students, and offers a number of interdisciplinary academic programs. 

Students interested in a program involving genetics should refer to the major in Genetics, Cell, and Developmental Biology being offered by the Department of Biological Science. The genetics program offered at Dartmouth is available to undergraduate students who want to major in the field, but must comply with the requirements, the same with continuing graduates who want to pursue a Ph.D. in Genetics for advanced studies. This program gives diverse opportunities for the students, provides cutting-edge research, and hands-on experience to students. With the help of the faculty, committed to providing broad knowledge, exposure to biological processes, systems, and research in understanding biology in terms of environmental, organismal, cellular, and molecular levels. Conducted by a faculty advisor, students will experience extracting DNA from plant and animal cells to study genetics and transpose their findings that potentially affect human diseases and possibly solve environmental issues.

Acceptance Rate

7.93

Student to Faculty Ratio

7:1

California Institute of Technology today is a world-renowned private research university in science and engineering research, and other academic programs that was founded in 1891. The institute is home to 938 undergraduate students, 1,299 graduate students, with over 300 faculty and more than 600 research scholars. 

Developmental Biology and Genetics offer broad fields and high interdisciplinary programs involving all basic medical-science areas. With Genetics, the students will gain deeper understanding and knowledge about the various, relevant subjects in Biology; gain multiple and extensive research experiences. Undergraduate students must complete a number of courses required to obtain a major involving genetics. Students will gain knowledge, in understanding genes, gene function, genetic pathways, behavioral genetics using flies, worms, mice, yeast, and more. Students will conduct comprehensive research with the help of a faculty adviser in model organisms, modern genomics, and genome editing method. 

Acceptance Rate

6.42

Student to Faculty Ratio

3:1

Tufts University has become one of the lead providers of higher education in America, founded in 1852, distinct for its development and success; the university is acclaimed for its research excellence. It is now home to more than 11,000 students, 1,546 and offers over 90+ majors and minors, and continuously providing students with quality education, academic and personal growth.  The genetics degree can be located under the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, provides students with core foundation, to understand and analyze the major principles of molecular genetics, and the process where cells and organisms replicate, repair, read and translate genetic codes. Students will be involved in a lot of extensive research and during their first year, students will go on research training in different laboratories. The program will train students the modern methods of genetic analysis, and model organisms ranging from simple eukaryotic yeast to humans.

Acceptance Rate

14.95

Student to Faculty Ratio

9:1

Boston University is one of the top-ranked, leading private research institutions – committed in providing excellent quality of higher education. The university offers over 300+ academic programs in various fields, most of which are top-ranked course programs, and fosters over 34,000 students from different countries, and 10,000 dedicated faculty and staff.  The Bachelor’s in Biology – Cell Biology, Molecular Biology and Genetics degree program is designed to provide students foundation knowledge on these aspects of Biology. The program will help students gain knowledge of fundamental principles in various areas of this study, and in-depth knowledge in one or more sub-topics of cell biology, molecular biology, and genetics. The student will undergo rigorous research, including a critical assessment of the scientific literature, analysis, and data. CMG students gain in one or more CMG discipline can be recognized and fulfill some requirements for graduate or professional study in biomedical sciences.

Acceptance Rate

18.94

Student to Faculty Ratio

10:1

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is a nationally recognized public research university founded in 1795z, providing excellent quality of higher education to a diverse student body, and consistently ranking in various ranking categories in the nation and in the country. The university is now home to 19,117 undergraduate, 10,984 graduate and professional students, and 3,887 dedicated faculty, and offers 74 bachelor’s degree programs, 104 master’s degree programs, 65 doctoral and 7 professional degree programs. 

Students who wish to pursue a course in Genetics may take an undergraduate program course offering under the Department of Biology – there are no specific concentrations in this department, however provides a general, various liberal course of study in biology, where students can still earn their Bachelor of Arts (BA) and/or Bachelor of Science (BS) degrees. B.S. and B.A. majors in Biology trains and prepares students for careers in the biological, environmental, and medical sciences, as well as for advanced or higher academic degree programs in the life and sciences (Ph.D., M.A., M.S.) Students gain strong foundation in the underlying areas of biology, and to gain ample experience to specialize in animal behavior, botany, cell biology, developmental biology, ecology, genetics, genomics, microbiology, molecular biology and more. Students will conduct extensive research and lab experiments with the supervision of a faculty expert, as they engage in cutting-edge genetic research; to analyze the function of chromosomes, focusing on the physical interactions of DNA and protein complexes. The program aims for the students to gain in-depth knowledge and valuable experiences, and intensive research in the field to utilize in their career.

Acceptance Rate

22.63

Student to Faculty Ratio

13:1

University of Rochester is a private research university founded in 1850 that has become one of the world’s leading research universities – committed to innovation, academic excellence, and experience for the students’ personal and professional growth. The University today is home to more than 12,000 diverse student bodies, 3,000 dedicated and expert faculty, and offers more than 200 bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degree programs including certificate offerings.

Students who wish to pursue a major involving Genetics, may take the Molecular Genetics (BMG) Track under the Department of Biology to earn credits and gain opportunities to pursue an advanced studies majoring Genetics; as for graduate students, they may take Genetics, Development, and Stem Cells. Students will engage in the diverse cutting-edge research that spans several areas of biology, have the opportunities to do independent research for credit, and this allows students to become proficient in a variety of areas and be involved assisting faculty research projects. This program requires students to maintain a certain GPA and must complete the required courses to finally declare your major/concentration. Students will experience extensive learning as they will engage in course lectures, laboratory work, specialty seminars, and research experiences. 

Acceptance Rate

29.71

Student to Faculty Ratio

10:1

University of Florida is a public institution established in 1853, and has become a renowned university; it is deemed to be one of the best universities in the nation, boasting its vast majority of award-winning faculty members, and more than 50,000 students. The school offers more than 100 array of undergraduate major, and 200 graduate programs for advanced studies.

The Genetics Institute in University of Florida aims to provide students a vast array of specialties in the field of genetics and genomics. Graduate students who are pursuing genetics will benefit from this program as they aim to facilitate collaboration and opportunities for intellectual exchanges between individuals analyzing genetics and genomics. This program helps students to develop their abilities in research, and become proficient and competitive for multidisciplinary research grants. Students are exposed to extensive research in fields such as gene therapy, plant genomics, neurogenetics, pharmacogenomics, bioinformatics, and evolution and development.

Acceptance Rate

36.58

Student to Faculty Ratio

18:1

University of California – Irvine was established in 1965 and since then committed to providing excellent quality of higher education. It became one of the most renowned university, and has ranked #1 as the best college in the nation. Today, the university is home to more than 37,000 talented aspirants, 25,000+ dedicated and expert faculty, and offers a wide range of top-ranked fields of study.

Bachelor of Science in Genetics is open to junior- and senior-level students only, as a major. Students are required to take relevant courses to earn credits to be able to declare a major – to be qualified to take this as a major. The Genetics major is designed to motivate and train students who are keen on learning about developmental genetic, evolutionary genetics, and molecular genetics; this allows students to explore and gain vast knowledge about genetics in general. The Genetics major will commence their study in junior year with three required major courses, these certain courses will help students understand genetic mechanisms. They will engage in extensive laboratory research to develop their skills and knowledge; genetics major provide opportunities for students to pursue graduate degrees in biomedical research.

Acceptance Rate

26.54

Student to Faculty Ratio

18:1

Case Western Reserve University is a renowned health-care leader in the nation, established in 1826, the University has been consistent in providing excellent quality of higher education. It developed, and today it is deemed to be one of the top research universities in the country, with over 5,000 undergraduate students, 6,491 graduate and professional students, and 3,695 full-time, expert faculty.

Department of Biology in Case Western Reserve University offers a wide range of major programs that serves as an excellent preparation for graduate or professional school programs and for careers in the field/industry. The department offers core foundation major courses such as biotechnology and genetic engineering, molecular and cellular biology, genetics, immunology, chemical biology, biophysics, and more. The courses in this program provide students in-depth knowledge, and extensive research experiences, that will hone and develop their skills necessary to this field.

Acceptance Rate

27.36

Student to Faculty Ratio

11:1

University of California – Davis first opened its doors in 1908, to provide excellent quality of education, it’s now one of the world’s leading, cross-disciplinary research institutions. The university now fosters thousands of talented students, and dedicated faculty, and offers 102 undergraduate majors, and 101 graduate programs with more than half interdisciplinary programs.

Genetics and Genomics majors at UC Davis are designed to prepare the students to acquire careers and future endeavors such as teaching, research, and work with biotechnology companies, medicine, and all health science. Students who are keen on studying biology and genetics should take advantage of this program at UC Davis, as they provide extensive research, and breadth of training. Students will study the foundation courses in biological sciences, chemistry, mathematics, physics, and advanced general topics in biological sciences; they may also choose their courses in molecular genetics, embryology, developmental genetics, and bacteriology. Students will be able to demonstrate scientific literacy, and communicate with scientific concepts, data, and interpretations; students will develop in-depth knowledge in the concepts of genetics and genomics and apply for a possible solution to health issues.

Acceptance Rate

38.87

Student to Faculty Ratio

20:1

University of Georgia is a public, land-grant research university established in 1785 and known for its world-class public education, and since then committed to providing outstanding quality of higher education. The University of Georgia has been one of the nation’s top producers of Rhodes Scholars over the past two decades, and had ranked in various rankings and prizes – It is now home to more than 38,000 students, and 17 colleges and schools – offering a vast array of academic programs. 

 The Department of Genetics at the University of Georgia has a wide array of course offers involving genetics. Undergraduates may take introductory courses in evolutionary biology and genetics, and majors for advanced courses in evolutionary biology and genetics with 2 lab courses that focus on molecular genetics, bioinformatics, evolutionary genetics, or genomics. Undergraduates can also take part in the undergraduate research where students are encouraged to pursue independent research, which is a great opportunity as the experiences gained here will consolidate all the student’s Genetics training into a single keystone experience. Students will be mentored by some of the great faculty in the department, and provide further training and extensive research experience. Graduate education is also available in this department, where students will be given rigorous training in the field of genetics – students will work alongside faculty in molecular genetics, evolutionary biology, and genomics. This program is to provide in-depth knowledge, and research in the broad areas of genetics.

Acceptance Rate

45.3

Student to Faculty Ratio

17:1

University of Connecticut or UConn is a public, top-ranked Research University founded in 1881 – Due to the University’s very high research activity, it is classified R1 by the Carnegie Foundation. Today, it is home to nearly 33,000 talented, undergraduate and graduate students, a total of 1,597 dedicated and award-winning faculty, offering vast array of academic programs and constantly committed to providing excellent quality of education.

Students who are keen on studying the field of Genetics may take the course program Diagnostic Genetic Sciences which is under the College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources. This major course program provides a comprehensive education and training in genetic testing where studies have the opportunity to earn their Bachelor of Science Degree. There are two concentrations in the DGS major, the cytogenetics and molecular diagnostics sciences; the curriculum includes on-campus didactic laboratory coursework, and off-site laboratory internship at an affiliated genetics lab. There are also research opportunities for students who want to dive deeper in research, the Genetics and Genomes program offers research opportunities who want to experience independent study arranged and mentored by a faculty member who has an available slot/space in his/her lab. This provides introduction to Undergraduate research, and helps students gain skills in photography, skill with microscopy, prior experience with gel electrophoresis or other techniques. Genetics and Developmental Biology Area of Concentration is also available for graduate students, this program provides extensive interdisciplinary training in modern molecular genetics and developmental biology –providing students with advanced studies, research, and training in the field.

Acceptance Rate

49.42

Student to Faculty Ratio

16:1

North Carolina State University at Raleigh or NC State University was founded in 1887, dedicated to provide higher education accessible to all – the university became one of the leading public research universities in the country, and one of the headmost universities in terms of science, technology, math, engineering, agriculture, business and natural resource course programs. The University offers more than 300 undergraduate and graduate degree programs, under 65 departments.

The North Carolina State University at Raleigh offers the Undergraduate Degree in Genetics which is a unique program – designed to provide undergraduate majors classroom training and research in fundamentals of genetics and other sciences. Genetics major can be correlated with other degree programs in the biological and life sciences that prepares students for graduate study, professional schools, or careers in the industry. Genetics Program is also available for graduate students, where extensive training and research are provided. Students will perform research in all aspects of genetics; encompasses behavioral genetics, biomedical genetics, computational genetics, and bioinformatics, evolutionary, population and quantitative genetics, and molecular, cellular, and developmental genetics – students will experience a well-rounded professional training in genetics academia, research, and comprehensive teaching experience.

Acceptance Rate

45.13

Student to Faculty Ratio

14:1

University of Washington – Seattle Campus is a public, research university founded in 1861 – one of the oldest universities on the West Coast. The university is a renowned research university as it ranked #14 in the world on the 2018 Academic Ranking of World Universities; due to academic exemplary, the university fosters more than 54,000 students annually, providing excellent quality of higher education, and life-changing experience – offers 1,800 undergraduate courses each quarter and grants 12,000 bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral and professional degrees.

The B.S. in Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology program is offered under the Department of Biology – focusing on the molecular, genetic, and cellular basis of life. This program provides foundation training regarding these topics in biology, to provide in-depth understanding in the different aspects of the field of study. There will be a number of courses that will help students develop necessary skills, and knowledge to complete the course program and will train students at all levels – this will provide vast and diverse career options for the students who are successfully in completing the program, or pursue a higher and advanced studies in the genetics. 

Acceptance Rate

51.76

Student to Faculty Ratio

19:1

Yeshiva University is a private, research university founded in 1886 providing excellent quality of higher education. Today, the university incorporates three undergraduate schools and seven graduate and professional schools. 

Biology course programs such as Introductory Genetics and Molecular Biology are offered in Yeshiva University. Students who would like to pursue a degree in biology, involving genetics may take these courses to have foundation education in the broad field of biology. Focusing on genetics, these courses will provide students deeper understanding in laws of heredity and variation, theory of the gene and gene action, and recombinant DNA techniques and applications. Students are trained through comprehensive learning – extensive research and lab experiences accompanied with lectures.

Acceptance Rate

55.36

Student to Faculty Ratio

7:1

Purdue University is a public, land-grant, research university that was established in 1869 – a distinguished University in providing excellent quality of higher education. The University has ranked in #5 as the most innovative university in America, offering more than 200 undergraduate academic majors and over 69 masters and doctoral programs.

Students who want to pursue a degree involving Genetic design may take a genetics major in the Department of Biological Sciences. This program will help students gain in-depth knowledge encompassing the breadth of biology – from molecular to ecosystem levels; provides life-changing education, and astounding discoveries. Students will be exposed to extensive research, comprehensive class lectures and training conducted by expert faculty, the students will discover new knowledge and techniques that they’ll utilize in advanced studies, or careers.

Acceptance Rate

59.83

Student to Faculty Ratio

13:1

Howard University is private, Research University in Washington D.C. founded in 1867, incorporating 13 schools and colleges – providing excellent quality of higher education for all, and became one of the nation’s leading research universities. Howard University today is home to 9,689 undergraduate, graduate and professional students, with 1,194 dedicated, full-time faculty, and offers more than 130 areas of study.

Genetics is one of the course programs offered under the Department of Biology – Molecular Genetics, which offers a strong foundation in different aspects of biology, focusing molecular genetics. The program will train students through extensive research, and provide in-depth knowledge by comprehensive learning techniques conducted by the faculty. Credits earned in this program can be consolidated to pursue graduate studies, or acquire a bachelor’s degree and utilize for future employment in the field. Meanwhile, the Department of Genetics and Human Genetics provides courses leading to the Masters of Science and Doctor of Philosophy degree – this program is designed to grant extensive training, and further knowledge that will develop students to gain a higher degree in the field.

Acceptance Rate

36.08

Student to Faculty Ratio

10:1

Michigan State University (MSU) was founded in 1855 and has given a lot of opportunities by providing an excellent quality of higher education to a lot of talented, aspiring students – it became a renowned top public university in the U.S. and has ranked in the top 100 Universities, globally. The University offers more than 200 academic programs - out of the programs, 34 are deemed top-ranked programs in the University.

Genetics programs are both offered for undergraduate students who wish to pursue a degree in biology involving genetics. Genomics and Molecular Genetics is a genetics major designed to provide foundation in science, focusing on genomics and molecular genetics. This program encompasses comprehensive training in chemistry, math, physics, and biology; students are encouraged to participate in mentored independent research ideally for three or more semesters to gain additional knowledge.

Acceptance Rate

71.12

Student to Faculty Ratio

16:1

Founded in 1850, University of Utah is a public research university that has provided excellent quality of higher education, and through the years it became a top-tier research university – classified 131 research universities by the Carnegie Foundation for having the highest research activity. The University now has a total of 32,818 undergraduate and graduate students, with 1,545 full-time, dedicated faculty, and offers a wide array of academic programs.

Genetics and Genomics program is available in the University of Utah for students who wish to pursue a degree in biology. Under the Department of Biology, genetics and genomics is one of the course programs a student may opt to, and learn the different aspects of genetics. This program will provide extensive research experience, it encompasses a wide array of subjects in biology, giving the students a lot of opportunities to gain skills and knowledge. This can also prepare students for postgraduate education for advanced studies in the health sciences and allied fields, or for employment in a variety of health- and science-related jobs.

Acceptance Rate

62.12

Student to Faculty Ratio

17:1

The University of New Hampshire is a top-tiered public research institution founded in 1866, committed to providing an outstanding quality of higher education in various fields – the University of New Hampshire is classified R1 by the Carnegie Foundation due to its “very high” research activity. The University is now home to 13,000 undergraduate and 2,400 graduate or professional students, offering over 200+ degree academic programs, and over 570+ study-abroad grants.

There are a few Genetics programs being offered in the University of New Hampshire. The Genetics Major (B.S.) is designed for undergraduate students who are keen on studying genetics; they will explore the vast areas of genetics and genomics in animals, plants, and microbes, and gain deeper understanding in the different aspects of biology and genetics. Comprehensive lectures, and research are conducted by the Genetics faculty, giving intensive hands-on learning to the students in current research techniques. The Genetics program is also available for graduates’ students – Genetics (Ph.D.), an interdisciplinary program made up of faculty in multiple departments and from the Hubbard Center for Genome Studies. This program encompasses disciplines ranging from molecular and cellular biology to environmental and evolutionary genetics and genomics in microbial, plant, and animal systems. This program offers an integrated education in the field where students will conduct numerous extensive research in the field.

 

Acceptance Rate

84.03

Student to Faculty Ratio

19:1

Ohio Wesleyan University (OWU) is a small private liberal arts university founded in 1842 and today, renowned to be one of the best liberal arts universities in the nation in providing excellent quality of higher education – the university ranked in the top 100 national liberal arts college by U.S. News and World Report. Today, the university fosters 1,426 students, 113 dedicated and expert faculty, and offers more than 70 majors in various fields of study.

Genetics Major is one of the programs offered in Ohio Wesleyan University. A major program designed to provide foundation in many aspects of biology, with specialized courses in genetics at the molecular, cellular and organismal levels. Students have the opportunities to conduct extensive research, and gain in-depth knowledge in identifying, altering, or managing the molecular and cellular properties of life. In this program, students will engage and participate in distinctive learning and field experiences, working alongside their professor on innovative research, co-authoring a report on study results and more on different topics covered in this field of study. This program enables students to gain immense knowledge and experience that they’ll utilize in their career in this field. 

Acceptance Rate

67.3

Student to Faculty Ratio

10:1

Why Consider a Career in Genetics?

Geneticists are at the heart of technology, science, and medical breakthroughs month over month. It is exciting for genetic scientists to be intimately close to advances that can markedly affect the lives of others in various ways.

Geneticists can help improve patient care, extend the lives of others, and improve the quality of life across borders far and wide. Time and energy are a must for any geneticist coupled with laser-like focus within a functional team or as an independent contractor. A zest for knowledge coupled with a latent curiosity will lead to scientists asking great questions about thorny human issues.

How to Become a Geneticist?

In order to become a professional in the field, students must invest heavily in science, biology, chemistry, epidemiology, psychology, public health, and mathematics courses in high school and in college level. Smaller colleges may not offer a defined major in genetics while larger universities will often provide students a defined degree for a geneticist. Once an undergraduate degree in science and/or mathematics is obtained, students may consider an internship or work in a research organization specializing in genetics.

A genetic counselor, on the other hand, will require a similar set of curricula with the requirement of clinical rotations. An approved clinical rotation will provide students with the necessary experience under the direct supervision of a licensed counselor. Genetic counselors can perform clinical rotations in hospitals, cancer centers, pediatrics, and prenatal diagnostic divisions.

After earning a master's degree and completing clinical rotations, students will need to earn their certification. The American Board of Genetic Counseling (ABGC) administers the certification process for qualified genetic counselors. Continuing education credits are required for counselors to keep up with their board certification. As of today, twenty-two states require genetic counselors to obtain a license to practice so check with your state's medical board to learn more.

Educational Requirements for Geneticists

In terms of educational requirements, science majors and genetics majors will have typically studied a similar set of classes in college. The courses will differ by school and by degree level but similarities will persist. A common set of classes you will see in genetics programs include the following:

Employment in Genetic Science

Students earning a genetics degree from an accredited university will have quantifiable skills. Knowledge and skills learned during a genetics degree program will unique equip students for challenging careers in genetic science. Students seeking to parlay those skills into various careers should be heartened by the options. Careers you may be interested in researching include: college professor, research analysis, genome science, immunology, toxicology, virology, biological tech, microbiology, oncology, family counselor, biomedical engineering, microbiology, medical science, epidemiology and nutritional science.

What Can I Do with a Degree in Genetics?

A college degree in the field of genetics can lead to a number of science-based vocations in the research industry with private organizations, government agencies, or non-profit organizations across the country.

Examples of career options in the field of study include:Clinical Research Manager, Laboratory Technician, Science Writer, Genomics, Pharmacologist,Plant Breeder, Immunologist, Healthcare Scientist, Medical Sales, Medical Research Scientist,Epidemiologist, or Physician Associate.

Genetic Counselor Salary & Job Outlook

Mean annual income for a genetic counselor is currently sitting at $78,130 which is $37.56 an hour.  Of those surveyed, the genetic counselor salary can range from $104,000 to $51,000 on average.  Variations in pay exist based on qualifications, job duties, education, work experience, and company.

Employment growth in genetics for the coming ten year reporting period is exceptional.  With an expected increase of 29%, geneticists jobs should outpace the general economy by 4-5 times the national average.    The largest employers of genetic counselors are surgical hospitals and physician offices followed by medical diagnostic laboratories, colleges, and outpatient care centers.

Additional Resources for Geneticists

For additional information in the field of study, consider researching the following associations: Genetic Association Information Network (GAIN) and Genetics Society of America (GSA).  Both organizations specialize in the field and provide valuable resources for current and prospective geneticists.

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