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What is Physiology?

Physiology is a field of study focused on the scientific nature of the normal functionality in living systems.   As a branch of biology, physiology emphasizes how organisms (cells, organs, biomolecules, organ systems) enact the physical and chemical functions within a living system.

The field of physiology can be broken down into components that include: human physiology, animal physiology, cellular physiology, plant physiology, microbial physiology, viral physiology, and bacterial physiology.

To put it in health terms, a physiologic state of being occurs from normal body functioning while a pathologic state focuses on the abnormalities in a body.

Career Summary

MEDIAN SALARY

$47,340

PERCENT ABOVE NATIONAL
INCOME AVERAGE

21.70%

TOTAL SECTOR EMPLOYMENT

14,500

Degree Median Salary vs Adjacent Degree Types

Source: BLS, US Census, and IPEDS

2024 Best Physiology Degree

Columbia University in the City of New York offers a concentration in Applied Exercise Physiology which focuses on the physiological effects of exercise and disease as well as on the promotion of physical activity. It will give stress to the effects of exercise training on physiological processes, health and physical wellbeing. A joint program with nutrition education will allow students to study Nutrition and Exercise Physiology through the Department of Health and Behavior Studies. Students who choose to have a specialization in applied exercise physiology will be given access to a variety of rich resources at Columbia University, they will also benefit from the active collaborations that exist between the faculty of this concentration and the faculty in the Columbia University School of Medicine. 

Acceptance Rate

5.45

Student to Faculty Ratio

6:1

The Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology at Yale University is offering a graduate education through the combined program in Biological and Biomedical Sciences. The ultimate goal of this graduate program is to prepare doctoral students for research careers in integrated biological function. Students will be allowed to develop and pursue individually tailored course curricula that will give them a broad knowledge of biomedical sciences. This will also make it possible for students to focus on areas of particular interest. 

Acceptance Rate

6.08

Student to Faculty Ratio

6:1

The Physiology Department at Dartmouth College Medical school offers a graduate program in Molecular, Cellular, and Systems Physiology. This program includes faculty from other departments in their Medical School. Through experiential learning, they help their students develop outstanding clinical skills. As soon as a student enters this graduate program, he/she learns and becomes a part of a strong and supportive community. 

Acceptance Rate

7.93

Student to Faculty Ratio

7:1

The MS in Medical Physiology degree at the University of Southern California is offering a non-thesis track and a thesis track. Those admitted to the thesis track will be needing mentorship from a faculty member and will be provided with the resources for the thesis research project, while the enrollment for the non-thesis track shall be considered on an individual basis. This graduate program’s overarching objective is to imbue in its graduates a perspective which helps translate basic science discoveries into treatments of disease and strategies to promote health. Students in this program will develop a mastery of core information in molecular biology, information in cell biology and statistics. Students can also expect to achieve broad comprehension of major functions of the human organism, from how they react to how the examples of dysfunction are diagnosed, treated or represent an unmet medical need. 

Acceptance Rate

11.42

Student to Faculty Ratio

9:1

Georgetown University is offering a one-year, non-thesis, pre-health master’s degree in Physiology. It is designed as an opportunity for pre-health college graduates to strengthen their competitiveness and preparedness for dental school, medical school, allied health programs or PhD programs in the biomedical sciences. Students in this program came from a diverse range of undergraduate institutions from across the United States. They are challenged with a rigorous curriculum and are given the expert advising and support from Georgetown’s medical center faculty. 

Acceptance Rate

14.36

Student to Faculty Ratio

11:1

Through harnessing their world-renowned expertise and highly collaborative spirit, the Department of Physiology at the University of California – Los Angeles gives emphasis on addressing the most pressing questions related in physiology. By applying their strength in creating cutting edge computational and quantitative approaches to a number of physiological systems, they have enabled discoveries on how molecules, tissues, cells, and organisms solve the problem of biological communication. This Department has a long and significant history in training the next generation of thinkers and leaders in science and medicine. The degrees they offer are, BS in Psychological Science, and MS in Physiological Science.

Acceptance Rate

12.32

Student to Faculty Ratio

18:1

A graduate degree in Physiology is available at the University of Virginia. This program utilizes an interdisciplinary approach employing advanced methods of structural biophysics and molecular biology which is the hallmark of modern scientific research. It is a research-intensive program that aims to promote at all levels, the deep understanding of the function of living systems. It is also designed to train students to identify vital biological problems while using the most advanced and modern methods for solving them. 

Acceptance Rate

23.94

Student to Faculty Ratio

15:1

The Physiology Department at the University of Michigan – Ann Arbor was founded in 1882, making it one of the first physiology departments in the USA. The Department of Molecular and  Integrative Physiology nurtures generations of physiologists through mentoring, education, research, and service programs. The department’s faculty are leaders and it is ranked as the number 1 physiology department for NIH research dollars. It offers undergraduate, graduate and postdoctoral degrees that provide unmatched research training and careers development. 

Acceptance Rate

22.91

Student to Faculty Ratio

11:1

The BS in Human Physiology program offered at Boston University provides a broad background in science and health, at the same time it prepares students to analyze the functions of the human body in a number of research and clinical settings. It will teach students how to access appropriate resources, synthesize existing knowledge and critically evaluate others’ findings. Completion of the program will enable the student to demonstrate content knowledge as well as an understanding of concepts, terminology and relationships both in human anatomy and physiology. As students progress, they show responsible, professional behavior just like what they are taught to do. 

Acceptance Rate

18.94

Student to Faculty Ratio

10:1

The Department of Physiology at Tulane University of Louisiana has three overarching objectives. First, they aim to provide the resources and opportunities which foster excellence in research among faculty, fellows, and students. Second, to give a superior teaching resource to medical and graduate students. And the last is to ensure that their medical school and university receive exemplary service. It is offering Master's, MD/PhD, and PhD academic programs while their faculty continue to strive for innovative and novel approaches to research. 

Acceptance Rate

12.87

Student to Faculty Ratio

8:1

New York University is offering a course in Practical Human Physiology, and Human Physiology. The Practical Human Physiology course is geared toward beginning health professional students and it focuses on how the human body works. Students in this course will be introduced to clinical and research methodologies and be able to apply this knowledge in a laboratory setting. While the Human Physiology course conducts the investigation into how the human body functions. It will provide an overview of cellular structure and function that will be followed by an in-depth study of the nervous cardiovascular, endocrine, and other organ systems. 

Acceptance Rate

16.2

Student to Faculty Ratio

9:1

The Integrative Physiology and Pharmacology Concentration program offered at Wake Forest University embraces the principles of pharmacology, and systems physiology and pharmacology. This proves to provide a unique educational experience that enhances the program of MS students that are seeking application to medical school, MS or PhD students in non-biological sciences who plan to find employment in the pharmaceutical or biotech industries, as well as to MS or PhD students in a number of biomedical programs who want to pursue a career in the innovation or science support structures of academic or commercial organizations. This program is known to excel in training students in a wide range of research techniques. Students are privileged to undertake innovative research projects in a highly collegial environment which features state-of-the-art equipment and resources. 

Acceptance Rate

29.6

Student to Faculty Ratio

10:1

The University of Rochester is offering a Master’s Degree in Pharmacology of Physiology. This program focuses on increasing the understanding of drug mechanisms and the identification of new physiological pathways which could be targeted to cure disease. This program is designed to provide students with the skills to carry out research in an academic or industry setting, and succeed in alternative science-based careers. Completion of this program will make one eligible to go on to excel in advanced professional or research degree programs. 

Acceptance Rate

29.71

Student to Faculty Ratio

10:1

The Department of Physiology and Biophysics at the University of California – Irvine is offering a graduate study under the auspices of the School of Medicine as well as in conjunction with the graduate program in Cellular and Biomolecular Biosciences and the Interdepartmental Neuroscience Program. The faculty in this program conducts quarterly reviews of all continuing students to make sure that they maintain satisfactory progress within their particular academic program. Students here are required to participate in a literature review course structured to strengthen research techniques and presentation skills. They will also submit a written dissertation on an original research project then defend it in an oral final exam. 

Acceptance Rate

26.54

Student to Faculty Ratio

18:1

A degree program for Molecular, Cellular, and Integrative Physiology is offered at the University of California – Davis. It provides advanced knowledge of cellular/molecular physiology; comparative physiology; exercise physiology; reproductive physiology; and the physiology of domestic animals. Students here will also gain a deeper understanding of systemic physiology, cardiovascular physiology, endocrinology, and neurophysiology. Graduates leave this program with the qualitative and quantitative skills that are demanded for professional research and teaching in the fundamental principles of molecular, cellular and integrative physiology. 

Acceptance Rate

38.87

Student to Faculty Ratio

20:1

Case Western Reserve University is offering a Master’s of Science in Medical Physiology that is designed to help students achieve their career goals in ways the best works for them. This flexible, 32-hour program provides a strong background in medical physiology and preparation for Dental, Medical and other Professional Schools for a lifelong career in medical and healthcare professions. Its rigorous curriculum includes courses in Translational Physiology, Medical Physiology, Clinical Reasoning, and the Physiological Basis of Disease. This program can be completed in as little as 12 months and it also gives flexibility so that students can pursue their career goals at their own pace. 

Acceptance Rate

27.36

Student to Faculty Ratio

11:1

The mission of the BS in Exercise Physiology degree at the University of Miami is to provide a fundamental working knowledge of the field that will enable the students to obtain a career in and outside employment, this may also lead the way to higher institutions of learning in this or other health-related fields. The program is designed to teach students how to demonstrate the ability to critique research evidence in key areas of human physiology. Students will also be expected to gain the ability to explain the physiological bases for a test accurately, interpret data collection during each laboratory session and explain these results as they relate to their own performance and compare it to specific clinical populations. Additionally, they also offer a PhD in Exercise Physiology which is firmly based in research and it prepares students for academic careers in exercise physiology. 

Acceptance Rate

27.13

Student to Faculty Ratio

12:1

A program for BS in Physiology is offered at the University of California – Santa Barbara. It gives an excellent preparation for graduate study and professional programs in a number of areas in the biomedical, biological, and health sciences including veterinary and human medicine. It imparts knowledge about the integrating of functioning tissues and organ systems in whole organisms and their physiological adaptations’ impact on their evolution, ecology and survival. Graduates of this program can seek employment with private industries, university and hospital research laboratories, teaching institutions at the community college level, state or federal agencies, or in Pharmaceutical and Biotechnology companies. 

Acceptance Rate

29.56

Student to Faculty Ratio

22:1

The Department of Physiology and Neurobiology at the University of Connecticut is a community of scientists and students that seek to understand the diverse functions of the brain and body. It offers an undergraduate degree in Physiology that aims to prepare students for diverse careers in medicine, government, research, biotechnology, and many other fields. They also offer a Masters in Surgical Neurophysiology Certificate program which provides students with an introduction to the field of IONM, and a foundation in neurophysiology and neuroanatomy. While their Doctoral degree in Physiology strives to develop an expert, who can publish his/her own findings and make a contribution to the body of scientific knowledge in his/her own expertise.

Acceptance Rate

49.42

Student to Faculty Ratio

16:1

The Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology at the University of Illinois at Urbana – Champaign is offering graduate work that leads to a doctor of philosophy. It trains students for positions in research institutes, laboratories, and government agencies. Graduate degrees can be earned through a combination of oral and written examinations, independent research, and graded courses. The individual programs are fashioned based on the student’s consultation with faculty advisors and on their academic background. 

Acceptance Rate

59.03

Student to Faculty Ratio

20:1

A program for the Bachelor of Science in Physiology is offered at the University of Washington – Seattle Campus. This option gives emphasis to physiological processes from cellular to organismal levels. This is specially suited for students interested in the internal processes of animals and plants in relation to the systems and components which creates a working living organism. This option will provide myriad opportunities to explore subjects and issues that influence life and the surrounding environment. 

Acceptance Rate

51.76

Student to Faculty Ratio

19:1

The Physiology Graduate degree at North Carolina State University at Raleigh is an interdepartmental and interdisciplinary program that comprises faculty drawn from across the University. Research is carried out in this program through a variety of model organisms, laboratory and companion and agriculturally important species. They offer a Master of Physiology program, a non-thesis degree that serves to prepare students to improve their academic credentials and advance their knowledge in the subject of physiology. They also have a Master of Science in Physiology, a thesis-based program best suited for those who love research.

Acceptance Rate

45.13

Student to Faculty Ratio

14:1

Both the MS and PhD Applied Physiology offered at Rutgers University – New Brunswick are designed interdisciplinary in nature and give stress to fundamental principles derived from the basic sciences which have contributed to the development of their field. Rutgers guarantees that their faculty are capable of providing expertise in physiology, metabolism, endocrinology, nutrition, and psychophysiology. They promise to give a unique foundation for the education and training of the next generation of scientists in Kinesiology. Students will learn about biochemical, cardiovascular, psychological, hormonal, metabolic, and musculoskeletal responses to exercise and prescription principles. 

Acceptance Rate

61.22

Student to Faculty Ratio

16:1

The BA in Human Physiology degree offered at the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities concentrates on understanding the functions of the human body from individual cells to organ systems. It is based upon principles from physics, biological sciences, chemistry, and mathematics. This major is particularly suitable for students who intend to enter medical school or graduate study in any of a variety of health, biological, or biomedical sciences. The beautiful part is, it allows students to tailor the overall degree program to specific needs and may choose additional science courses to prepare for medical school or graduate school. 

Acceptance Rate

56.74

Student to Faculty Ratio

17:1

Chapman University offers a BS in Applied Human Physiology major that involves a solid foundation in basic science courses which are required for advanced courses in one of two areas of study. The two areas of study are the Applied Clinical Human Physiology, and the Applied Exercise Science. Applied Clinical Human Physiology provides courses in molecular biology and the pathogenesis of various diseases, while the Applied Exercise Science offers courses that helps in the prevention of sports injuries and other various diseases through the use of exercise, diet, and an understanding of human behavior. The curriculum for this program is also designed to fulfill the admissions requirements for Dental, Medical and Pharmacy schools and in various graduate programs. 

Acceptance Rate

55.65

Student to Faculty Ratio

13:1

Top Physiology Degrees

There are a number of degree programs within this learning domain that can be explored by students.  The list of the 7 most popular college degrees in physiology include human, cellular, animal, plant, viral, microbial, and bacterial.  A summary of each is listed below to help you better understand each specific career pathway.

1. Human Physiology

Human physiology is the science physical, mechanical, and biochemical functions of normal human tissues, systems, and organs.  It is the foundation of modern medicine and connects medicine and science with health to create a framework for understanding the human body.

This multidisciplinary study helps scientists analyze how physical activity, stress, and disease impact the body.  The primary levels of study include molecular, tissue (muscle, connective, nervous, epithelial), organ (liver, lungs, heart, stomach), and system (digestive, endocrine, urinary, reproductive, circulatory, respiratory, nervous).

2. Animal Physiology

Animal physiology is the study of the physical, chemical, and internal functioning of an animal.  By studying the biological structures, genetic makeup, and physical attributes of an animal, scientists can better understand and treat specific animals and sub-species.

3. Cellular Physiology

Cellular physiology focuses on the study of all activities that exist to keep a cell alive, their functions, and how they interact with cells around them.  These activities include cell growth, division, nutrition, reproduction, differentiation, and environmental response.  Cellular studies include human cells, plant, animal, and microorganisms of all shapes and sizes.

4. Plant Physiology

Plant physiology is a sub-specialty within the study of botany and emphasizes the study of plants and associated processes of plants.  Plant activities that are studied include: nutrition, tropisms, respiration, photosynthesis, environmental stress, circadian rhythms, germination, and dormancy.

5. Microbial Physiology

Microbial physiology is the science of how microbial cell structures grow, adapt, and function within a living organism.  This area of study includes analysis of fungi, bacteria, diseases, and viruses.  This field of study is vital to genomics and metabolic engineering by providing data and information about cell structure, growth, and metabolism.

6. Viral Physiology

Viral physiology is defined as the biological processes and all associated activities of a virus.  From cellular activities to submicroscopic activities of a virus, scientists work to analyze these activities to help mute their impact on an organism, to change them, and/or to eradicate a virus entirely.

7. Bacterial Physiology

Bacterial physiology is the science of the functions and structures allowing bacteria to survive.  By studying all aspects of bacteria from cell walls to enzymes, scientists can better understand the functionality of bacteria inside a living system and outside a living system.

Top Physiology Degrees

Students seeking a degree in physiology will find a number of top ranked schools offering programs in this field of study.  In addition to myriad schools to choose from, students will have several degree options to consider.  To aid in your quest to find the right program for you, we have assembled a summary of the most popular degree programs.  You can learn more about each degree by connecting with the schools below or by using your personal search criteria.

Physiology Bachelor Degrees

Bachelor degree programs in physiology are conferred as a Bachelor of Science (BS) or a Bachelor of Arts (BA).  How a school confers a degree is a function of the curricular design of the program.  Both BA and BS degree programs will typically take students 4-years to complete based on full-time matriculation.  Students can expect to take a number of general education classes in conjunction with science-based classes.  Liberal arts classes may include communications, microeconomics, creative writing, English composition, and psychology.

Core classes in physiology will depend on the specialty you elect to pursue but will likely contain courses like: mathematics, physics, anatomy, statistics, cell physiology, endocrinology, exercise science, biomechanics, neurophysiology, immunology, medical terminology, motor control, pharmacology, cellular biology, geriatrics, physical therapy, botany, molecular biology, and associated labs.

Physiology Master Degrees

Master degree programs are conferred as a Master of Science (MS) or a concurrent Bachelor of Arts to Master of Science (BA/MS).  Studies in physiology will typically be targeted in an area of specialization as the field in and of itself is quite broad.

Graduate students may be able to select their own coursework or follow a pre-designed set of curricula towards degree completion.  Likewise, the program you select may be research-intensive or coursework only with or without a thesis.  Students electing to forgo a thesis project will be required to take additional classes approved by your academic advisor.

Physiology Doctorate Degrees

Doctorate degrees in physiology are conferred as a PhD.  Students will generally enroll in a program that allows for course flexibility.  Meaning, students can select courses and electives that support an area of specialty or area of interest towards completion.

Programs that may be of interest include: metabolism, orthopedic biomechanics, neurophysiology, motor neuroscience, human cardiovascular control, immunology, bacteriology, cancer research, motor control and cognition.  The culmination of the PhD program is the successful completion of an approved dissertation project.  Dissertations are intended to provide substantive value to the area of research and add value to the field of study in meaningful ways.

Educational Requirements for Physiologists

In terms of educational requirements, a student entering a physiology degree program can expect to take a similar set of classes. The electives and ancillary classes will vary by school but you can expect to take a common set of core curriculum. Examples of these core classes include the following:

Employment for Physiologists

Graduate and undergraduate students earning a degree in physiology will have a marketable set of skills to employ. As graduation approaches, you may begin to ponder life after college in the work force. With that in mind, you may begin to further research areas of specialization that may be of interest. Examples of career paths for physiologists can include traditional and non-traditional paths such as: teacher, research specialist, curriculum designer, ecologist, geneticist, immunologist, toxicologist, virologist, biologist, respiratory therapist, physical therapist, occupational therapist, physical trainer, and physician assistant.

Top Careers in Physiology

A career in physiology can include a variety of paths in a number of different industries. From athletic trainer to veterinary medicine and pharmaceutical research to bacterial physiologist, careers can be far and wide. For students that select an area of specialization like human physiology careers can include the following areas of employment:

  • Muscle atrophy
  • Balance control & inner ear studies
  • Inflammation
  • Sleep physiology
  • Aging
  • Running mechanics, kinesiology, and injuries
  • Obesity
  • Cardiovascular control
  • Pulmonary function
  • Traumatic brain injury
  • Spinal cord injuries
  • Environmental impacts
  • High altitude physiology & training
  • Prosthetic limb use & design
  • Joint pain
  • Neuromuscular physiology

Physiology Jobs & Career Outlook

Employment for physiologists appear to be trending well above the national average of six percent.  In fact, the expected jobs for exercise physiologists should grow 14% adding substantive jobs to the economy.  To parallel, jobs such as respiratory therapist and cardiovascular tech are trending to increase by 14% and 17% respectively.

Income averages for the aforementioned professions currently range from $55,000-$60,000 a year.  Compensation will vary from job to job given your work experience, education, job scope, and employment arrangement.  Similarly, you will find marked differences in pay from a government agency to a private, non-profit organization in this field.

Additional Resources in Physiology

Take the time to visit the APS and The Physiological Society (TPS) to learn more about the industry outside academia.  Associations can provide students and professionals with insights, new, professional resources, and advocacy for members across the country.   Connecting with like-minded professionals help to build community and develop best practices at companies from coast to coast.

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