Study Genetics: Majors, Master's Degrees & Online Course Info

About this article
What will you learn in a genetics degree program? Read about degree requirements, the pros and cons of a bachelor's or master's degree and potential careers.
  • Overview
  • Bachelor's
  • Master's

Genetics: Degrees at a Glance

View available schools

Individuals who want to study genetics will need at least a bachelor's degree from an accredited postsecondary institution, although many obtain a doctoral degree. Some career paths, such as biochemistry and biophysics, require advanced doctoral studies.

Salary and job projections vary depending on your intended career path. For example, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicted that employment of biochemists and biophysicists would increase by 31% from 2010 to 2020, much faster than the average for all occupations. However, the BLS warns that the small field will create fewer than 10,000 new jobs during that ten-year period.

Alternatively, employment of agricultural and food scientists is expected to increase by ten percent during the same time period, about as fast as the average for all occupations. Regardless of specialty, applicants who have previous laboratory experience should be poised for the best job opportunities.

Bachelor's Master's
Who is this degree for? - People who want entry-level careers in genetics or biology
- Students who want to eventually pursue a Doctor of Medicine (MD) or doctoral degree in medicine, biotechnology, microbiology, genetics or a related field
Individuals who want to prepare for a related doctoral program and gain laboratory training
Common Career Paths (with approximate annual salary) -Medical and clinical laboratory technologist ($58,000 - may vary with experience)*
- Physician assistant ($89,000 - may vary with experience)*
- Biochemist or biophysicist ($88,000 - additional education may be required)*
- Animal scientist ($74,000 - additional education may be required)*
- Food scientist and technologist ($64,000)*
- Microbiologist ($71,000)*
Time to Completion Typically 4 years, full-time Typically two years, full-time
Common Graduation Requirements - Satisfy coursework
- Maintain GPA standards
- Complete internship requirement, if applicable
- Maintain GPA standards
- Complete coursework
- Research and write a thesis
- Pass master's examination
Prerequisites - Typically a high school diploma or equivalent
- SAT/ACT test scores
- Bachelor's degree in biology, biochemistry or related major
- Meet GPA requirements
- GRE scores
- Prerequisite courses in genetics, biochemistry and calculus, if applicable
Online Availability Yes Yes

Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2011 mean figures).

1
/3
  • Overview
  • Bachelor's
  • Master's

Popular Schools

Featured Schools

Liberty University

  • MS: Human Biology
  • MA: Medical Sciences: Molecular Medicine

What is your highest level of education?