Best institutions to study Animal Genetics
A program that focuses on the scientific study of the genetics of multicellular animal life forms from the experimental, comparative, and clinical (veterinary and medical) viewpoints.
2 U.S. institutions graduated 57 Animal Genetics students in 2024–25 (IPEDS). It is CIP 26.0804, a specialization of Genetics (CIP 26.08), and leads most directly to the Natural Sciences Managers occupation (BLS SOC 11-9121).
About Animal Genetics programs
A program that focuses on the scientific study of the genetics of multicellular animal life forms from the experimental, comparative, and clinical (veterinary and medical) viewpoints. Includes instruction in molecular genetics, gene expression, gene regulation, genomics, epigenetic phenomena, DNA recombination and repair, genetic interactions at the microbial and higher levels, and molecular evolution.
See also: 01.0902 - Agricultural Animal Breeding.
Source: National Center for Education Statistics, Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020).
The Animal Genetics program focuses on the scientific study of the genetics of multicellular animal life forms. It encompasses various perspectives, including experimental, comparative, and clinical viewpoints, making it suitable for students interested in both research and practical applications in veterinary and medical fields. This program is ideal for those passionate about understanding genetic principles and their implications for animal health and development.
Students in the Animal Genetics program will gain knowledge in molecular genetics, gene expression, gene regulation, and genomics. Coursework emphasizes critical thinking, active listening, and scientific methodologies, equipping graduates with the skills necessary to analyze and solve complex biological problems.
Credentials awarded
What Animal Genetics graduates earned in 2024–25, by award level (IPEDS completions).
- Bachelor's degree45 graduates / yr · 1 institution79%
- Master's degree8 graduates / yr · 1 institution14%
- Doctor's degree - research/scholarship4 graduates / yr · 2 institutions7.0%
Graduates over time
Animal Genetics completions reported to IPEDS each year, all award levels combined.
| Year | Graduates |
|---|---|
| 2012 | 78 |
| 2013 | 125 |
| 2014 | 98 |
| 2015 | 72 |
| 2016 | 72 |
| 2017 | 77 |
| 2018 | 54 |
| 2019 | 59 |
| 2020 | 67 |
| 2021 | 79 |
| 2022 | 69 |
| 2023 | 76 |
| 2024 | 59 |
| 2025 | 57 |
Top 2 institutions for Animal Genetics, ranked by graduates
Graduates (IPEDS completions), 2024–25. Award levels show which credentials each institution confers in this specialization.
| # | Institution | Graduates / yr | Grad rate | Net price | Field earnings* (1 yr) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Clemson University Clemson, SCPublicBachelor'sMaster'sDoctoral | 56 | 87% | — | $31,346 |
| 2 | Tufts University Medford, MAPrivate not-for-profitDoctoral | 1 | 94% | $23,570 | — |
* Median earnings 1 year after graduation for the broader Genetics field (CIP 26.08) at these institutions; College Scorecard does not publish earnings at the 6-digit level.
Offered in 2 states
Where Animal Genetics graduates come from. Each state links to all Genetics programs offered there.
| State | Institutions | Graduates / yr | Top institution by graduates |
|---|---|---|---|
| South Carolina | 1 | 56 | Clemson University56 / yr |
| Massachusetts | 1 | 1 | Tufts University1 / yr |
Careers & outlook
The payoff after graduation: occupation 11-9121, Natural Sciences Managers, and its national outlook.
Graduates of the Animal Genetics program can pursue careers as Natural Sciences Managers, Biological Science Teachers, or Biological Scientists. The job outlook for related fields is about as fast as average, with an annual opening of approximately 8,500 positions and a median wage of $161,180, typically requiring a Bachelor's degree.
Top-paying metros
Career pathways for CIP 26.0804
The occupations the NCES crosswalk maps this 6-digit code to, with BLS pay and 10-year outlook.
| Occupation | US median pay | Growth | Openings / yr | Typical entry education |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Natural Sciences Managersprimary SOC 11-9121 | $167,220 | +3.7% About as fast as average | ~8,500 | Bachelor's degree |
Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary SOC 25-1042 | $84,620 | +7.3% Faster than average | ~5,400 | Doctoral or professional degree |
Biological Scientists, All Other SOC 19-1029 | $98,920 | +1.2% Little or no change | ~4,800 | Bachelor's degree |
Job Zone Five: Extensive Preparation Needed
- Education
- Most of these occupations require graduate school. For example, they may require a master's degree, and some require a Ph.D., M.D., or J.D. (law degree).
- Experience
- Extensive skill, knowledge, and experience are needed for these occupations. Many require more than five years of experience. For example, surgeons must complete four years of college and an additional five to seven years of specialized medical training to be able to do their job.
- Training
- Employees may need some on-the-job training, but most of these occupations assume that the person will already have the required skills, knowledge, work-related experience, and/or training.
Related careers
Skills & knowledge in Animal Genetics programs
From the U.S. Dept. of Labor for the occupation this specialization most leads to.
Skills you'll build
Knowledge areas
Abilities that matter most
Day-to-day work activities
What graduates do on the job
- Hire, supervise, or evaluate engineers, technicians, researchers, or other staff.
- Design or coordinate successive phases of problem analysis, solution proposals, or testing.
- Plan or direct research, development, or production activities.
- Review project activities and prepare and review research, testing, or operational reports.
- Confer with scientists, engineers, regulators, or others to plan or review projects or to provide technical assistance.
- Develop client relationships and communicate with clients to explain proposals, present research findings, establish specifications, or discuss project status.
Tools and technology used
Other Genetics specializations
The 7 other 6-digit CIP codes under Genetics (CIP 26.08).
- GeneticsCIP 26.0801766 graduates / yr38 institutions
- Human/CIP 26.0806
Medical Genetics 477 graduates / yr40 institutions - Molecular GeneticsCIP 26.0802253 graduates / yr16 institutions
- Genome Sciences/CIP 26.0807
Genomics 210 graduates / yr20 institutions - Plant GeneticsCIP 26.0805partial data27 graduates / yr3 institutions
- GeneticsCIP 26.0899limited data8 graduates / yr1 institutions
Show 1 more CIP codes with no U.S. programs reported+
- Microbial and Eukaryotic Genetics26.0803
No institution reported completions for these codes in the latest IPEDS year, so they have no page.
Common questions
What degree can I earn in this program?+
You can earn a Bachelor's, Master's, or Doctor's degree in Animal Genetics.
What skills will I develop?+
You will develop skills in science, critical thinking, and effective communication.
What careers can I pursue after graduation?+
You can work as a Natural Sciences Manager, Biological Science Teacher, or Biological Scientist.
What is the job outlook for this field?+
The job outlook is about as fast as average, with 8,500 annual openings.
What is the CIP code for Animal Genetics?+
Animal Genetics is CIP 26.0804 in the NCES Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020), a 6-digit specialization within Genetics (CIP 26.08). NCES defines it as: A program that focuses on the scientific study of the genetics of multicellular animal life forms from the experimental, comparative, and clinical (veterinary and medical) viewpoints. Includes instruction in molecular genetics, gene expression, gene regulation, genomics, epigenetic phenomena, DNA recombination and repair, genetic interactions at the microbial and higher levels, and molecular evolution.
How many institutions offer Animal Genetics programs?+
2 U.S. institutions reported Animal Genetics graduates in IPEDS 2024–25, across 2 states, awarding 57 credentials in the year. That is 3.2% of all Genetics graduates.
How much do Animal Genetics graduates earn?+
Earnings are not published at the 6-digit CIP level by any federal source. The Natural Sciences Managers occupation, which Animal Genetics most directly leads to, pays a median of $167,220 a year nationally (BLS OEWS May 2025), and graduates of the broader Genetics field report median earnings of $31,346 one year after graduation (College Scorecard).
About the data on this page
Every figure comes from an official federal or public source. Here is each one and the release it is currently on.
Program definitions are from the NCES Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020). Skills, knowledge, abilities, work activities, tools, and job zones are from the O*NET database by the U.S. Department of Labor, used under the CC BY 4.0 license.
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