Biological And Biomedical SciencesSpecialization of Genetics

Best institutions to study Genome Sciences/Genomics

CIP 26.0807

A program that focuses on the scientific study of whole genome sequences and patterns of gene expression.

20 U.S. institutions graduated 210 Genome Sciences/Genomics students in 2024–25 (IPEDS). It is CIP 26.0807, a specialization of Genetics (CIP 26.08), and leads most directly to the Genetic Counselors occupation (BLS SOC 29-9092).

Institutions
20
offering CIP 26.0807
States offered
15
with graduates reported
Graduates / yr
210
IPEDS completions 2024–25
Women
71%
share of graduates
US median pay · Genetic Counselors
$100,040
BLS OEWS May 2025
Share of Genetics
12%
of all Genetics graduates

About Genome Sciences/Genomics programs

Official NCES definition · CIP 26.0807
A program that focuses on the scientific study of whole genome sequences and patterns of gene expression. Includes instruction in molecular and cellular biology, genetics, protein technologies, genomic sciences and techniques, bioinformatics, and scientific and research ethics.

Source: National Center for Education Statistics, Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020).

The Genome Sciences/Genomics program focuses on the scientific study of whole genome sequences and gene expression patterns. This program is designed for students interested in exploring the complexities of genetics and its applications in biological and biomedical sciences. It provides a foundation for understanding molecular and cellular biology, as well as the ethical considerations in genomics research.

What you'll learn

Students in this program will gain essential skills in reading comprehension, critical thinking, and scientific analysis. Coursework covers molecular biology, genetics, protein technologies, and bioinformatics, equipping graduates with the knowledge necessary to navigate the rapidly evolving field of genomics.

Credentials awarded

What Genome Sciences/Genomics graduates earned in 2024–25, by award level (IPEDS completions).

  • Master's degree118 graduates / yr · 8 institutions
    56%
  • Bachelor's degree39 graduates / yr · 5 institutions
    19%
  • Doctor's degree - research/scholarship23 graduates / yr · 6 institutions
    11%
  • Award of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year19 graduates / yr · 2 institutions
    9.0%
  • Postbaccalaureate certificate10 graduates / yr · 5 institutions
    4.8%
  • Award of less than 12 weeks1 graduates / yr · 1 institution
    0.5%

Graduates over time

Genome Sciences/Genomics completions reported to IPEDS each year, all award levels combined.

210graduates in 2025
+813% since 2012
222 · 20232012202523210
Graduates per year (IPEDS completions)
YearGraduates
201223
20132
20148
201523
201645
201748
201876
201981
2020101
2021136
2022198
2023222
2024196
2025210

Top 20 institutions for Genome Sciences/Genomics, ranked by graduates

Graduates (IPEDS completions), 2024–25. Award levels show which credentials each institution confers in this specialization.

#InstitutionGraduates / yrGrad rateNet price
1Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, MDPrivate not-for-profitMaster's
4494%$11,888
2Temple University
Philadelphia, PAPublicBachelor'sAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year
4075%—
3Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia
Philadelphia, PAPrivate not-for-profitMaster'sPost-degree cert.
2579%$34,418
4University of Oregon
Eugene, ORPublicMaster's
2072%—
5Manchester University
North Manchester, INPrivate not-for-profitMaster'sPost-degree cert.
1946%$17,980
6Florida Institute of Technology
Melbourne, FLPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's
1164%$33,585
7Duke University
Durham, NCPrivate not-for-profitDoctoralMaster's
1097%$16,260
8North Dakota State University - Main Campus
Fargo, NDPublicMaster'sDoctoral
864%—
9Wayne State University
Detroit, MIPublicDoctoralMaster's
658%—
10University at Buffalo
Buffalo, NYPublicMaster's
675%—
11Harvard University
Cambridge, MAPrivate not-for-profitDoctoral
498%$15,013
12University of New Haven
West Haven, CTPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's
363%$32,614
13Grand Valley State University
Allendale, MIPublicPost-degree cert.Award of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year
367%—
14North Carolina State University at Raleigh
Raleigh, NCPublicDoctoral
385%—
15University of Saint Joseph
West Hartford, CTPrivate not-for-profitPost-degree cert.
264%$25,841
16Davidson College
Davidson, NCPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's
291%$16,628
17George Washington University
Washington, DCPrivate not-for-profitDoctoral
184%$29,789
18Northwestern College
Orange City, IAPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's
166%$22,419
19Utah Tech University
Saint George, UTPublicAward of less than 12 weeks
138%—
20Virginia Commonwealth University
Richmond, VAPublicPost-degree cert.
163%—

Offered in 15 states

Where Genome Sciences/Genomics graduates come from. Each state links to all Genetics programs offered there.

Careers & outlook

The payoff after graduation: occupation 29-9092, Genetic Counselors, and its national outlook.

Graduates of the Genome Sciences/Genomics program can pursue various careers, including genetic counselors and biological scientists. The job outlook for these positions is much faster than average, with an expected growth rate of 9.3% and approximately 300 annual openings. The median wage for professionals in this field is around $98,910, typically requiring a master's degree.

Projected growth (2024–2034)
+9.3%
Much faster than average
Openings / yr (US)
~300
BLS Employment Projections
US median wage
$98,910
typically Master's degree
National employment
3,740
Genetic Counselors
US average pay
$104,620
annual, BLS OEWS May 2025
US median pay
$100,040
annual

Top-paying metros

San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA
$159,680avg
San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA
$155,940avg
Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA
$126,530avg
New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ
$115,310avg
Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA
$111,730avg

Career pathways for CIP 26.0807

The occupations the NCES crosswalk maps this 6-digit code to, with BLS pay and 10-year outlook.

OccupationUS median payGrowthOpenings / yrTypical entry education
Genetic Counselorsprimary
SOC 29-9092
$100,040+9.3%
Much faster than average
~300Master's degree
Natural Sciences Managers
SOC 11-9121
$167,220+3.7%
About as fast as average
~8,500Bachelor's degree
Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary
SOC 25-1042
$84,620+7.3%
Faster than average
~5,400Doctoral or professional degree
Biological Scientists, All Other
SOC 19-1029
$98,920+1.2%
Little or no change
~4,800Bachelor's degree
Preparation needed

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

Biological Scientists, All Other
$106,330 avg · 55,850 jobs
Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary
$102,840 avg · 50,190 jobs
Genetic Counselors
$104,620 avg · 3,740 jobs

Skills & knowledge in Genome Sciences/Genomics programs

From the U.S. Dept. of Labor for the occupation this specialization most leads to.

Skills you'll build

Reading Comprehension
Active Listening
Critical Thinking
Writing
Speaking
Active Learning
Science
Learning Strategies

Knowledge areas

Biology
Psychology
Medicine and Dentistry
Therapy and Counseling
English Language
Customer and Personal Service

Abilities that matter most

Written Comprehension
Deductive Reasoning
Problem Sensitivity
Written Expression
Oral Expression
Oral Comprehension

Day-to-day work activities

Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others
Getting Information
Documenting/Recording Information
Assisting and Caring for Others
Working with Computers

What graduates do on the job

  • Interpret laboratory results and communicate findings to patients or physicians.
  • Discuss testing options and the associated risks, benefits and limitations with patients and families to assist them in making informed decisions.
  • Analyze genetic information to identify patients or families at risk for specific disorders or syndromes.
  • Provide counseling to patient and family members by providing information, education, or reassurance.
  • Write detailed consultation reports to provide information on complex genetic concepts to patients or referring physicians.
  • Provide genetic counseling in specified areas of clinical genetics, such as obstetrics, pediatrics, oncology and neurology.

Tools and technology used

Benetech PRABRCAPROBreast Cancer Risk Assessment ToolCancerGeneCyrillicSoftware CyrillicDatabase softwareFileMaker ProFtree

Other Genetics specializations

The 7 other 6-digit CIP codes under Genetics (CIP 26.08).

Common questions

What degrees can I earn in this program?+

You can earn a bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degree in Genome Sciences/Genomics.

What skills will I develop?+

You will develop skills in critical thinking, scientific analysis, and effective communication.

What careers can I pursue after graduation?+

Possible careers include genetic counselor, biological science teacher, and natural sciences manager.

What is the job outlook for this field?+

The job outlook is much faster than average, with a growth rate of 9.3% and 300 annual openings.

What is the CIP code for Genome Sciences/Genomics?+

Genome Sciences/Genomics is CIP 26.0807 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 whole genome sequences and patterns of gene expression. Includes instruction in molecular and cellular biology, genetics, protein technologies, genomic sciences and techniques, bioinformatics, and scientific and research ethics.

How many institutions offer Genome Sciences/Genomics programs?+

20 U.S. institutions reported Genome Sciences/Genomics graduates in IPEDS 2024–25, across 15 states, awarding 210 credentials in the year. That is 11.7% of all Genetics graduates.

How much do Genome Sciences/Genomics graduates earn?+

Earnings are not published at the 6-digit CIP level by any federal source. The Genetic Counselors occupation, which Genome Sciences/Genomics most directly leads to, pays a median of $100,040 a year nationally (BLS OEWS May 2025).

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.

IPEDSFall 2025–26 release, published July 28, 2026
Enrollment, completions, graduation rates, tuition, financial aid, staffing, and finance for every U.S. institution in federal student aid programs.
College ScorecardJune 10, 2026 release (merged 2025–26 files)
Institution and field-of-study costs, graduate earnings, debt, completion, and admissions outcomes compiled from federal aid records, tax data, and IPEDS.
BLS wages & outlookOEWS May 2025 release
Occupational employment and wage estimates plus 10-year job outlook, used to connect programs to real-world earnings.

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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