Best institutions to study Human/Medical Genetics
A program that focuses on the scientific study of human genetics from the standpoint of medical applications such as clinical diagnosis, genetic engineering and therapy, transplantation, and the study of genetic diseases and disabilities and their defense.
40 U.S. institutions graduated 477 Human/Medical Genetics students in 2024–25 (IPEDS). It is CIP 26.0806, a specialization of Genetics (CIP 26.08), and leads most directly to the Genetic Counselors occupation (BLS SOC 29-9092).
About Human/Medical Genetics programs
A program that focuses on the scientific study of human genetics from the standpoint of medical applications such as clinical diagnosis, genetic engineering and therapy, transplantation, and the study of genetic diseases and disabilities and their defense. Includes instruction in human molecular genetics; genetic factors causing disease; changes in gene expression during development, differentiation, and pathogenesis; recombinant DNA; gene therapy; clinical genetics; genetic epidemiology; immunogenetics; cytogenetics; and genetics of specific disorders and diseases.
See also: 51.0914 - Gene/Genetic Therapy., 51.1010 - Cytogenetics/Genetics/Clinical Genetics Technology/Technologist., 51.1509 - Genetic Counseling/Counselor.
Source: National Center for Education Statistics, Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020).
The Human/Medical Genetics program focuses on the scientific study of human genetics with an emphasis on medical applications. Students explore clinical diagnosis, genetic engineering, transplantation, and the study of genetic diseases and disabilities. This program is ideal for individuals interested in understanding the genetic factors that influence health and disease.
Students in this program gain knowledge in areas such as human molecular genetics, gene therapy, clinical genetics, and genetic epidemiology. Core skills developed include critical thinking, active listening, and effective communication, which are essential for interpreting genetic information and counseling patients.
Credentials awarded
What Human/Medical Genetics graduates earned in 2024–25, by award level (IPEDS completions).
- Master's degree287 graduates / yr · 30 institutions60%
- Doctor's degree - research/scholarship125 graduates / yr · 18 institutions26%
- Postbaccalaureate certificate26 graduates / yr · 6 institutions5.5%
- Award of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year26 graduates / yr · 2 institutions5.5%
- Post-master's certificate12 graduates / yr · 2 institutions2.5%
- Bachelor's degree1 graduates / yr · 1 institution0.2%
Graduates over time
Human/Medical Genetics completions reported to IPEDS each year, all award levels combined.
| Year | Graduates |
|---|---|
| 2012 | 175 |
| 2013 | 179 |
| 2014 | 201 |
| 2015 | 206 |
| 2016 | 241 |
| 2017 | 259 |
| 2018 | 281 |
| 2019 | 262 |
| 2020 | 299 |
| 2021 | 272 |
| 2022 | 355 |
| 2023 | 366 |
| 2024 | 424 |
| 2025 | 477 |
Top 40 institutions for Human/Medical 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 | Southern California University of Health Sciences Whittier, CAPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 46 | 50% | $45,633 | — |
| 2 | University of Pittsburgh - Pittsburgh Campus Pittsburgh, PAPublicMaster'sDoctoralPost-degree cert.Master's | 39 | 85% | — | — |
| 3 | University of Michigan - Ann Arbor Ann Arbor, MIPublicMaster'sMaster'sDoctoral | 35 | 93% | — | — |
| 4 | Stanford University Stanford, CAPrivate not-for-profitMaster'sDoctoral | 27 | 92% | $12,032 | — |
| 5 | Missouri State University - Springfield Springfield, MOPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 25 | 58% | — | — |
| 6 | University of Utah Salt Lake City, UTPublicMaster'sDoctoral | 18 | 65% | — | — |
| 7 | Virginia Commonwealth University Richmond, VAPublicPost-degree cert.DoctoralMaster's | 18 | 63% | — | — |
| 8 | Long Island University Brookville, NYPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 17 | 57% | $24,639 | — |
| 9 | Indiana University - Indianapolis Indianapolis, INPublicMaster'sDoctoral | 16 | 54% | — | — |
| 10 | Thomas Jefferson University Philadelphia, PAPrivate not-for-profitMaster'sDoctoral | 16 | 69% | $26,034 | — |
| 11 | University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center Dallas, TXPublicDoctoralMaster's | 15 | — | — | — |
| 12 | University of Alabama at Birmingham Birmingham, ALPublicDoctoralPost-degree cert. | 14 | 64% | — | — |
| 13 | University of Cincinnati - Main Campus Cincinnati, OHPublicMaster's | 14 | 75% | — | — |
| 14 | Vanderbilt University Nashville, TNPrivate not-for-profitMaster'sDoctoral | 14 | 94% | $14,854 | — |
| 15 | Keck Graduate Institute Claremont, CAPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 14 | — | — | — |
| 16 | Clemson University Clemson, SCPublicDoctoral | 12 | 87% | — | $31,346 |
| 17 | University of Connecticut Storrs, CTPublicPost-degree cert.Master's | 11 | 83% | — | — |
| 18 | Johns Hopkins University Baltimore, MDPrivate not-for-profitDoctoralMaster's | 10 | 94% | $11,888 | — |
| 19 | University of South Carolina - Columbia Columbia, SCPublicMaster's | 9 | 79% | — | — |
| 20 | University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences Little Rock, ARPublicMaster's | 8 | — | — | — |
| 21 | University of Miami Coral Gables, FLPrivate not-for-profitMaster'sDoctoral | 8 | 84% | $26,589 | — |
| 22 | Emory University Atlanta, GAPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 8 | 91% | $20,586 | — |
| 23 | Tulane University of Louisiana New Orleans, LAPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 8 | 86% | $33,106 | — |
| 24 | University of North Carolina at Greensboro Greensboro, NCPublicMaster's | 8 | 56% | — | — |
| 25 | Augustana University Sioux Falls, SDPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 8 | 73% | $23,011 | — |
| 26 | University of Wisconsin - Madison Madison, WIPublicMaster's | 8 | 90% | — | $38,388 |
| 27 | Midwestern University - Glendale Glendale, AZPrivate not-for-profitMaster'sPost-degree cert. | 8 | — | — | — |
| 28 | University of California - Los Angeles Los Angeles, CAPublicDoctoral | 7 | 93% | — | — |
| 29 | University of Chicago Chicago, ILPrivate not-for-profitMaster'sDoctoral | 7 | 96% | $13,333 | — |
| 30 | University of Rochester Rochester, NYPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 6 | 85% | $25,874 | — |
| 31 | Washington University in St Louis St. Louis, MOPrivate not-for-profitDoctoral | 5 | 94% | $14,126 | — |
| 32 | University of Washington - Seattle Campus Seattle, WAPublicMaster's | 4 | 85% | — | — |
| 33 | Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center - New Orleans New Orleans, LAPublicDoctoral | 3 | — | — | — |
| 34 | University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus Denver, COPublicDoctoral | 2 | 46% | — | — |
| 35 | Midwestern University - Downers Grove Downers Grove, ILPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 2 | — | — | — |
| 36 | University of Maryland, Baltimore Baltimore, MDPublicMaster's | 2 | — | — | — |
| 37 | Northeastern University Boston, MAPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 2 | 91% | $18,925 | — |
| 38 | Frederick Community College Frederick, MDPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 1 | 37% | — | — |
| 39 | Cedar Crest College Allentown, PAPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 1 | 60% | $22,721 | — |
| 40 | Medical College of Wisconsin Milwaukee, WIPrivate not-for-profitPost-degree cert. | 1 | — | — | — |
* 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 27 states
Where Human/Medical Genetics 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 Human/Medical Genetics program can pursue careers as genetic counselors, medical scientists, or biological science teachers. The job outlook for genetic counselors is particularly promising, with a growth rate of 9.3% and approximately 300 annual openings. The median wage for this field is $98,910, typically requiring a Master's degree.
Top-paying metros
Career pathways for CIP 26.0806
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Genetic Counselorsprimary SOC 29-9092 | $100,040 | +9.3% Much faster than average | ~300 | Master's degree |
Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists SOC 19-1042 | $103,410 | +8.7% Much faster than average | ~9,600 | Doctoral or professional degree |
Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary SOC 25-1042 | $84,620 | +7.3% Faster than average | ~5,400 | Doctoral or professional 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 Human/Medical 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
- 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
Other Genetics specializations
The 7 other 6-digit CIP codes under Genetics (CIP 26.08).
- GeneticsCIP 26.0801766 graduates / yr38 institutions
- Molecular GeneticsCIP 26.0802253 graduates / yr16 institutions
- Genome Sciences/CIP 26.0807
Genomics 210 graduates / yr20 institutions - Animal GeneticsCIP 26.0804limited data57 graduates / yr2 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 degrees can I earn in this program?+
You can earn a Master's degree, a Doctor's degree, a Postbaccalaureate certificate, or an award of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year.
What skills will I develop in this program?+
You will develop skills in reading comprehension, critical thinking, active listening, and effective communication.
What careers can I pursue with this degree?+
You can work as a genetic counselor, medical scientist, or biological science teacher.
What is the job outlook for genetic counselors?+
The job outlook is much faster than average, with a growth rate of 9.3% and about 300 annual openings.
What is the CIP code for Human/Medical Genetics?+
Human/Medical Genetics is CIP 26.0806 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 human genetics from the standpoint of medical applications such as clinical diagnosis, genetic engineering and therapy, transplantation, and the study of genetic diseases and disabilities and their defense. Includes instruction in human molecular genetics; genetic factors causing disease; changes in gene expression during development, differentiation, and pathogenesis; recombinant DNA; gene therapy; clinical genetics; genetic epidemiology; immunogenetics; cytogenetics; and genetics of specific disorders and diseases.
How many institutions offer Human/Medical Genetics programs?+
40 U.S. institutions reported Human/Medical Genetics graduates in IPEDS 2024–25, across 27 states, awarding 477 credentials in the year. That is 26.5% of all Genetics graduates.
How much do Human/Medical Genetics graduates earn?+
Earnings are not published at the 6-digit CIP level by any federal source. The Genetic Counselors occupation, which Human/Medical Genetics most directly leads to, pays a median of $100,040 a year nationally (BLS OEWS May 2025), and graduates of the broader Genetics field report median earnings of $38,388 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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