Best institutions to study Cell Physiology
A program that focuses on the scientific study of physiological processes operating within and among cells, and intracellular communication and behavior, in the context of larger systems and whole organisms.
7 U.S. institutions graduated 32 Cell Physiology students in 2024–25 (IPEDS). It is CIP 26.0903, a specialization of Physiology (CIP 26.09), and leads most directly to the Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists occupation (BLS SOC 19-1042).
About Cell Physiology programs
A program that focuses on the scientific study of physiological processes operating within and among cells, and intracellular communication and behavior, in the context of larger systems and whole organisms. Includes instruction in cell and molecular biology, molecular physiology, cell cycle control, signal transduction, protein structure, membrane biochemistry and structure, ion channel physics, cell respiration and digestion, secretory functions, cell adhesion and communication, information encoding and decoding, and the relation of cell physiology to tissue, organ, and organismic functioning.
Source: National Center for Education Statistics, Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020).
The Cell Physiology program, a specialization within the broader field of Physiology, focuses on the scientific study of physiological processes at the cellular level. Students explore intracellular communication, behavior, and the functioning of cells in relation to larger biological systems and organisms. This program is ideal for those interested in understanding the complexities of cell function and its implications for health and disease.
Core coursework includes cell and molecular biology, molecular physiology, signal transduction, and membrane biochemistry. Students also gain essential skills in critical thinking, active learning, and scientific writing, preparing them for advanced research and practical applications in the field.
Credentials awarded
What Cell Physiology graduates earned in 2024–25, by award level (IPEDS completions).
- Doctor's degree - research/scholarship16 graduates / yr · 4 institutions50%
- Master's degree12 graduates / yr · 4 institutions38%
- Bachelor's degree4 graduates / yr · 2 institutions13%
Graduates over time
Cell Physiology completions reported to IPEDS each year, all award levels combined.
| Year | Graduates |
|---|---|
| 2012 | 27 |
| 2013 | 22 |
| 2014 | 48 |
| 2015 | 38 |
| 2016 | 57 |
| 2017 | 64 |
| 2018 | 57 |
| 2019 | 66 |
| 2020 | 80 |
| 2021 | 56 |
| 2022 | 47 |
| 2023 | 40 |
| 2024 | 51 |
| 2025 | 32 |
Top 7 institutions for Cell Physiology, 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 | University of California - Davis Davis, CAPublicMaster'sDoctoral | 13 | 86% | — | $37,550 |
| 2 | University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Chapel Hill, NCPublicDoctoralMaster's | 6 | 91% | — | — |
| 3 | University of Cincinnati - Main Campus Cincinnati, OHPublicDoctoral | 4 | 75% | — | — |
| 4 | Barnard College New York, NYPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 3 | 93% | $24,675 | — |
| 5 | Stanford University Stanford, CAPrivate not-for-profitDoctoralMaster's | 3 | 92% | $12,032 | — |
| 6 | Loyola University Chicago Chicago, ILPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 2 | 73% | $33,454 | — |
| 7 | University of South Dakota Vermillion, SDPublicBachelor's | 1 | 60% | — | — |
* Median earnings 1 year after graduation for the broader Physiology field (CIP 26.09) at these institutions; College Scorecard does not publish earnings at the 6-digit level.
Offered in 6 states
Where Cell Physiology graduates come from. Each state links to all Physiology programs offered there.
| State | Institutions | Graduates / yr | Top institution by graduates |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | 2 | 16 | University of California - Davis13 / yr |
| North Carolina | 1 | 6 | University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill6 / yr |
| Ohio | 1 | 4 | University of Cincinnati - Main Campus4 / yr |
| New York | 1 | 3 | Barnard College3 / yr |
| Illinois | 1 | 2 | Loyola University Chicago2 / yr |
| South Dakota | 1 | 1 | University of South Dakota1 / yr |
Careers & outlook
The payoff after graduation: occupation 19-1042, Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists, and its national outlook.
Graduates of the Cell Physiology program often pursue careers as Medical Scientists or Biological Science Teachers. The job outlook is promising, with an expected growth rate of 8.7% and approximately 9,600 annual openings. The median wage for these positions is around $100,590, typically requiring a doctoral or professional degree.
Top-paying metros
Career pathways for CIP 26.0903
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologistsprimary 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 Cell Physiology 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
- Follow strict safety procedures when handling toxic materials to avoid contamination.
- Evaluate effects of drugs, gases, pesticides, parasites, and microorganisms at various levels.
- Plan and direct studies to investigate human or animal disease, preventive methods, and treatments for disease.
- Prepare and analyze organ, tissue, and cell samples to identify toxicity, bacteria, or microorganisms or to study cell structure.
- Conduct research to develop methodologies, instrumentation, and procedures for medical application, analyzing data and presenting findings to the scientific audience and general public.
- Teach principles of medicine and medical and laboratory procedures to physicians, residents, students, and technicians.
Tools and technology used
Other Physiology specializations
The 12 other 6-digit CIP codes under Physiology (CIP 26.09).
- Exercise Physiology and KinesiologyCIP 26.09088,332 graduates / yr155 institutions
- PhysiologyCIP 26.09013,004 graduates / yr70 institutions
- Pathology/CIP 26.0910
Experimental Pathology 306 graduates / yr36 institutions - Oncology and Cancer BiologyCIP 26.0911235 graduates / yr31 institutions
- Vision Science/CIP 26.0909
Physiological Optics 219 graduates / yr12 institutions - Physiology, Pathology, and Related SciencesCIP 26.0999218 graduates / yr10 institutions
- BiomechanicsCIP 26.0913partial data70 graduates / yr6 institutions
- Cardiovascular ScienceCIP 26.0907partial data61 graduates / yr4 institutions
- Molecular PhysiologyCIP 26.0902partial data44 graduates / yr9 institutions
- Aerospace Physiology and MedicineCIP 26.0912partial data40 graduates / yr3 institutions
- Reproductive BiologyCIP 26.0905partial data31 graduates / yr3 institutions
- EndocrinologyCIP 26.0904limited data6 graduates / yr2 institutions
Common questions
What degrees can I earn in Cell Physiology?+
You can earn a Bachelor's, Master's, or Doctor's degree in Cell Physiology.
What skills will I develop in this program?+
You will develop skills in critical thinking, scientific writing, active learning, and mathematics.
What careers can I pursue with a degree in Cell Physiology?+
You can work as a Medical Scientist or a Biological Science Teacher, among other roles.
What is the job outlook for graduates?+
The job outlook is much faster than average, with an expected growth rate of 8.7%.
What is the CIP code for Cell Physiology?+
Cell Physiology is CIP 26.0903 in the NCES Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020), a 6-digit specialization within Physiology (CIP 26.09). NCES defines it as: A program that focuses on the scientific study of physiological processes operating within and among cells, and intracellular communication and behavior, in the context of larger systems and whole organisms. Includes instruction in cell and molecular biology, molecular physiology, cell cycle control, signal transduction, protein structure, membrane biochemistry and structure, ion channel physics, cell respiration and digestion, secretory functions, cell adhesion and communication, information encoding and decoding, and the relation of cell physiology to tissue, organ, and organismic functioning.
How many institutions offer Cell Physiology programs?+
7 U.S. institutions reported Cell Physiology graduates in IPEDS 2024–25, across 6 states, awarding 32 credentials in the year. That is 0.3% of all Physiology graduates.
How much do Cell Physiology graduates earn?+
Earnings are not published at the 6-digit CIP level by any federal source. The Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists occupation, which Cell Physiology most directly leads to, pays a median of $103,410 a year nationally (BLS OEWS May 2025), and graduates of the broader Physiology field report median earnings of $37,550 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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