Best institutions to study Molecular Physiology
A program that focuses on the scientific study of dynamic interactive processes and biochemical communications at the subcellular level.
9 U.S. institutions graduated 44 Molecular Physiology students in 2024–25 (IPEDS). It is CIP 26.0902, a specialization of Physiology (CIP 26.09), and leads most directly to the Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists occupation (BLS SOC 19-1042).
About Molecular Physiology programs
A program that focuses on the scientific study of dynamic interactive processes and biochemical communications at the subcellular level. Includes instruction in ion channels and transporters, molecular signaling pathways, endocrine control and regulation, genetic information transfer, homeostasis and molecular control systems, electrophysiology and sensory mechanisms, protein synthesis, and applicable research methods and technologies.
Source: National Center for Education Statistics, Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020).
The Molecular Physiology program focuses on the scientific study of dynamic interactive processes and biochemical communications at the subcellular level. This program is designed for students interested in understanding the intricate mechanisms that govern biological functions, particularly at the molecular and cellular levels. Students will explore topics such as ion channels, molecular signaling pathways, and genetic information transfer. This program is ideal for those pursuing advanced research and scholarship in the field of biological and biomedical sciences. Graduates will be equipped with the skills necessary to conduct research and contribute to advancements in medical science, making it suitable for aspiring medical scientists and educators in the biological sciences.
Core coursework in Molecular Physiology includes instruction in areas such as electrophysiology, protein synthesis, and molecular control systems. Students will develop critical skills in writing, active learning, and scientific analysis, alongside a strong foundation in biology, chemistry, and mathematics.
Credentials awarded
What Molecular Physiology graduates earned in 2024–25, by award level (IPEDS completions).
- Doctor's degree - research/scholarship34 graduates / yr · 8 institutions77%
- Award of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year9 graduates / yr · 1 institution21%
- Master's degree1 graduates / yr · 1 institution2.3%
Graduates over time
Molecular Physiology completions reported to IPEDS each year, all award levels combined.
| Year | Graduates |
|---|---|
| 2012 | 36 |
| 2013 | 40 |
| 2014 | 27 |
| 2015 | 27 |
| 2016 | 39 |
| 2017 | 34 |
| 2018 | 37 |
| 2019 | 44 |
| 2020 | 37 |
| 2021 | 35 |
| 2022 | 28 |
| 2023 | 40 |
| 2024 | 52 |
| 2025 | 44 |
Top 9 institutions for Molecular 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 - Los Angeles Los Angeles, CAPublicDoctoral | 9 | 93% | — | $23,151 |
| 2 | Missouri State University - Springfield Springfield, MOPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 9 | 58% | — | — |
| 3 | Vanderbilt University Nashville, TNPrivate not-for-profitDoctoralMaster's | 7 | 94% | $14,854 | — |
| 4 | University of Michigan - Ann Arbor Ann Arbor, MIPublicDoctoral | 6 | 93% | — | — |
| 5 | Baylor College of Medicine Houston, TXPrivate not-for-profitDoctoral | 4 | — | — | — |
| 6 | West Virginia University Morgantown, WVPublicDoctoral | 3 | 65% | — | $24,463 |
| 7 | University of Alabama at Birmingham Birmingham, ALPublicDoctoral | 2 | 64% | — | — |
| 8 | Southern Illinois University - Carbondale Carbondale, ILPublicDoctoral | 2 | 62% | — | — |
| 9 | University of Iowa Iowa City, IAPublicDoctoral | 2 | 75% | — | — |
* 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 9 states
Where Molecular Physiology graduates come from. Each state links to all Physiology programs offered there.
| State | Institutions | Graduates / yr | Top institution by graduates |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | 1 | 9 | University of California - Los Angeles9 / yr |
| Missouri | 1 | 9 | Missouri State University - Springfield9 / yr |
| Tennessee | 1 | 7 | Vanderbilt University7 / yr |
| Michigan | 1 | 6 | University of Michigan - Ann Arbor6 / yr |
| Texas | 1 | 4 | Baylor College of Medicine4 / yr |
| West Virginia | 1 | 3 | West Virginia University3 / yr |
| Alabama | 1 | 2 | University of Alabama at Birmingham2 / yr |
| Illinois | 1 | 2 | Southern Illinois University - Carbondale2 / yr |
| Iowa | 1 | 2 | University of Iowa2 / yr |
Careers & outlook
The payoff after graduation: occupation 19-1042, Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists, and its national outlook.
Graduates of the Molecular Physiology program often pursue careers as medical scientists, with a projected job growth rate of 8.7% and approximately 9,600 annual openings. The median wage for this profession is $100,590, and most positions require a doctoral or professional degree.
Top-paying metros
Career pathways for CIP 26.0902
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 Molecular 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
- Aerospace Physiology and MedicineCIP 26.0912partial data40 graduates / yr3 institutions
- Cell PhysiologyCIP 26.0903partial data32 graduates / yr7 institutions
- Reproductive BiologyCIP 26.0905partial data31 graduates / yr3 institutions
- EndocrinologyCIP 26.0904limited data6 graduates / yr2 institutions
Common questions
What degrees can I earn in this program?+
You can earn a Doctor's degree, a Master's degree, or an award for at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year.
What skills will I develop in this program?+
You will develop skills in writing, critical thinking, science, and active learning.
What careers can I pursue after graduation?+
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 a growth rate of 8.7%.
What is the CIP code for Molecular Physiology?+
Molecular Physiology is CIP 26.0902 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 dynamic interactive processes and biochemical communications at the subcellular level. Includes instruction in ion channels and transporters, molecular signaling pathways, endocrine control and regulation, genetic information transfer, homeostasis and molecular control systems, electrophysiology and sensory mechanisms, protein synthesis, and applicable research methods and technologies.
How many institutions offer Molecular Physiology programs?+
9 U.S. institutions reported Molecular Physiology graduates in IPEDS 2024–25, across 9 states, awarding 44 credentials in the year. That is 0.3% of all Physiology graduates.
How much do Molecular Physiology graduates earn?+
Earnings are not published at the 6-digit CIP level by any federal source. The Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists occupation, which Molecular 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 $24,463 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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