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Medical Specialties

Medical Specialties graduates earn $73,739 four years out. Related careers are growing at up to 19.7%, one of the stronger demand signals across all fields. Computer & Information Research Scientist is among the highest-growth roles in the field.

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About Medical Specialties

Medical Specialties is a focused area of study within Health. Graduates typically earn around $73,739 four years out, a strong return for a focused credential. The program is available at 182 colleges across the U.S., from community colleges to research universities. About 2,689 students complete this program each year, most earning a master's. Training is clinical and hands-on, often leading to licensure or certification.

Median Earnings · 1yr: $52,611
Median Earnings · 4yr: $73,739
Colleges Offering: 182
Graduates / Year: 2,689
Avg Net Price / yr: $20,588

How Much Do Medical Specialties Graduates Earn?

Medical Specialties graduates earn $73,739 four years out, above the national median for college graduates. The middle 50% of earners fall between $50,203 and $101,862. Earnings typically jump significantly in the first few years. The one-year figure of $52,611 climbs to $73,739 by year four.

$52,611

1 Year After Graduation

Starting salaries only. Earnings in this field grow substantially in the first 3 to 5 years.

$73,739

4-Year National Median

Above the national median for college graduates.

$72,030

4-Year Institutional Median

Median of per-school medians. Each reporting college counts equally, regardless of size.

Earnings Range

There is a wide earnings spread across Medical Specialties graduates. Specialization and credential level drive most of the gap. Advanced practice roles (nurse practitioners, CRNAs, physician assistants) anchor the top; entry-level clinical and support roles sit at the bottom.

$50,203 25th pct.

$73,739 Median

$101,862 75th pct.

Why This Program Pays Off Fast

Strong ROI. At median 4-year earnings of $73,739 against an estimated $82,352 four-year net cost, most graduates break even against baseline wages in under two years.

Based on outcomes from 44 schools. Colleges with fewer than 30 graduates are excluded from national averages.

Who Studies This? Credential Breakdown

Of the 2,689 students who complete Medical Specialties programs each year, the majority (81%) earn a master's degree. The breakdown below shows the full credential distribution.

81%

Master's 81%

Post-Bacc Cert. 7%

Bachelor's 7%

What Can You Do With a Medical Specialties Degree?

Medical Specialties connects to 3 occupations in the job market. Computer & Information Research Scientist leads at $140,300/yr median. Expand any card to see daily responsibilities, in-demand skills, and 10-year growth projections.

↗ +19.7% Zone 5: Extensive preparation

Computer & Information Research Scientist

$140,300

$104K $189K 25th–75th pct.

Master's degree 3,200 openings/yr 37K employed nationally

Judgment and Decision Making Critical Thinking Complex Problem Solving Reading Comprehension Active Listening

Day-to-day responsibilities

Conduct research into fundamental computer and information science as theorists, designers, or inventors. Develop solutions to problems in the field of computer hardware and software.

Analyze problems to develop solutions involving computer hardware and software.
Apply theoretical expertise and innovation to create or apply new technology, such as adapting principles for applying computers to new uses.
Assign or schedule tasks to meet work priorities and goals.

↗ +14.7% Zone 3: Medium preparation

Health Information Technologists and Medical Registrars

$68,020

$49K $96K 25th–75th pct.

Associate's degree 3,200 openings/yr 38K employed nationally

Day-to-day responsibilities

Apply knowledge of healthcare and information systems to assist in the design, development, and continued modification and analysis of computerized healthcare systems. Abstract, collect, and analyze treatment and followup information of patients. May educate staff and assist in problem solving to promote the implementation of the healthcare information system. May design, develop, test, and implement databases with complete history, diagnosis, treatment, and health status to help monitor diseases.

↘ -1.2% Zone 3: Medium preparation

Fine Artists

$55,490

$38K $83K 25th–75th pct.

Bachelor's degree 2,200 openings/yr 11K employed nationally

Active Learning Critical Thinking Active Listening Reading Comprehension Speaking

Day-to-day responsibilities

Create original artwork using any of a wide variety of media and techniques.

Use materials such as pens and ink, watercolors, charcoal, oil, or computer software to create artwork.
Integrate and develop visual elements, such as line, space, mass, color, and perspective, to produce desired effects, such as the illustration of ideas, emotions, or moods.
Confer with clients, editors, writers, art directors, and other interested parties regarding the nature and content of artwork to be produced.

Top Colleges for Medical Specialties

The 20 colleges below are ranked by how many Medical Specialties students they graduate each year. Scroll right to compare acceptance rate, net price, and median earnings side by side.

#	College	Graduates	Acceptance	Net Price/yr	Earnings 10yr
1	Sacred Heart University Fairfield, CT · Nonprofit	126	65.4%	$46,174	$75,059
2	Indiana University-Indianapolis Indianapolis, IN · Public	110	76.4%	$11,668	$55,198
3	George Mason University Fairfax, VA · Public	81	87.5%	$17,915	$76,343
4	University of South Florida Tampa, FL · Public	73	43.2%	$9,812	$57,743
5	University of San Diego San Diego, CA · Nonprofit	73	52.4%	$30,365	$86,522
6	University of Michigan-Ann Arbor Ann Arbor, MI · Public	61	15.6%	$13,138	$83,648
7	The University of Findlay Findlay, OH · Nonprofit	55	83.4%	$27,221	$56,996
8	Harvard University Cambridge, MA · Nonprofit	48	3.7%	$19,066	$101,817
9	Temple University Philadelphia, PA · Public	46	80.4%	$28,198	$63,727
10	University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Milwaukee, WI · Public	46	90.7%	$15,014	$54,990
11	Stanford University Stanford, CA · Nonprofit	44	3.6%	$13,807	$124,080
12	Governors State University University Park, IL · Public	44	48.3%	$12,329	$58,169
13	Rutgers University-New Brunswick New Brunswick, NJ · Public	41	58.2%	$24,406	$74,479
14	University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Chapel Hill, NC · Public	41	15.3%	$11,655	$72,200
15	Duke University Durham, NC · Nonprofit	40	5.7%	$29,612	$97,800
16	University of Utah Salt Lake City, UT · Public	38	86%	$16,200	$67,170
17	Stony Brook University Stony Brook, NY · Public	38	49%	$18,784	$74,502
18	University of North Georgia Dahlonega, GA · Public	37	67.9%	$9,823	$50,135
19	University of Cincinnati-Main Campus Cincinnati, OH · Public	35	85.3%	$25,648	$54,810
20	Northeastern University Boston, MA · Nonprofit	35	5.2%	$30,915	$92,538

View all colleges

Ranked by Medical Specialties graduate volume. Scroll right to compare key stats. Read our methodology →

Plan Your Path

Decide with data, not guesswork. These tools turn the numbers on this page into a personal plan. Estimate the real cost of a Medical Specialties program, compare colleges side-by-side, weigh the long-term payoff, and find schools that match your profile.

College ROI Calculator

See if a Medical Specialties degree pays off. Weighs each college's cost against the earnings its graduates actually see.

College Cost Calculator

Enter a budget and see the colleges whose net price fits, with the out-of-pocket cost and likely loan load for each.

Compare Colleges

Put any 2–4 colleges side-by-side. Admissions, cost, outcomes, and earnings, all on one screen, no tab-hopping.

College Match Quiz

Answer six quick questions and see your best-fit colleges ranked by budget, field of study, and what matters most to you.

Medical Specialties Degree: Pros & Cons

Strong earnings and positive career growth make Medical Specialties a solid option. The 4 strengths and 2 trade-offs below are data-sourced from College Scorecard, BLS, and IPEDS.

PROS

Strong median salary Graduates earn $73,739 nationally four years out, placing this field above most degree programs in the country.
Strong salary growth Median earnings climb from $52,611 at graduation to $73,739 four years later, a clear sign of career momentum in this field.
Fast-growing field Related careers are projected to grow up to +19.7% over the next decade, with Computer & Information Research Scientist among the fastest-growing roles.
High upside potential Top earners (75th percentile) in this program reach $101,862, a strong ceiling for high performers.

CONS

Licensure often required Most roles in this field require state licensure or certification before you can practice. Budget time and costs for board exams alongside your degree.
Declining roles in some areas 1 related career show negative 10-year employment projections. Research specific roles before committing.

Medical Specialties Degree: Frequently Asked Questions

How much do Medical Specialties graduates earn?

Medical Specialties graduates earn a national median of $73,739 four years after completing their program. The middle 50% of earners fall between $50,203 and $101,862. Where you land typically depends on employer, role, and location.

What is the starting salary for a Medical Specialties degree?

One year after graduation, Medical Specialties degree holders earn a median of $52,611. That climbs to $73,739 four years out. The biggest salary jumps typically come once you move past entry-level roles.

What jobs can you get with a Medical Specialties degree?

Medical Specialties degree holders pursue careers including Computer & Information Research Scientist, which pays a median of $140,300/yr. Scroll down to the Career Paths section to see wages and job growth projections for every related occupation.

How long does a Medical Specialties program take?

While a bachelor's in this area takes four years, many Medical Specialties students continue to a master's degree, adding one to two years. Some schools offer accelerated 5-year combined programs.

How many colleges offer Medical Specialties?

182 colleges and universities in the United States offer Medical Specialties programs. Options range from community colleges with certificates and associate degrees to research universities with doctoral tracks.

Is a Medical Specialties degree worth it?

With a median 4-year salary of $73,739 and an average net price of roughly $20,588/yr, a Medical Specialties degree can pay off well, especially at lower-cost schools and in high-demand roles. Use the Top Colleges section below to compare specific programs before deciding.

What is the difference between Medical Specialties and Health?

Medical Specialties is a focused concentration within the broader Health field. The Health major covers the full discipline; this program narrows the curriculum to Medical Specialties-specific courses, skills, and career tracks. If you already know this is the direction you want, the specialized program gives you a more targeted credential.

What skills do employers look for in Medical Specialties graduates?

Employers hiring Medical Specialties graduates consistently prioritize clinical judgment, patient communication, and evidence-based decision-making. Licensure, certifications, and supervised clinical hours are typically required or strongly preferred in most roles.

Is graduate school worth it for Medical Specialties graduates?

In health fields, advanced degrees (nurse practitioner, physician assistant, doctor of physical therapy) typically unlock significantly higher salaries and expanded scope of practice, making graduate education a strong investment for most students. The right answer depends on your career goals, program cost, and whether your target role explicitly rewards an advanced credential.

What is the job outlook for Medical Specialties graduates?

The job outlook for Medical Specialties graduates is strong overall. Related occupations project an average of +11.1% job growth over the next 10 years. Computer & Information Research Scientist is among the strongest-growth roles at +19.7%. Growth varies by role and location, so check the Career Paths section for projections on each specific occupation.