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Molecular Biology

Molecular Biology graduates pursue 3 occupations, with top roles paying $167,220/yr or more. The career cards below break down wages, daily tasks, and 10-year job growth projections for each.

Explore Program

About Molecular Biology

Molecular Biology is a focused area of study within Biology. The program is available at 15 colleges across the U.S., from community colleges to research universities. About 130 students complete this program each year, most earning a master's. Training is clinical and hands-on, often leading to licensure or certification.

Colleges Offering: 15
Graduates / Year: 130
Avg Net Price / yr: $28,133

Who Studies This? Credential Breakdown

Of the 130 students who complete Molecular Biology programs each year, the majority (57%) earn a master's degree. The breakdown below shows the full credential distribution.

57% 43%

Master's 57%

Doctorate 43%

What Can You Do With a Molecular Biology Degree?

Molecular Biology connects to 3 occupations in the job market. Natural Sciences Managers leads at $167,220/yr median. Expand any card to see daily responsibilities, in-demand skills, and 10-year growth projections.

↗ +3.7% Zone 5: Extensive preparation

Natural Sciences Managers

$167,220

$119K $222K 25th–75th pct.

Bachelor's degree 8,500 openings/yr 109K employed nationally

Science Reading Comprehension Active Listening Reading Comprehension Active Listening

Day-to-day responsibilities

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as life sciences, physical sciences, mathematics, statistics, and research and development in these fields.

Hire, supervise, or evaluate engineers, technicians, researchers, or other staff.
Design or coordinate successive phases of problem analysis, solution proposals, or testing.
Plan or direct research, development, or production activities.

↗ +8.7% Zone 5: Extensive preparation

Medical Scientists

$103,410

$80K $139K 25th–75th pct.

Doctoral or professional degree 9,600 openings/yr 172K employed nationally

Writing Active Learning Science Speaking Judgment and Decision Making

Day-to-day responsibilities

Conduct research dealing with the understanding of human diseases and the improvement of human health. Engage in clinical investigation, research and development, or other related activities.

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.

↗ +7.3% Zone 5: Extensive preparation

Biological Science Teachers

$84,620

$64K $127K 25th–75th pct.

Doctoral or professional degree 5,400 openings/yr 50K employed nationally

Speaking Learning Strategies Instructing Reading Comprehension Active Listening

Day-to-day responsibilities

Teach courses in biological sciences. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

Evaluate and grade students' class work, laboratory work, assignments, and papers.
Prepare and deliver lectures to undergraduate or graduate students on topics such as molecular biology, marine biology, and botany.
Plan, evaluate, and revise curricula, course content, and course materials and methods of instruction.

Top Colleges for Molecular Biology

Only 7 colleges had enough verified data to appear here. Sorted by Molecular Biology graduate volume, not selectivity.

#	College	Graduates	Acceptance	Net Price/yr	Earnings 10yr
1	University of Georgia Athens, GA · Public	64	37.7%	$13,936	$68,726
2	Case Western Reserve University Cleveland, OH · Nonprofit	13	36.5%	$41,190	$87,989
3	University of Arizona Tucson, AZ · Public	9	86.1%	$16,674	$59,979
4	University of Cincinnati-Main Campus Cincinnati, OH · Public	6	85.3%	$25,648	$54,810
5	George Washington University Washington, DC · Nonprofit	5	47.1%	$36,586	$90,873
6	Wake Forest University Winston-Salem, NC · Nonprofit	5	21.7%	$28,719	$78,158
7	Hofstra University Hempstead, NY · Nonprofit	3	68.1%	$34,176	$69,039

Ranked by Molecular Biology 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 Molecular Biology program, compare colleges side-by-side, weigh the long-term payoff, and find schools that match your profile.

College ROI Calculator

See if a Molecular Biology 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.

Molecular Biology Degree: Pros & Cons

The data on Molecular Biology shows 2 measurable strengths and 3 real trade-offs. All points are sourced from College Scorecard earnings, BLS projections, and IPEDS graduate counts.

PROS

Fast-growing field Related careers are projected to grow up to +8.7% over the next decade, with Medical Scientists among the fastest-growing roles.
Strong hiring volume Related occupations generate more than 23,500 job openings per year combined, creating consistent demand for graduates.

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.
Advanced degree often expected Top roles in this field typically expect a master's degree or higher. A bachelor's may be a starting point rather than a terminal credential for the most competitive positions.
Limited program availability Only 15 colleges offer this program nationally, which may limit geographic flexibility when choosing a school.

Molecular Biology Degree: Frequently Asked Questions

What jobs can you get with a Molecular Biology degree?

Molecular Biology degree holders pursue careers including Natural Sciences Managers, which pays a median of $167,220/yr. Scroll down to the Career Paths section to see wages and job growth projections for every related occupation.

How long does a Molecular Biology program take?

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

How many colleges offer Molecular Biology?

15 colleges and universities in the United States offer Molecular Biology programs. Options range from community colleges with certificates and associate degrees to research universities with doctoral tracks.

What is the difference between Molecular Biology and Biology?

Molecular Biology is a focused concentration within the broader Biology field. The Biology major covers the full discipline; this program narrows the curriculum to Molecular Biology-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 Molecular Biology graduates?

Employers hiring Molecular Biology 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 Molecular Biology 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 Molecular Biology graduates?

The job outlook for Molecular Biology graduates is moderate overall. Related occupations project an average of +6.6% job growth over the next 10 years. Medical Scientists is among the strongest-growth roles at +8.7%. Growth varies by role and location, so check the Career Paths section for projections on each specific occupation.