Genetics

What Can You Do with a Genetics Degree?

An exciting and innovative field, the study of genetics prepares you to enter into a career in a wide variety of industries including healthcare, scientific research and even media sales.

That being said, the majority of careers relating to genetics are based in the health service, so employers are most likely to be hospitals, pharmaceutical companies and universities.

Although you can pursue a lucrative career in genetics with a bachelor’s degree, many employers’ value postgraduate study such as a Master’s or PhD, especially for those wanting to get into the research side of genetics.

Within the below guide, you will find out if a genetics degree is the right choice for your career goals, as well as the most popular jobs for genetics graduates and their expected salaries.

Is a genetics major the right further education option for me?

There are several skills that a genetics degree student should ideally have. These include a good knowledge of biology, excellent communication skills, strong attention to detail, analytical thinking skills and the ability to use computer and software packages with competence.

The overall outlook for geneticists’ careers has been positive since 2004, with great opportunities to work in a medical capacity as well as in scientific research.

What type of careers can I expect to get with a genetics major?

As touched on above, as a genetics graduate, you can choose to go down either the science or research route, as well as a wide range of jobs in completely different industries such as sales.

Below are the most popular jobs for those with a genetics major, both in terms of expected salary and job satisfaction.

Geneticist

With day to day duties including preparing and analyzing samples of genetic tissue, recording results and using data and statistics to develop computer models of genes, the life of a geneticist is varied and fulfilling.

The average salary of a geneticist is $130,388.

Genetic Counsellor

Working directly with patients and families, offering genetic testing and support, which enables them to make informed decisions about their health, the role of a genetic counsellor is a hands-on one.

The average salary of a genetic counsellor is $81,880 per annum, with an expected job growth of 21% between 2019 and 2029, making this position a great choice for those who want enhanced job security.

Medical Scientist

Designing and conducting studies that investigate human diseases and ways to prevent them, the role of a medical scientist requires someone with an analytical brain which also has strong observation skills.

The average salary of a medical scientist is $88,790, with an expected job growth of 6% between 2019 and 2029.

How do I choose the right college to study genetics?

There are many prestigious colleges and universities in the United States that offer students the chance to pursue a genetics degree. However, it is not just the course material that you need to take into consideration when choosing a college. You also need to think about the quality of campus life and how it will affect your overall learning journey.

From the dorm room facilities to student support, to social clubs, all of these factors are important when choosing a college to study genetics.

Fortunately, there is a simple and stress-free way to find out all this information, and you don’t even need to leave the comfort of your own home.

CampusReel is an online college review website that provides over 15,000 student-made videos about campus life at colleges all over the U.S. Plus it’s completely free.

Create your online account today and be privy to insider information about your preferred colleges, helping you make the right choice for your future.