Molecular Genetics

<h2 id="section---IsMolecularGeneticsForMe">Is Molecular Genetics for Me?</h2> <h3 id="section---CareerOverview">Career Overview</h3> <p>A gene is a hereditary unit that is responsible for a specific organism's characteristics. It is a DNA sequence and found on a chromosome in a specific place. Molecular <a href="https://learn.org/articles/Genetics_Major_Your_Questions_Answered.html">genetics</a> is the scientific study of genes. A molecular geneticist may conduct research in genetic disorders or genetic manipulation. Professionals who pursue careers in research need to have good communication skills, as well as patience and self-discipline. </p> <h3 id="section---JobPossibilities">Job Possibilities</h3> <p>Which careers in molecular <a href="https://learn.org/articles/Animal_Genetics_Your_Degree_and_Course_Questions_Answered.html">genetics</a> may be open to you depends on the level of education that you achieve. Degrees in molecular genetics are offered at the bachelor's, master's and doctorate levels. A Ph.D. in Molecular Genetics would allow you to work as a researcher in academia or with a <a href="https://learn.org/articles/Biotechnology_Major_Your_Career_and_Salary_Questions_Answered.html">biotechnology</a> firm or private research institute. </p> <p>If you would like to work in a genetics lab, you would need a master's degree for a position as a genetic lab <a href="https://learn.org/articles/Research_Assistant_Courses_and_Training_Programs_FAQs.html">research assistant</a> or a bachelor's and/or master's for a technician job. A molecular genetic tech studies genes and DNA for purposes such as parentage determination, identification of victims of crime or disasters, tissue matching (organ transplantation) or neurological disorder diagnoses. </p> <h3 id="section---EmploymentOutlookAndSalaryStatistics">Employment Outlook and Salary Statistics</h3> <p>According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), there were 31,080 biological scientists, 18,550 <a href="https://learn.org/articles/Microbiologist_Career_Profile_Job_Outlook_and_Education_Requirements.html">microbiologists</a> and 95,420 medical scientists (<i>www.bls.gov</i>) in 2012. The BLS projected that between 2012 and 2022, employment would increase 7% for microbiologists and 13% for <a href="https://learn.org/articles/Medical_Scientist_Career_and_Salary_FAQs.html">medical scientists</a>. The BLS does not have specific employment figures for biological scientists, in general. </p> <p>As of May 2013, the BLS reported that the median annual salary for microbiologists was $67,840 and for <a href="https://learn.org/articles/Biological_Scientist_Your_Career_and_Salary_Questions_Answered.html">biological scientists</a>, $72,720. It reported that medical scientists made a median annual salary of $79,840 that same year. </p> <h2 id="section---HowCanIWorkInMolecularGenetics">How Can I Work in Molecular Genetics?</h2> <h3 id="section---UndergraduateEducation">Undergraduate Education</h3> <p>Many undergraduate degrees in molecular genetics are joint degrees with another discipline such as <a href="https://learn.org/articles/Biology_Become_a_Biologist_in_5_Steps.html">biology</a>. You may start your career by earning a bachelor's degree in molecular <a href="https://learn.org/articles/Genetics_Degree_Program_FAQs.html">genetics</a>, biology or biology with a concentration in cell and <a href="https://learn.org/articles/Molecular_Biology_Degree_and_Certificate_Programs_FAQs.html">molecular biology</a>. At the undergraduate level, you study biology, chemistry, physics, molecular biology, calculus and statistics. You may also take classes in biometry, microbial genetics, virology and immunology. </p> <p>With this degree, you could pursue jobs in <a href="https://learn.org/articles/What_are_Some_High-Paying_Biology_Professions.html">biology</a> that include entry-level positions in scientific research in areas like biotechnology, <a href="https://learn.org/articles/What_is_Forensics.html">forensics</a> or pharmaceutical manufacturing, along with teaching biology in high school. A graduate may also go on to earn a professional degree in medicine, <a href="https://learn.org/articles/What_Can_I_Do_with_an_Associates_Degree_in_Veterinary_Medicine.html">veterinary medicine</a> or dentistry, or a master's and/or Ph.D. </p> <h3 id="section---GraduateStudies">Graduate Studies</h3> <p>At the graduate level, master's and doctoral degree programs in molecular genetic are combined programs with another discipline, such as microbiology or <a href="https://learn.org/articles/What_is_the_Typical_Curriculum_for_a_Biochemistry_Degree_Program.html">biochemistry</a>. You engage in labs, conduct independent research and take advanced lectures. Your coursework may address <a href="https://learn.org/articles/Cancer_Biology_Programs_and_Courses_Answers_to_Your_Questions.html">cancer</a> and its genetic, cellular and molecular basis, tumorigenesis, molecular genetics, immunology and molecular oceanography. You may decide on a teaching and research career in academia or a research career in industry.</p>