Genetics (MS)

The graduate program in Genetics & Human Genetics is designed to confer the training standards that will develop students for the Doctor of Philosophy and M.D./Ph.D. degree(s). The graduate program is an interdepartmental entity. The program is associated with the department of Pediatrics and department of Biology where students work creatively in their field of special interest but and be able to relate application and relevance to related clinical and science disciplines." The degree programs are designed to provide a curricular foundation in human genetics for all enrolled students during their first year. Following this, guided by their academic adviser, students elect to pursue their area of interest in genetics . This is accomplished through a combination of elective courses offered in the Department and other departments of the University, as well as in the Washington Area Consortium of Universities. Doctoral dissertation research interests likewise can reflect a broad range of interests, provided a suitable research mentor is identified in the graduate faculty. This training program design takes into account the fact that genetics is increasingly relevant within the framework of multiple biomedical research and scholarly pursuits. The program design also is intended to foster the important principle of collaborative research and scholarship among biomedical disciplines. The graduate programs are research-oriented and the curriculum focuses on the study of genetic mechanisms related to the transition from normal to disease states and intended to prepare graduates to participate in laboratory research. Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) program trains students to become independent researchers in the field of human genetics.