phd programs in genetics

Ph.D. Program

Graduate studies.

The Genetics Ph.D. program provides opportunities for graduate study in all major areas of modern genetics, including identification and analysis of human disease genes, molecular evolution, gene therapy, statistical genetics, application of model organisms to problems in biology and medicine, and computational and experimental approaches to genome biology.

An underlying theme in our Department is that genetics is not merely a set of tools but a coherent and fruitful way of thinking about biology and medicine. To this end, we emphasize a spectrum of approaches based on molecules, organisms, populations, and genomes.

We provide training through laboratory rotations, dissertation research, seminar series, didactic and interactive coursework, and an annual three-day retreat.

Students receive a competitive stipend ($51,600 for the 2023-24 Academic Year), tuition, health insurance, and a dental care stipend for a full four years. We also encourage students to seek additional fellowships, including but not limited to: NSF GRFP , NIH F31 , NDSEG , Stanford Bio-X fellowship , Stanford DARE , and Stanford CEHG Fellowship .

Lab Rotations

Students rotate through 3 laboratories during their first year in the Genetics Graduate Program. Rotations typically last one quarter each, but can be less and are contingent upon the faculty member agreeing to the rotation request. All Genetics students must rotate with at least 1 Genetics faculty member (primary or secondary appointment). Other rotations may be done with any Bioscience faculty.

While most students start in Fall Quarter, students are encouraged to consider participating in the Advance Summer Institute for a smoother early transition into graduate school. There is a nomination & selection process. The department nominates, so if you are interested please let the department student services officer know. The program is not meant to be a source of summer bridge funding or simply an early rotation opportunity. There are many components to the program that require commitment of time and effort; and the funding, reflects both the expectation of full participation and belief that participants should be compensated for these efforts. The Office of Graduate Education does the selection for ADVANCE. There is no guarantee that if you are nominated that you will be admitted into ADVANCE.

While students may select a thesis laboratory after completing their third rotation, you can do more. Selection of the dissertation research laboratory must be done with the faculty member's approval. Prior to committing to a dissertation laboratory, students are invited to discuss their selection with the Graduate Program Director. Students are welcome to join labs outside of the Genetics Department; if so, they will discuss with the Graduate Program Director whether transferring into that department would be beneficial.

Dissertation Research

Once a student selects a permanent laboratory, they begin their dissertation research that will last for approximately four years. All students are expected to publish at least one first-author paper about their research during this time period, and the work culminates with a thesis defense presentation and written dissertation. See the Genetics Student Handbook for more information.

Coursework, Qualifying Exams, and other Requirements

Students in the Genetics Graduate Program take the Qualifying Examination in the Fall Quarter of their second year of study. There are two parts to the exam, a written research proposal and an oral examination.

Ami Bhatt, Dylan Maghini, and collaborators from the University of the Witwatersrand visit with researchers and staff at the MRC/Wits Public Health and Health Transitions Research Unit in Agincourt, South Africa.

Ami Bhatt, Dylan Maghini, and collaborators tour the MRC/Wits Public Health and Health Transitions Research Unit labs and biobank facility in Agincourt, South Africa.

Service Requirement

Service and outreach are a critical component of a student’s development as a scientist, and offer unique opportunities to learn by interacting with individuals outside the Department. Students are expected to participate in a minimum of 60 hours of service and/or outreach work prior to defending their dissertation.

Supplementary Educational Activities

In addition to your courses, qualifying exams, and dissertation, the Genetics Department has arranged additional educational activities for students. These regularly occurring meetings are:

Current Issues in Genetics (CIG) Two people from the Genetics Department give 20-25 minute presentations about their current work at this weekly Friday meeting. Students in their third year and above are expected to present their work annually. This series gives students the chance to learn about the range of science going on in the department and provides a great opportunity to give formal presentations to peers and colleagues. 

Graduate Student Journal Club This weekly journal club is organized completely by graduate students from the Genetics and Developmental Biology Departments. At each meeting, one or two graduate students lead 30 minute discussions on their choice of a recent journal article. For the first three years of the Ph.D. program, each student presents once per academic year.

Refreshments are provided by the graduate students and reimbursed up to the current year limit. Reimbursement requires an original receipt to the Student Services Coordinator.

Frontiers in Biology  Every week, the Departments of Genetics, Developmental Biology, and Biochemistry host an external speaker through the “Frontiers in Biology” seminar series. First year students also take a course related to this seminar (GENE 215), where they discuss a relevant paper the day before and meet the speaker after the presentation. 

Frontiers is held most Wednesdays at 4pm in Clark Auditorium.

Other Seminar Series There are many other regular seminar series on campus that students choose to attend. Some of the most popular include:

Center of Law and the Biosciences lunchtime talks. See CLB events calendar or subscribe to the listserv

Evolgenome (organized by CEHG). See CEHG website or subscribe to the listserv

Teaching and Mentoring Academy Events. See TMA website or subscribe to the listserv

Discussing Developmental Data (3D). See events schedule

Biomedical Seminars. See events schedule or subscribe to the listserv

Interested in Applying to the Genetics PhD Program?

Attend a Virtual Session

November 4 or 18, 2024 , visit the stanford bioscience booth at sacnas and abrcms, requirements, important forms.

Service Requirement Form

Email  Wendy Christiansen

Human Genetics and Genomics, PhD

School of medicine, ph.d. program.

The Johns Hopkins Human Genetics and Genomics Training Program provides training in all aspects of human genetics and genomics relevant to human biology, health and disease. 

Advances in human genetics and genomics continue at an astounding rate and increasingly they are being integrated into medical practice. The Human Genetics and Genomics Program aims to educate highly motivated and capable students with the knowledge and experimental tools that will enable them to answer important questions at the interface between genetics and medicine. Ultimately, our trainees will be the leaders in delivering the promise of genetics to human health.

The overall objective of the Human Genetics program is to provide our students with a strong foundation in basic science by exposure to a rigorous graduate education in genetics, genomics, molecular biology, cell biology, biochemistry and biostatistics as well as a core of medically-related courses selected to provide knowledge of human biology in health and disease. 

This program is also offered as training for medical students in the combined M.D./Ph.D. program.  Students apply to the combined program at the time of application to the M.D. program. (See section entitled Medical Scientist Training Program).

Research Facilities

Research laboratories are well equipped to carry out sophisticated research in all areas of genetics. The proximity to renown clinical facilities of the Johns Hopkins Hospital, including the Department of Genetic Medicine, and Oncology Center provides faculty and students with access to a wealth of material for study. Computer and library facilities are excellent. Laboratories involved in the Human Genetics Program span Johns Hopkins University; consequently supporting facilities are extensive.

Financial Aid

The program is supported by a training grant from the National Institute of General Medical Sciences. These fellowships, which are restricted to United States citizens and permanent United States residents, cover tuition, health care insurance and a stipend during year one.  Once a student has joined a thesis lab, all financial responsibilities belong to the mentor.   Students are encouraged, however, to apply for fellowships from outside sources (e.g., the National Science Foundation, Fulbright Scholars Program, Howard Hughes Medical Institute) before entering the program.

Applicants for admission should show a strong academic foundation with coursework in biology, chemistry and quantitative analysis.   Applicants are encouraged to have exposure to lab research or to data science.  A bachelor's degree from a qualified college or university will be required for matriculation.  GREs are no longer required.

The Human Genetics and Genomics site has up-to-date information on “ How to Apply .” For questions not addressed on these pages, please access the contact information listed on the program page: Human Genetics and Genomics Training Program | Johns Hopkins Department of Genetic Medicine .

Program Requirements

The program includes the following required core courses: Advanced Topics in Human Genetics, Evolving Concept of the Gene, Molecular Biology and Genomics, Cell Structure and Dynamics, Computational Bootcamp,  Pathways and Regulation, Genomic Technologies, Rigor and Reproducibility in Research, and Systems, Genes and Mechanisms of Disease. Numerous elective courses are available and are listed under sponsoring departments.

Our trainees must take a minimum of four electives, one of which must provide computational/statistical training.

The HG program requires the “OPTIONS” Career Curriculum offered by the Professional Development and Career Office.  OPTIONS is designed to provide trainees with the skills for career building and the opportunity for career exploration as well as professional development training

Human Genetics trainees also take a two-week course in July at the Jackson Labs in Bar Harbor, Maine entitled "Human and Mammalian Genetics and Genomics: The McKusick Short Course" which covers the waterfront from basic principles to the latest developments in mammalian genetics. The faculty numbers about 50 and consists roughly in thirds of JAX faculty, Hopkins faculty and “guest” faculty comprising outstanding mammalian geneticists from other US universities and around the world.

The courses offered by the faculty of the program are listed below. All courses are open to graduate students from any university program as well as selected undergraduates with permission of the course director.

Trainees must complete three research rotations before deciding on their thesis lab.  They must also participate in the Responsible Conduct of Research sessions offered by the Biomedical Program; starting at year 3, students must attend at least two Research Integrity Colloquium lectures per year. 

Our trainees participate in weekly journal clubs, department seminars, monthly Science & Pizza presentations as well as workshops given twice a year on diversity, identity and culture.

At the end of the second year, trainees take their Doctoral Board Oral Examination.  Annual thesis committee meetings must be held following successful completion of this exam.

Average time for completion is 5.3 years.

Graduates from the Human Genetics program pursue careers in academia, medicine, industry, teaching, government, law, as well the private sector.  Our trainees are encouraged to explore the full spectrum of professional venues in which their training my provide a strong foundation. Driven by curiosity and a desire for excellence, our trainees stand out as leaders in the chosen arenas of professional life. They are supported in the development of their career plans by a program faculty and administration who are dedicated to their success, and by a myriad of support networks across the Johns Hopkins University, many of which are provided by the Professional Development Career Office of the School of Medicine.

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Human Genetics PhD Program

The phd in human genetics prepares future leaders in human genetics and genomics.

This rapidly evolving field of research incorporates multiple areas of modern experimental biology (including but not limited to molecular and behavioral genetics, epigenetics, biochemisty, cell and developmental biology, imaging, and large-scale omics approaches such as genomics, transcriptomics and functional genomics) and of computational biology (including bioinformatics and biostatistics). In their research, Human Genetics PhD Program students tackle Mendelian diseases and genetically complex traits of key relevance to human health.

Our Graduate Program hosts the Genetics and Genomics Home Area of the  Graduate Programs in Bioscience (GPB) . We are also associated with the  UCLA-Caltech Medical Scientist Training Program (MSTP) .  Prospective Human Genetics PhD Program students may apply through the  GPB  or  MSTP  admission mechanisms.

The program offers:

• Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
• Master of Science (MS) on PhD track

A wide variety of courses are offered to equip future independent researchers with fundamental knowledge about state-of-the-art methods for generating experimental data on a genome-wide scale and computational and statistical approaches to draw from the data sound conclusions of biological and medical significance. In addition, courses on medical and ethical issues provide students with a societal perspective on human genetics .

The average time to degree (defined as the time since admission to graduate school at UCLA, including years spent in other graduate programs) in our PhD in Genetics and Genomics Program is approximately five years. Many of our PhD in Genetics and Genomics alumni have published parts of their dissertation work in top scientific journals and become successful scientists in academy or industry.

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The Human Genetics PhD Program is within the Graduate Programs in Bioscience (GPB)

The Genetics and Genomics Home Area, which is affiliated with the degree-granting Human Genetics PhD Program, is a member of the broader UCLA Graduate Programs in Bioscience (GPB). There are eleven different Home Areas in GPB, each consisting of an interdepartmental group of faculty and students with shared interests in research areas and approaches. The interdepartmental Home Areas provide in-depth, cutting-edge training for Human Genetics PhD Program students and a wide variety of outstanding faculty research programs for PhD training. Home Areas are integrated under GPB, which coordinates common activities and allows students to move between Home Areas under appropriate circumstances to best pursue their research interests. In these ways, GPB fosters interdisciplinary, collaborative research training aimed at breaking through major boundaries in basic and biomedical biosciences.

The main goal of our Home Area is to inspire and educate young scientists in Genetics and Genomics. This is the best time in history to join our field, as fast and cost-effective high-throughput sequencing of multiple types and layers of genomic information are rapidly revolutionizing the role of Genetics and Genomics in medicine and society. Research in Genetics and Genomics is quickly becoming the key source of new insights, better understanding, and targeted treatments of both rare monogenic diseases and common complex diseases such as coronary heart disease, cancer, autism, and diabetes.

The investigators at the Genetics and Genomics Home Area at UCLA are developing networks, systems, and other multilayer approaches combining large data sets and high-throughput information at genomic, transcriptomics, methylomics, proteomics, metabolomics, and phenome level to address the complex architecture and multiple properties leading to human disease. The overall research emphasis of the Genetics and Genomics Home Area at UCLA is on identification and characterization of genes, pathways, and molecular mechanisms converting human health to a disease, utilizing new and state-of-the-art computational, bioinformatics, and molecular genetic and genomics approaches in an integrative way. Investigation across species, in model organisms, and at the cellular level is also utilized to elucidate fundamental biological principles and disease-causing mechanisms. The broad expertise among the researchers in our Home Area extends from plant, animal, and human molecular genetics and genomics to computational biology and systems genomics.

In our research efforts, we highly value interdisciplinary knowledge and institutional, national, and international collaboration as the core of our success. Translation to novel medical preventative tools and targeted treatments is the key research goal of the studies in the Human Genetics PhD Program. We anticipate that these translational and multilayer genomics approaches will soon lay a foundation for personalized medicine that allows interpretation of biological high-throughput data at multiple levels through-out an individual’s life in order to tailor preventative measurements and treatments based on his/her genetic, behavioral, and environmental makeup.

Genetics and Genomics Graduate Programs in America

1-25 of 84 results

Stanford University School of Medicine

• Stanford, CA ·
• Stanford University ·
• Graduate School
• · Rating 5 out of 5   3 reviews

Stanford University, Graduate School, STANFORD, CA. 3 Niche users give it an average review of 5 stars. Featured Review: Doctoral Student says I begin in the Fall of 2023--Based on my interview, and pre-classes I have taken this program is amazing. It is very student-centered. Read 3 reviews.

Yale School of Medicine

• New Haven, CT ·
• Yale University ·
• · Rating 4.5 out of 5   10 reviews

Yale University, Graduate School, NEW HAVEN, CT. 10 Niche users give it an average review of 4.5 stars. Featured Review: Master's Student says I believe the experience you have in this graduate program is largely shaped by your own efforts. The program offers considerable freedom to tailor your experience according to your interests. You... Read 10 reviews.

Harvard Medical School

• Boston, MA ·
• Harvard University ·
• · Rating 4.95 out of 5   19 reviews

Harvard University, Graduate School, BOSTON, MA. 19 Niche users give it an average review of 4.9 stars. Featured Review: Doctoral Student says I have really felt that the curriculum at Harvard is designed with a lot of care by faculty. Each of our block faculty leads are clearly incredibly passionate, and tailor the curriculum to maximize... Read 19 reviews.

Point Loma Nazarene University

• Graduate School ·
• SAN DIEGO, CA
• · Rating 4.52 out of 5   184

College of Health and Social Sciences - San Francisco State University

• San Francisco State University ·
• SAN FRANCISCO, CA
• · Rating 4 out of 5   1

College of Law and Public Service - University of La Verne

• University of La Verne ·
• ONTARIO, CA
• · Rating 3.89 out of 5   9

Duke University School of Medicine

• Durham, NC ·
• Duke University ·
• · Rating 4.76 out of 5   17 reviews

Duke University, Graduate School, DURHAM, NC. 17 Niche users give it an average review of 4.8 stars. Featured Review: Doctoral Student says Professors are incredible, always willing to go the extra mile to help students succeed. Curriculum is designed to prepare students to be successful therapists. This program is truly incredible. Read 17 reviews.

Vanderbilt University School of Medicine

• Nashville, TN ·
• Vanderbilt University ·
• · Rating 5 out of 5   2 reviews

Vanderbilt University, Graduate School, NASHVILLE, TN. 2 Niche users give it an average review of 5 stars. Featured Review: Graduate Student says Vanderbilt University School of Nursing. Loved my experience! Great teachers, easy to access, clear cut goals in class, great clinical experiences. Read 2 reviews.

Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis

• St. Louis, MO ·
• Washington University in St. Louis ·
• · Rating 4.65 out of 5   17 reviews

Washington University in St. Louis, Graduate School, ST. LOUIS, MO. 17 Niche users give it an average review of 4.6 stars. Featured Review: Doctoral Student says Iam a first year graduate student. I am excited about the opportunity to have been accepted to a prestigous university, with a great success graduate rate in medicine. The campus is beautiful, and I... Read 17 reviews.

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Geisel School of Medicine

• Hanover, NH ·
• Dartmouth College ·

Dartmouth College, Graduate School, HANOVER, NH. 3 Niche users give it an average review of 5 stars. Featured Review: Current Doctoral student says Geisel is an incredible school with very passionate faculty who go out of their way to help every student find success, which is extremely rare among medical schools. Whether it be research,... Read 3 reviews.

Division of Biology and Biological Engineering - California Institute of Technology

• Pasadena, CA ·
• California Institute of Technology ·

California Institute of Technology, Graduate School, PASADENA, CA.

Biological Sciences Division - University of Chicago

• Chicago, IL ·
• University of Chicago ·
• · Rating 4 out of 5   1 review

University of Chicago, Graduate School, CHICAGO, IL. 1 Niche users give it an average review of 4 stars. Featured Review: Master's Student says So far so good. Nothing out of the ordinary. Professors are knowledgeable. I would say to ensure that you know your interests and work closely with the advisors to pick suitable classes. Read 1 reviews.

Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences

• Los Angeles, CA ·
• University of Southern California ·
• · Rating 3 out of 5   2 reviews

University of Southern California, Graduate School, LOS ANGELES, CA. 2 Niche users give it an average review of 3 stars. Read 2 reviews.

Cornell University College of Agriculture and Life Sciences

• Ithaca, NY ·
• Cornell University ·

Cornell University, Graduate School, ITHACA, NY. 2 Niche users give it an average review of 5 stars. Featured Review: Doctoral Student says My educational background is Msc and Bsc degree in Horticulture from Jimma University and Diploma in plant science from Agarfa TVET College. I have fourteen (14) years’ work experiences in the... Read 2 reviews.

University of Michigan Medical School

• Ann Arbor, MI ·
• University of Michigan - Ann Arbor ·

University of Michigan - Ann Arbor, Graduate School, ANN ARBOR, MI. 2 Niche users give it an average review of 5 stars. Featured Review: Current Doctoral student says University of Michigan Medical School offers an exceptional medical education experience. What is unique about Michigan medical school is the innovative focus they have on their curriculum and... Read 2 reviews.

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Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences - Tufts University

• Tufts University ·

Tufts University, Graduate School, BOSTON, MA.

UCLA College of Letters and Science

• University of California - Los Angeles ·
• · Rating 3 out of 5   1 review

University of California - Los Angeles, Graduate School, LOS ANGELES, CA. 1 Niche users give it an average review of 3 stars. Read 1 reviews.

Krieger School of Arts & Sciences

• Baltimore, MD ·
• Johns Hopkins University ·
• · Rating 4.52 out of 5   21 reviews

Johns Hopkins University, Graduate School, BALTIMORE, MD. 21 Niche users give it an average review of 4.5 stars. Featured Review: Master's Student says Starting this fall, my graduate journey is set to begin on an exciting note. I’ve already connected with two professors who have proven to be incredibly supportive and kind. I can't wait to dive into... Read 21 reviews.

Emory School of Medicine

• Atlanta, GA ·
• Emory University ·
• · Rating 4.25 out of 5   12 reviews

Emory University, Graduate School, ATLANTA, GA. 12 Niche users give it an average review of 4.3 stars. Featured Review: Other says I am incoming medical student, starting this July, but my experience in the application process has been great. The admissions office has great communication. The worst part has been dealing with the... Read 12 reviews.

Wake Forest School of Medicine

• Winston-salem, NC ·
• Wake Forest University ·
• · Rating 4.64 out of 5   14 reviews

Wake Forest University, Graduate School, WINSTON-SALEM, NC. 14 Niche users give it an average review of 4.6 stars. Featured Review: Master's Student says I am currently enrolled in the Clinical Research Management program at Wake Forest, under the umbrella of the school of medicine. As a fully online, asynchronous program, it is an excellent for... Read 14 reviews.

School of Medicine - University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

• Chapel Hill, NC ·
• University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill ·
• · Rating 4.5 out of 5   4 reviews

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Graduate School, CHAPEL HILL, NC. 4 Niche users give it an average review of 4.5 stars. Featured Review: Doctoral Student says I am deeply grateful for my acceptance to UNC School of Medicine, an opportunity that has already enriched both my education and personal growth. Initially, I hesitated due to the new curriculum... Read 4 reviews.

University of Florida College of Agricultural and Life Sciences

• Gainesville, FL ·
• University of Florida ·
• · Rating 4.57 out of 5   7 reviews

Blue checkmark. University of Florida, Graduate School, GAINESVILLE, FL. 7 Niche users give it an average review of 4.6 stars. Featured Review: Master's Student says Despite being unfamiliar with graduate schools and how to navigate, the advisors were very helpful and would quickly provide the resources I would need in order to do what was possible. I look... Read 7 reviews.

University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health

• Madison, WI ·
• University of Wisconsin-Madison ·
• · Rating 4.75 out of 5   4 reviews

Blue checkmark. University of Wisconsin-Madison, Graduate School, MADISON, WI. 4 Niche users give it an average review of 4.8 stars. Featured Review: Doctoral Student says The University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public health provides a comprehensive and collaborative program for medical students. As a student here, I have been able to access many different... Read 4 reviews.

UW College of Agricultural & Life Sciences

University of Wisconsin-Madison, Graduate School, MADISON, WI.

Franklin College of Arts and Sciences

• Athens, GA ·
• University of Georgia ·
• · Rating 5 out of 5   1 review

Blue checkmark. University of Georgia, Graduate School, ATHENS, GA. 1 Niche users give it an average review of 5 stars. Featured Review: Current Doctoral student says Overall it is a pretty good program at a school that is really becoming an academic powerhouse. Being at the flagship school of the state helps with certain benefits and great networking... Read 1 reviews.

Miller School of Medicine

• Miami, FL ·
• University of Miami ·

University of Miami, Graduate School, MIAMI, FL. 14 Niche users give it an average review of 4.6 stars. Featured Review: Master's Student says My first semester starts this fall in the Department of Public Health Sciences, located within the Miller School of Medicine. Read 14 reviews.

University of Rochester School of Medicine & Dentistry

• Rochester, NY ·
• University of Rochester ·
• · Rating 4.8 out of 5   5 reviews

Blue checkmark. University of Rochester, Graduate School, ROCHESTER, NY. 5 Niche users give it an average review of 4.8 stars. Featured Review: Alum says U of R prepared me exceedingly well for residency in an ultra competitive surgical subspecialty, for which I am eternally grateful. Although I’m now a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon, my training at... Read 5 reviews.

College of Arts and Sciences - Case Western Reserve University

• Cleveland, OH ·
• Case Western Reserve University ·

Blue checkmark. Case Western Reserve University, Graduate School, CLEVELAND, OH.

San Francisco Bay University

• FREMONT, CA
• · Rating 3 out of 5   2

LaFetra College of Education

• LA VERNE, CA
• · Rating 4.5 out of 5   10

Touro University - Worldwide

• LOS ALAMITOS, CA
• · Rating 4.68 out of 5   116

Showing results 1 through 25 of 84

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The program of study leading to the PhD degree emphasizes a broad approach to the fundamental principles of genetics, development and molecular biology combined with extensive research training. The program is designed to permit close interaction between graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and faculty, while also encouraging full participation in the larger community of biological scientists at Yale.

The PhD program in Genetics is designed to provide the student with a broad background in general genetics and the opportunity to conduct original research in a specific area of genetics. The Genetics student is expected to acquire a broad understanding of genetics, spanning knowledge of at least three basic areas of genetics, which include molecular, cellular, organismal, and population genetics. Normally this requirement is accomplished through the satisfactory completion of formal courses, many of which cover more than one of these areas. Students are required to pass at least six graduate level courses.

Students enter the Genetic Graduate Program following the completion of their first year of studies within the BBS Program. Students who enter the Genetics Graduate Program normally select a faculty thesis advisor with an appointment in the Department of Genetics. Read more about our research labs here . Advanced graduate study becomes increasingly focused on the successful completion of original research and the preparation of a written dissertation under the direct supervision of a faculty advisor along with the guidance of a thesis committee.

A qualifying examination is given during the second year of study. This examination consists of a period of directed reading with the faculty followed by the submission of two written proposals and an oral examination. Following the completion of course work and the qualifying examination, the student submits a dissertation prospectus (by the end of the sixth term) and is admitted to candidacy for the PhD degree. There is no language requirement.

The completed research is presented in the form of a written dissertation and a formal seminar. Typically four to six years are required in total to complete work for the PhD degree.

Teaching Responsibilities

An important aspect of graduate training in genetics is the acquisition of communication and teaching skills. Students participate in presentation seminars and are asked to serve as teaching assistants during two terms (or the equivalent). Teaching duties normally involve assisting in discussion sections, seminar groups or laboratories, and grading, and do not require more than 10 hours per week. Teaching activities are drawn from a diverse menu of lecture, laboratory, and seminar courses given at the undergraduate, graduate, and medical school level. Students are not expected to teach during their first year.

Additional Responsibilities

Exchange of information with colleagues is an essential component of scientific life. The Genetics Department hosts a Genetics Journal Club as well as a weekly seminar series. Advanced graduate students present the results of their research to members of the Department in a Research in Progress series each year.

The annual departmental retreat consists of a weekend program of informal research talks, poster sessions, and discussions. This provides an outstanding opportunity to keep up-to-date with the diverse research underway in the department and to participate in vigorous scientific discussions. In addition to these intradepartmental activities, there are many additional seminar programs in which outside speakers from the U.S. and abroad present their work to the Yale scientific community. Students have the opportunity to meet with these guests as well as to select and host seminar speakers. Students are also encouraged to travel to scientific meetings and to present their research.

MD/PhD Studies

The breadth of the Program, the flexible nature of its graduate studies, and the increasing recognition of the importance of genetics and development in medicine make this Program ideal for MD/PhD students who wish to pursue a career combining basic and clinical research. Interested students should contact:

Kayla McKay , Registrar, MD/PhD Program Yale School of Medicine 367 Cedar St. New Haven, CT 06510-8046 Tel. 203.785.4403

All the resources for genetic and molecular biology research are available at the University. Major items include the Biomedical Computing Unit, nucleotide and peptide synthesis and sequencing, high throughput microarray technology for functional genomic and proteomic analysis, and facilities for electron microscopy, laser scanning, confocal microscopy, and transgenic mouse and hybridoma construction.

Research laboratories are located throughout the Yale University campus. The Departments of Cell Biology, Genetics, Immunobiology, Microbial Pathogenesis, Neurobiology, Pathology and a portion of Molecular Biophysics & Biochemistry are located in the School of Medicine, while the Molecular, Cellular & Developmental Biology Department, Computational Biology & Bioinformatics, Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, and the balance of Molecular Biophysics & Biochemistry are in the Science Hill area of Yale College.

Research in the biological and biomedical sciences has become increasingly integrated between Yale’s campuses and departments. Research laboratories are located both in the School of Medicine and in the Science Hill area of Yale College. The Molecular Biophysics & Biochemistry Department, as well as interdepartmental programs in Neurobiology and Computational Biology and Bioinformatics, have branches in both campuses. The School of Medicine and Science Hill are within walking and bicycling-distance, and a free shuttle bus operates daily to provide transportation between these sites.

Three newly constructed buildings and renovated spaces have added state-of-the-art facilities to the Yale campus. The Boyer Center for Molecular Medicine at the School of Medicine helps bring together both basic and clinical scientists in areas such as molecular genetics, molecular oncology and development, and molecular neurobiology. The new Anlyan Center for Medical Research and Education houses laboratory space, the new Magnetic Resonance Research Center, the Section of Bioimaging sciences, modern teaching facilities and new animal care facilities. The Nancy Lee and Perry R. Bass Center for Molecular and Structural Biology provides a state-of-the-art teaching and research facility that brings together researchers from throughout the University to study gene expression and protein structure. This four-story structure on Science Hill is linked via bridges to the Sterling Chemistry Laboratory and the Josiah Willard Gibbs Research Laboratory. The Yale Center for Genome Analysis (YCGA) is a state-of-the-art DNA Sequencing Center Launched in 2010 on Yale's West Campus to provide a centralized facility for services, equipment and expertise required for carrying out large-scale sequence analysis studies. Yale has allocated entire building to YCGA with over 7000 sq. ft. of custom-designed laboratory and office space equipped with all modern amenities.

Admission & Financial Aid

Admission to the Department of Genetics graduate program is through an interest-based track, usually the Molecular Cell Biology, Genetics & Development Track (MCGD) in the Combined Program in the Biological and Biomedical Sciences (BBS) . Appropriate preparation for graduate study in Genetics includes a bachelor’s degree in the natural sciences including course work in biology, chemistry, and mathematics. Almost all successful applicants have undergraduate or postgraduate research experience and have completed courses in genetics, biochemistry, or molecular and cell biology.

Approximately 25 new students enter the Molecular Cell Biology, Genetics and Development Track (MCGD) Track each year. Admission is competitive and is based on evaluation by an admissions committee of academic performance, potential, and letters of recommendation. The top applicants are invited to New Haven at the program's expense for a day of introduction and interviews to assist in the admissions decision.

Students accepted into our graduate program receive a full tuition scholarship including health coverage and a yearly allotment for travel to scientific meetings. All students also receive a stipend for living expenses for the duration of their graduate studies. In most cases, tuition and stipend funds are from predoctoral training grants awarded to Yale by the National Institutes of Health.

Financial aid from international students is extremely competitive and is arranged on an individual basis. International applicants are strongly urged to apply for scholarships or funding from their government or other agencies. Prospective students should submit a completed application form (download application forms), transcripts, graduate records exam scores, and letters of recommendation to the Office of Graduate Admissions by that date. International applicants are also required to submit scores on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). Applications and further information may be obtained by contacting the Office of Graduate Admissions:

Office of Graduate Admissions Yale University PO Box 208323 New Haven, CT 06520-8323 USA

Important Documents

• Graduate Student Handbook
• Genetics PhD Milestones & Deadlines
• Individual Career Development Plan Form
• Qualifying Committee Form
• 1st Thesis Committee Meeting Form
• 2nd+ Thesis Committee Mtg Form
• Genetics Advising Guidelines

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PhD in Genetics & Genomics

For contact information, please visit the Graduate Program in Genetics & Genomics website .

The Graduate Program in Genetics & Genomics aims to teach our students not only how to apply the approaches of hypothesis-testing genetics and hypothesis-generating genomics to biomedical research, but also how to function as ethical members of the scientific community who can clearly communicate ideas, critically evaluate biomedical research, mentor others in scientific scholarship, and promote equity in their professional activities.

Learning Outcomes

The doctoral programs in Graduate Medical Sciences at BU Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine are designed to train scholars to be leaders in their respective fields of biomedical research. Trainees become fluent in their areas of specialization, as well as develop competencies that provide the foundation for lifelong learning and practice in their chosen field. Trainees will demonstrate and apply the professional and scientific skills necessary to benefit society. The program objectives are delineated below.

By graduation, a Genetics & Genomics PhD student will:

• Generate an original body of work in the biomedical sciences that reflects critical thinking and independent thought.
• Demonstrate competencies in advanced research skills and critical thinking.
• Develop the ability to communicate both through writing and orally within their chosen field of expertise, with specialists and non-experts.
• Demonstrate a commitment to professional development and continued learning in their chosen field.

Toward this end, we have designed a complementary set of degree requirements to meet these goals consisting of traditional coursework, journal clubs, seminar series, and a research proposal–based qualifying examination for PhD students. The coursework will be completed during the first two years of study. Students matriculate in September of their first year as Program in Biomedical Sciences (PiBS) PhD students, and they choose their degree-granting program at the end of their first year. The academic program requirements below reflect the combined program of study.

Please see the general description of the MD/PhD program for combined degree requirements.

PhD Course Requirements

• GMS FC 708 Professional Development Skills
• GMS FC 711 Foundations in Biomedical Sciences I: Protein Structure, Catalysis, and Interactions
• GMS FC 712 Foundations in Biomedical Sciences II: Structure and Function of the Genome
• GMS FC 713 Foundations in Biomedical Sciences III: Architecture and Dynamics of the Cell
• GMS FC 714 Foundations in Biomedical Sciences IV: Mechanisms of Cell Communication
• GMS FC 715 Foundations in Biomedical Sciences V: Translational Genetics and Genomics or  GMS MM 710 Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine
• GMS FC 721 Statistical Reasoning for the Basic Biomedical Sciences or GMS FC 709 Research Design and Statistical Methods for Biomedical Sciences or GMS MS 750 Fundamentals of Biostatistics Using R
• GMS FC 764 Professional Presentation Skills
• GMS GC 716 Social, Cultural, and Ethical Issues in Genetics (3 units) or GMS GE 706 Deconstructing Systemic Bias: Where Biology Ends and Bias Begins or ENG BF 752 Legal and Ethical Issues of Science and Technology
• GMS GE 701 Principles of Genetics and Genomics
• GMS GE 703 Genetics and Genomics Colloquium I
• GMS GE 704 Genetics and Genomics Colloquium II
• ENG EK 800 Ethics and Responsible Conduct of Research
• 4 elective units

For MD/PhD Candidates:

For PhD/MS Candidates:

• GMS FC 708 Professional Development Skills
• GMS FC 715 Foundations in Biomedical Sciences V: Translational Genetics and Genomics or GMS MM 710 Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine
• GMS FC 764 Professional Presentation Skills
• GMS GC 601 Professional Issues in Genetic Counseling
• GMS GC 602 Clinical Genetics
• GMS GC 603 Embryology, Teratology and Prenatal Genetics
• GMS GC 604 Cancer Genetics
• GMS GC 605 Clinical Application in Genetics
• GMS GC 606 or GC 607 Genetic Counseling Seminar
• GMS GC 608 Fundamentals of Counseling in Genetics
• GMS GC 700 Fieldwork I
• GMS GC 702 Fieldwork II
• GMS GC 703 Fieldwork III
• GMS GC 704 Fieldwork IV
• GMS GC 711 Advanced Genetic Counseling
• GMS GC 712 Metabolism and Advanced Risk Assessment
• GMS GC 714 Advanced Medical Genetics (3 units)
• GMS GC 716 Social, Cultural, and Ethical Issues in Genetics (3 units)

See Courses for detailed descriptions.

Laboratory Rotations

Our PhD candidates participate in a minimum of three laboratory rotations to ensure exposure to a variety of scientific approaches. These rotations will last 7–10 weeks each, with one during the fall term and two during the spring term. The rotations are organized during the first year of study while the students are PiBS students and before they officially join the Graduate Program in Genetics & Genomics. PiBS students begin their first year of studies in the fall term and join their degree-granting program at the end of the spring of their first year. Due to time constraints, MD/PhD students will have the option of joining a dissertation laboratory after two rotations. The academic and research components of the program together typically take 5–6 years of full-time academic study to complete for PhD students, and 4–5 years for dual degree MD/PhD students.

Teaching Requirement

Upon successful completion of the core courses, PhD students serve as teaching assistants (TAs) for one of the program’s courses. The TAs will lead discussion and review sections as well as support exam and homework grading. The TA assignments will be made according to academic performance in the courses in question and with student input. Acting as a TA for one course will satisfy the teaching requirement for the PhD degree, but further teaching opportunities will be available for students who are interested in developing these skills.

The Qualifying Process

Successful completion of the coursework and rotations during the first two years of graduate study will prepare the PhD students to advance to PhD candidacy through the qualifying process. This process depends on the following sequence of events:

• Completion of all required core and elective courses with a passing grade (A to B– average for all courses, with the exception of 900-level courses [research units], which are graded on a Pass/Fail scale).
• Skilled preparation of a 5–10-page, written, grant-style dissertation proposal based on the dissertation research. This portion of the qualifying process will satisfy the written qualification requirement of Graduate Medical Sciences. Students are encouraged to submit this proposal to funding agencies after the completion of the qualifying process.
• Expert performance in an oral examination based on the written proposal. This forum will test the student’s ability to think critically about the area of their dissertation research and about biological problems in general. The examining panel will also be free to explore outside topics in order to assess the student’s knowledge of genetics and genomics broadly. The examining panel will be chosen by the student and dissertation advisor based on related areas of expertise to the proposed dissertation research. The panel will be composed of five faculty members, three members who must be faculty of the Graduate Program in Genetics & Genomics and two additional members who are faculty members at Boston University but outside the program. The examining panel will be required to adhere to the written guidelines of the Qualifying Examination Format Committee to ensure equitable administration of the exam.
• For students in the dual degree program, they are advised to complete the qualifying exam prior to transitioning to the genetic counseling program of study.

Dissertation Research

Upon advancing to PhD candidacy, graduate students will focus on their dissertation research. This research will be conducted under the supervision of their chosen graduate advisor. The student will be responsible for conducting a rigorous, in-depth program of investigation into an area of research that is within the scope of their graduate advisor’s expertise and interests. The student’s progress will be assessed continuously by the graduate advisor and annually by a Dissertation Advisory Committee. This committee will be composed of the student’s advisor and at least four other faculty members with a minimum of two faculty members from the Graduate Program in Genetics & Genomics and one division faculty member from an outside program. The Dissertation Advisory Committee will serve to provide outside perspectives on the research program.

While the student is conducting dissertation research, they are expected to actively participate in program seminar series, lab meetings, and other research activities of their dissertation lab. It should be noted that the Boston University Genome Science Institute hosts seminars, including talks from prominent scientists from other institutions as well as talks from scientists with overlapping interests to the program here at BU. Students also have the opportunity to interact more privately with visiting seminar speakers through organized student lunch forums. Students and postdocs also participate in a Research in Progress series of seminars that gives trainees an opportunity to share their research and to learn more about the science going on in the Genetics & Genomics community of Boston University. Furthermore, students will be expected to study “The Responsible Conduct of Research” that is currently available to the Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine through ENG EK 800.

It is the job of the Dissertation Advisory Committee to facilitate expeditious progress toward the PhD, with most students graduating in 5–6 years total. Once the research has developed into several chapters of publication-quality work, the advisory committee will ask the student to begin compiling their written dissertation, and a date for the Graduate Medical Sciences public seminar and formal dissertation defense will be scheduled. The public seminar will be delivered to a general audience of Graduate Medical Sciences faculty, students, and researchers. Later that day, the public seminar will be followed by a formal dissertation defense, which will occur behind closed doors in the presence of the Dissertation Advisory Committee. This committee will evaluate the student’s dissertation defense and written dissertation for satisfactory completion of the degree requirements.

Related Bulletin Pages

• Graduate Medical Sciences Courses
• Abbreviations and Symbols

Beyond the Bulletin

• Graduate Program in Genetics and Genomics
• Program in Biomedical Sciences
• The Vesalius Certificate
• Anatomy & Neurobiology
• Behavioral Neuroscience
• Biochemistry
• MD/PhD in Bioinformatics
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Ph.D. in Genetics

Degree program summary.

Research in genetics has brought about one of the major scientific revolutions of humankind. The advent of recombinant DNA technology provided the tools to isolate, sequence and characterize genes, the building blocks of life. Evolutionary biology has allowed us to reconstruct the history and selective pressures acting to shape those genes. In the past ten years, a remarkable synthesis of molecular and evolutionary genetics has taken place and created the field of genomics, which promises unprecedented scientific breakthroughs in medicine and agriculture. Our program is unique in that it brings together a broad array of faculty in many areas of molecular genetics, evolutionary biology, and genomics into one group. A graduate degree in Genetics from the University of Georgia will put you at the forefront of this scientific revolution.

The Department of Genetics offers a graduate program leading to the PhD degree. The department is particularly strong in the areas of recombinant DNA technology, gene regulation, prokaryotic molecular genetics, plant molecular biology, mammalian genetics, evolutionary genetics, and population genetics. After a student is admitted, a faculty advisory committee is appointed to recommend a program of study based on the individual student’s academic background and research interests. A master’s degree is not required for entrance into the doctoral program, and students without a master’s degree are encouraged to enter the doctoral program directly.

Physical facilities available for research include all modern equipment and facilities necessary for research in the various areas of genetics. Special on-campus facilities include a DNA and protein sequence and synthesis facility, a molecular marker analysis facility, a complete electron and confocal microscopy laboratory, controlled-environment equipment, equipment for radioisotope studies, a special fermentation facility, a monoclonal antibody production facility, and extensive computer facilities. Cooperative arrangements for joint research exist with such off-campus facilities as the Russell Agricultural Research Center, the Yerkes Primate Center, the Sapelo Island Marine Institute, the Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, and the Oak Ridge National Laboratory.

Prospective students should address inquiries to the Graduate Coordinator, Department of Genetics. E-mail: [email protected]. Our World Wide Web address is genetics.uga.edu. Graduate doctoral students in the department are eligible for a number of university fellowships and research and teaching assistantships. Interested applicants primarily apply through the Integrated Life Sciences program, although some students may choose to enter through the Integrated Plant Sciences program.

PROGRAM DEADLINES

The deadline for applications is December 1. Students are normally only admitted at the beginning of the fall semester.

Graduate Coordinator(s): Bob Schmitz

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