Genetics Graduate Program Training

The Genetics Program provides a strong and well-balanced graduate study and research training for two types of Masters degrees (thesis and non-thesis) and a Ph.D. degree.

The Ph.D. in Genetics is research degree. Most students in this program participate in three five-week rotations with faculty members working in diverse areas. These laboratory rotations provide students the opportunity to experience different types of research and faculty mentoring styles. After rotations are complete, students are expected to select a faculty mentor and begin working on their research project(s) in their second semester of their first year. If a student identifies a faculty advisor willing to sponsor them prior to application, they may enter a lab directly in their first semester without rotations. Once their lab and research project have been selected, students participate in a preliminary examination, typically within their third year of study. Successful completion of this examination qualifies the student for candidacy for their degree. Students are also required to complete two semesters of supervised teaching experience. Ph.D. students generally complete their program within 5 years.

*Please note: It is not necessary to obtain a Masters before pursuing a PhD in Genetics. 

Master of Science in Genetics is a shorter research degree. Students typically enter this program by direct recruitment from a faculty mentor and begin working on their research project(s) in their first year. “MS applicants are strongly encouraged to establish a relationship with a faculty advisor prior to application. MS candidates are required to pass an oral comprehensive examination and thesis defense. This examination is taken during the final semester of graduate study after completion of the thesis. In this exam, the student will be required to defend the scientific methodology, merit and conclusions of the thesis research. Students are also required to complete one semester of supervised teaching experience at some point during their study. MS students generally complete their program within 3 years.

The Master of Genetics degree is a non-thesis, non-research degree. Students seeking this degree are often employed full-time and are seeking to improve their professional credentials. It is possible for students to complete this degree as a part-time student; however, courses are currently only offered during the day. Full-time Master of Genetics students generally complete their program within 2 years.