HENRY E. RIGGS SCHOOL OF APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES
Master of Science in Human Genetics and Genomic Data Analytics
MSGDA
Program Details
Start Term
Fall
Deadline
rolling admissions
thereafter
Next-gen Technology
Be at the forefront of next-generation sequencing technology
Real Industry Experience
Hands-on project at a genomics company or clinical lab
Bench to Bedside
Bridge the gap between research scientists and clinical practitioners
The MSGDA degree program prepares students for the exciting field of genomic data analytics through a unique combination of foundational coursework in human genetics, cutting-edge courses in the applied life sciences, and an innovative human genomics curriculum. This unique program gives students an opportunity to work side-by-side with future genetic counselors and applied life scientists while gaining hands-on experience with the technologies and information that are revolutionizing the future of medicine.
About the Program
The 21-month MSGDA program combines coursework from life sciences and health sciences, practical experience through a summer internship, and hands-on learning in clinical genetics, DNA sequencing, and data analysis to prepare students for careers in human genomics. Upon completion of the program, students will be able to utilize their foundation in genetics and genomics, practical knowledge of data analytics and bioinformatics, and their industry experience to be able to translate patient sequencing data into actionable clinical recommendations or novel precision medicine approaches.
Graduate with Experience Through an Intensive, Paid Internship
- Join the growing field of genomics and help create effective and appropriate treatments for patients
- Learn to harness the power of AI to help patients through personalized precision medicine
- Distinguish yourself on the job market through team project experiences and internships with genetics companies
- Understand how companies like 23andMe. com and ancestry.com translate genotype data
- Help people on a large scale by improving clinical results
- Be at the forefront of next-generation sequencing technology
- Experience inter-professional education through collaboration with students from other KGI programs
- Combine your passions to make a broad-scale impact in the world of genetics and genomics
- Graduate with hands-on experience
MSGDA Concentrations
We have three concentrations to match student's career interests:
CLINICAL DECISION SUPPORT
Designed for those interested in helping clinicians interpret patient data for personalized medicine in careers such as clinical variant curator or genomic data scientist.
CLINICAL TRIAL DESIGN
Designed for those interested in contributing to personalized medicine by working at a pharmaceutical or biotech company in the drug development pipeline.
ASSAY DEVELOPMENT
Designed for those interested in using genomics knowledge to develop new clinical assays or products for the diagnosis of disease.
All three concentrations prepare students for a variety of roles in not just the genomics industry, but also academia, pharmacogenomics, and more.
Program Overview
Year 1
In the first year, students gain a solid foundation in human genetics and genomics, medical genetics, bioinformatics, and an introduction to working in the bioscience industry and clinical settings. Students also learn about clinical trial design and data systems used in the bioscience industry and gain hands-on laboratory experience by generating and manipulating next-generation sequencing data.
In the summer, students will gain experience in human genomic data analysis by completing a paid internship in an industry or clinical laboratory setting.
Year 2
In the second year, students pursue in-depth courses in next-generation sequencing technologies, DNA variant interpretation, and genomic data visualization. Emerging topics in genomics, such as pharmacogenomics and genetic engineering, are covered and prepare students for their capstone industry-sponsored project or research thesis.
Program Faculty and Staff
Prerequisites
The following courses are required for admission with a grade of C or better:
- Chemistry
- Biology
- Genetics
Courses in statistics, computer science, biochemistry, and social science are also highly recommended.
How to Apply
- Completed online application
- Personal statement
- Resume
- Three letters of recommendation
- Transcripts
- English language proficiency (TOEFL, PTE, IELTS, iTEP)
- $75 non-refundable application fee
- Admission interview
Admitted students are required to submit a $400 non-refundable enrollment fee to hold their spot in the program.