The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center’s School of Health Professions

Graduate program in Diagnostic Genetics and Genomics now accepting applications

Woman works in a lab
SHP Molecular Genetic Technology

The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center’s School of Health Professions is accepting applications for the Master of Science degree program in Diagnostic Genetics and Genomics.

Our programs prepare graduates for productive careers in diagnostic genetics, biomedical research and academia. Upon successful completion of the program, graduates are eligible to seek board certification in molecular biology and/or cytogenetics from the American Society for Clinical Pathology.

At MD Anderson’s School of Health Professions, we prepare students to be the diagnostic molecular science leaders of tomorrow.

About the program

This graduate program is tailored to students interested in careers in the leading-edge field of genetics/genomics who want to make an important contribution to improving health care through applied research.

First-year students will learn from world-renowned faculty in didactic classroom courses as well as structured practical experience in a diagnostic genetics laboratory. Second-year students complete a clinically approved research project through advanced practice courses.

This rigorous project-based curriculum provides students the opportunity to lead a research project under the supervision of MD Anderson’s expert faculty. With a variety of participating principal investigators who share a wide range of research interests, these goals are attainable through collaborative, interdisciplinary and outcome-based clinical research and clinical applications.

Students will thrive in state-of-the-art teaching laboratories and training facilities, learning next-generation sequencing, cytogenomics, microarrays and bioinformatics, at MD Anderson and through collaborations with other Texas Medical Center institutions.

The Master of Science in Diagnostic Genetics and Genomics degree program offers two study tracks:

  • Cytogenetics and cytogenomics
  • Molecular genetics and genomics

Areas of study:

  • Pre- and post-natal genetics and genomics
  • Cancer genetics and genomics
  • Infectious disease genetics and genomics
  • Bioinformatics in diagnostic genetics

Key features of our graduate program include:

  • $2,500 estimated tuition/fees for 12 semester credit hours
  • Near 100% employment rate in a related field upon graduation
  • More than 90% pass clinical certification exams on the first attempt
  • Outstanding faculty and research core facilities
  • State-of-the-art laboratories
  • Hands-on, project-based learning and curriculum
  • Numerous opportunities for professional development, mentoring and networking

Average starting salary for graduates in 2022: $67,011

Requirements

Applicants to this program should have a strong foundation in genetics, cell and molecular biology, prior research experience and a passion for biomedical research. A bachelor’s degree in Biology, Biomedical Sciences or related fields is required. International students must demonstrate United States bachelor’s degree equivalence along with TOEFL scores. The GRE is not required.

More information

Peter Hu, Ph.D., FACSc, FASAHP
Program Director and Professor
PCHu@MDAnderson.org
713-563-3095

MDAnderson.org/SHP/DG

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