University of Tennessee - Knoxville

Program Information

Degree Offered

The Master’s Program *The GST program is primarily (although not exclusively) a doctoral program. The Master’s program includes the following formal requirements. • Satisfactory completion of 2 lab rotations with two of the four areas of emphasis being covered (see Overview and Rotation Policy). • Completion of a minimum of 30 hours of graduate course work beyond the baccalaureate degree, of which a minimum of 6 hours must be in LS500 (thesis). - The majority of course credits are collected through the core curriculum. - Students should also sign up for LS541 (Colloquium) every year, beginning with the 2nd semester. - Participation in one journal club each semester is also expected. • Service as teaching assistant for one semester. • Committee meetings with the Research Advisory Committee (see Committee Meetings). • Submission and defense of a Master’s thesis reporting the student’s original research. A non-thesis Master’s option is not offered., The Doctoral Program Degree requirements (summarized briefly): • 4 lab rotations with three of the four scientific areas of emphasis being covered. • 48 hours of graduate course work beyond the baccalaureate degree. - To fulfill these requirements, students ought to a) Complete the Core Curriculum b) Sign up for LS541 (Colloquium) every year beginning with the 2nd semester c) Participate in one journal club each semester At least yearly Committee meetings with the student’s Research Advisory Committee. Service as teaching assistant for two semesters. • A passing performance on the Comprehensive Examination, normally in the first semester of the 3rd year. This entails a written Research Proposal in the student’s major field and its oral defense, both of which must be satisfactory. • Service as teaching assistant for two semesters. • Submission and defense of a Ph.D. dissertation reporting a significant piece of novel and original research.

Format: Campus

Program Description:

The Graduate School of Genome Science and Technology (GST), offered through The University of Tennessee (UT) and Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), is a multidisciplinary program for full time graduate study culminating in an MS or PhD degree in the emerging field of functional genomics. Tuition and a $20,000 stipend are provided to successful applicants. There is a $35 application fee which can be waived by prior arrangement (contact klamour@utk.edu for more info).

Originally conceived in 1965 as the "UT-Oak Ridge Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences", this collaborative program was reorganized in 1998 as the Graduate School of Genome Science and Technology to better focus on new developments in the biological and computational sciences stemming from genome sequencing efforts. The GST Graduate Program is designed to take advantage of the unique collaborative opportunity between The University of Tennessee and the National Lab, combining both academic and team-oriented approaches to large-scale research initiatives. Scientists from both campuses participate in teaching and are available to mentor students. Intercampus collaboration is encouraged and thesis and dissertation projects are often jointly mentored.

Researchers at the two campuses have expertise in and access to a wide range of research tools and facilities including:
Next Generation sequencing platforms
High-field NMR spectroscopy
X-ray crystallography
Electron & confocal microscopy
Mass spectroscopy
Molecular modeling & supercomputing
Neutron scattering
Microarray technology
The new "Mouse House", a world-renowned mouse breeding facility.


The GST program provides a firm foundation in genetics, molecular and cellular biology, biochemistry, and bioinformatics. Upon completion of the program, students are well-qualified to join biological research efforts in academia, government, and private industry

International Student Requirements:

Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). The minimum acceptable score on paper-based test is 550. The minimum acceptable score of computer-based test is 213. Scores must be less than 2 years old. Class instruction is given in English, therefore the TOEFL is required of all applicants whose native language is not English. Have official report of scores sent directly from the TOEFL Educational Testing Service to The University of Tennessee, Institution #1843. Test dates more than 2 years old or photocopies of scores are not acceptable. Applicants who have received a degree from a U.S. institution in the past 2 years are exempt from the TOEFL requirements. Information on testing sites and dates can be obtained from the Education Testing Service.

Tuition & Financial Aid

Financial Aid Offered: Yes

Classification: Doctoral/Research Universities - Extensive

Institution Sector: Public

Locale: Midsize City

Size & Settings: 20,000 and above