Genetics Graduate Programs

Genetics Graduate Programs and Curriculum

Entry into a graduate program in genetics is competitive and a background in science is necessary. Previous coursework in biology, molecular and cell biology, genetics, biochemistry, chemistry, physics and advanced mathematics are common application requirements. Some schools have minimal grade requirements that must be maintained continue and advance in the program.

Lab work, involving highly specialized and state-of-the-art equipment, is a significant part of any graduate program in genetics. Course structure varies by program, but several topics can be expected to be part of most genetics graduate programs:

• Genomics
• Bioinformatics
• Quantitative genetics
• Amino acid and protein structure
• DNA recombination, nucleic acids, and DNA replication
• Prokaryotic and eukaryotic translation and transcription
• Variation and evolution
• Membrane structure and function
• Cell cycle
• Mendelian inheritance

A master’s degree in genetics generally takes two to three years to complete, while a Ph.D. takes approximately five to seven years to finish. Master’s programs offer both a thesis and a non-thesis option. Those who opt out of writing a thesis are typically required to take additional coursework.

Genetics Career Paths

Many individuals with a graduate degree in genetics find work in research. A variety of institutions, including agricultural industries, government agencies, hospital and medical research labs, pharmaceutical firms, universities, and biotech companies, employ genetics researchers. In addition, those with a graduate degree in genetics have found positions in forensics, in administrative positions in lab facilities, as technical writers, and in private consulting and research firms. With additional education and experience in other fields, some individuals with a graduate degree in genetics go on to pursue a career in genetic counseling and work with individuals and families living with a genetic disorder.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports the following companies employ medical scientists, under which geneticists could be grouped:

Data according to

Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-11 Ed.

Genetics Future Job Outlook

The three of the largest and broadest employment positions in which geneticists find work are as biological scientists, medical scientists, and agricultural scientists. With continued advancements in biotechnology, the scientific community will continue to see job growth and new opportunities. Specifically, biotechnology has helped make advancements in gene research, and in turn, these advancements have helped spur job growth in gene research.

Medical and pharmaceutical companies fund gene research to increase knowledge and understanding of diseases, to discover and develop medical treatments, and to develop new drugs. Agriculture firms are also funding gene research as they look for ways to develop healthy plants that are high-yield and pest-resistant.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs are expected to grow by 21 percent for biological scientists, 40 percent for medial scientists and 16 percent for agricultural and food scientists by 2018. Competition for these jobs is expected to by high with those having graduate degrees expected to have the best opportunities. In addition, salary expectations for these positions are strong.

Data according to

Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-11 Ed.