Offered by: Human Genetics and Genomics Department
Program Director: Dan Handley, PhD
The Master of Science in Human Genetics and Genomics (MSHGG) is a fully online, remote, graduate degree program. The program is ideal for busy professionals in clinical fields, biotechnology industries, or academia. The MSHGG offers two variations:
- A 36-credit, one-year online program that awards the MSHGG degree - intended for those who wish to gain a broad and deep understanding of human genetics and genomics, a fast-growing field that is revolutionizing virtually every area of healthcare and the life sciences.
- A 48-credit, four-term online program that awards the MSHGG degree with a concentration in pre-genetic counselling. This concentration is designed to help prepare MSHGG students who wish to pursue genetic counseling as a career as well as strengthen their applications to highly competitive genetic counseling master’s degree programs.
The program’s curriculum includes population genetics, genetic genealogy, genomic variant analysis, advanced genomics technologies, “omics” and precision medicine, microbial genomics, and epigenetics. The program covers the latest in emerging areas such as gene therapies and synthetic biology - and emphasizes the ethical, legal, and social implications (ELSI) of applied genomics. This master’s degree aims to prepare graduates for careers in the biotechnology industry, academia, non-profit research and advocacy organizations, as well as basic and clinical research settings. Additionally, this program is designed to provide an excellent foundation for those wishing to apply to medical school, genetic counseling programs, or other clinical programs. Upon successful completion, students will be able to analyze, translate, and apply genomics in education, research, and practice.
All courses are online, and all but one course is offered asynchronously; in the third term, students participate in an online synchronous group seminar. Full-time students complete two courses in each 7 ½-week block. Part- time students take one course in each 7 ½-week block. Each weekly module may include weekly peer-to-peer discussion board posts and replies, self-directed exercises, written assignments, quizzes, case studies, or mid-term and/or final exams.
- Classical Genetics Knowledge: Graduates will state key concepts in human development, Mendelian inheritance, population genetics, molecular cell biology, genetics, genomics, and the relationship between genotype and phenotype in both health and disease.
- Fundamental Technology Knowledge: Graduates will explain the theory and practice of basic and advanced molecular genomic technologies.
- Modern Genomics Knowledge: Graduates will demonstrate a thorough understanding of genome structure, function, annotation, sequence analysis, and clinical manifestations of genetic aberrations.
- Information Literacy: Graduates will apply technology for information gathering and be able to assess scientific literature and genetic test results.
- Analytical and Critical Thinking Skills: Graduates will engage in critical thinking, reflection, and problem solving in relation to current issues in genomics.
- Communication Effectiveness: Graduates will professionally construct and express their ideas, thoughts, and concepts through written and verbal communication.
- Bioethics: Graduates will demonstrate the ability to critically analyze and apply ethical considerations to complex issues and dilemmas in genomics research and clinical practice.
Students taking the concentration in Pre-Genetic Counselling have additional program learning outcomes associated with that concentration:
- Counseling Psychology: Graduates will demonstrate a thorough understanding of psychological counseling concepts and theoretical models.
- Genetic Counseling Practice: Graduates will describe the process for direct patient counseling related to family histories, genetic test results, and genetic medical conditions.
Applicants for the MSHGG must submit the following documents to be considered for admission:
- Completed application.
- Official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended.
- In some circumstances, applicants may be asked to submit a personal statement explaining reasons for pursuing a Master of Science in Human Genetics and Genomics. Minimum of 250 words, not to exceed 500 words.
- In some circumstances, applicants may be asked to submit 1-2 professional or academic letter(s) of recommendation (i.e., employer, teacher, practicing professional).
Applicants for the Master of Science in Human Genetics and Genomics must meet the following minimum requirements. Applicants who do not meet all standards may be admitted with the approval of the Program Director; exceptions are made on an individual basis.
- A completed bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. While applicants typically have degrees in biology, biochemistry, chemistry, physics, or other related fields, applicants with degrees in other fields of study will be considered.
- Undergraduate GPA of 2.7 on a 4.0 scale.
- 18 semester credits (27 quarter units) of life and physical science courses with a grade of C or higher.
- Minimum of 6 semester hours (9 quarter units) of General Biology, Human Anatomy, and/or Physiology
- Minimum of 6 semester hours (9 quarter units) of General Chemistry
- Minimum of 6 semester hours (9 quarter units) of Biochemistry and/or Molecular Cell Biology
- The 18-credit requirement is waived for applicants with completed bachelor’s degrees in the life sciences
- Applicants who do not meet the 18 credits requirement but otherwise meet admission standards may be admitted on a contingent basis. These students must enroll in a competency based, self-paced, zero credit, online module in biology and/or chemistry prior to or during their first term of enrollment. Students must successfully pass the module prior to week 5 of the first term.
- Recommended prerequisites (not required): Minimum of 6 semester hours (9 quarter units) of Introductory Statistics and 6 semester credits (9 quarter credits) of Organic Chemistry
The Master of Science in Human Genetics and Genomics may be conferred upon those who have fulfilled the following requirements:
- Completed 36 credits with a minimum of 24 credits earned at SCU, or 48 credits with a minimum of 36 credits at SCU for students taking the concentration in Pre-Genetic Counselling
- Earned a cumulative GPA of 2.0
- Successfully completed the capstone project
- Completed all degree requirements within 5 years of matriculation
- Submitted a Petition to Graduate
Please note: Students interested in pursuing professional or academic goals related to human genetics or genomics may need a higher GPA than 2.0 to meet those goals.
In addition to meeting the University’s policies related to transfer credit, the following transfer credit applies to students in the Master of Science in Human Genetics and Genomics:
- Students may receive transfer credit a maximum of 25% of the total program credit requirements.
In addition, the following courses are ineligible for transfer:
- HGEN0504 Structure and Function of the Human Genome
- HGEN0507 Online Resources for Research and Clinical Genomics
- HGEN0509 Genomics Technologies and Diagnostics
- HGEN0511 Human Genetics and Genomics Seminar
- HGEN0512 Capstone Project
None of the Pre-Genetic Counseling concentration courses are eligible for transfer.
Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences graduates are eligible for Advanced Standing in the Master of Science in Human Genetics and Genomics (MSHGG) program. Students must be admitted into the Master of Science in Human Genetics and Genomics program and must successfully complete 12 credits in the Human Genetics and Genomics concentration with a grade of B or better in all courses. With this concentration, these students can enter the MSHGG program having completed 12 of the required credits.
Courses identified as *IPE are either taken with students from other programs, cover topics relevant to integrative healthcare, or are clinical courses offered in integrative healthcare settings.
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