Graduate Programs

Student Learning Outcomes

Medical and Molecular Genetics

Medical and Molecular Genetics, Ph.D.

The requirements for graduation include completion of coursework, successful performance on the department qualifying examination, defend a research proposal, conduct an original research project, and defense of the thesis. Graduates from the program are knowledgeable in the spectrum of medical genetics and will receive specific courses in molecular biology, cytogenetics and population genetics. Unique to our program, students participate in medical genetics clinics to facilitate an understanding of the bench to bedside approach to medical science.

For more information about this Ph.D. program visit http://genetics.medicine.iu.edu/education/phd-program/.

Master of Science in Medical and Molecular Genetics

A full-time student will typically complete the degree in two years. Students must complete a minimum of 30 credit hours of approved course work. At least 20 credit hours must be passed in courses offered by the Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics or approved equivalents. The departmental courses must be in at least four of the following five areas: basic human genetics, clinical genetics , cytogenetics , molecular genetics or hereditary genomics and must be passed with a grade of 'B' or better. A student may chose to complete a thesis for their Master of Science degree requirements.

In addition to completing the course requirements, the student can either prepare and defend a Master's thesis or, with the approval of the department, a first authorship in a refereed publication may substitute for a formal thesis. A second option is to complete a course work Master of Science degree. In addition to completing the course requirements, the student must then complete an additional 6 credit hours of non-research course work.

Each student selects an advisor and an advisory committee to guide and supervise the student. The committee typically consists of at least three faculty members in the Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics.  The student must pass a comprehensive oral or written examination as determined by the student's advisory committee. Under exceptional circumstances, the student may petition the committee to be permitted to take the final examination one additional time.

For more information about this master's program visit http://genetics.medicine.iu.edu/education/master-of-science-program/.

Master of Science in Medical and Molecular Genetics - Genetic Counseling

The Indiana University Genetic Counseling Program is fully accredited by the American Board of Genetic Counseling. This two-year program offers:

  • a specially designed curriculum to develop knowledge, skills and competency in genetic counseling
  • extensive clinical experience in a variety of local genetic counseling settings
  • supervising personnel who are certified by either the American Board of Medical Genetics (ABMG) or the American Board of Genetic Counseling (ABGC)
  • participation in local and regional genetics education activities
  • preparation of students to apply for active candidate status with the American Board of Genetic Counseling 
Successful completion of the Indiana University Genetic Counseling Program will lead to a Master of Science degree in medical genetics. 

For more information about the Genetic Counseling Program visit http://genetics.medicine.iu.edu/education/master-of-science-genetic-counseling-program/.