Human Genetics Master's Program
Human Genetics is a rapidly advancing field that utilizes genetic and genomic information to better understand disease, evolution, and human variation. Landmark discoveries with direct relevance to multiple basic research and clinical disciplines have dramatically increased in recent years due, in large part, to major advances in new technologies for discovery and the explosion of new data and resources.
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Program Overview
The Master’s Degree Program (MS) in Human Genetics at the U-M Medical School provides focused graduate training through both coursework and laboratory research. It is designed for individuals seeking knowledge about cutting-edge genetics and genomics topics, research experience, critical thinking skills, and scientific communication skills. Our MS students graduate with a solid foundation of knowledge in molecular, developmental, statistical, and population genetics and valuable preparation for a wide range of career opportunities.
Historically, 100% of our graduates have obtained employment or academic placement in career paths of choice including acceptance into PhD, MD and MD/PhD programs, research positions in academics, biotechnology, and genetic diagnostic companies, e.g., 23andMe and Invitae, and clinical coordinator positions at major medical hospital systems.
The overall goals of the Human Genetics MS program are:
- To prepare graduates for matriculation into highly competitive PhD, MD, or MD/PhD programs.
- To provide graduates with foundational knowledge in genetics and genomics and research experience in preparation for research positions in academia or industry as well as jobs in clinical settings, government, or teaching.
Application Process
The application deadlines for the Human Genetics MS program are as follows:
- April 1, 2026: Domestic applicants
- March 15, 2026: International applicants
Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit their completed applications prior to the final deadlines. Applications will be reviewed in February and April. All admissions decisions will be finalized by May 2026.
Prerequisites & Admission Requirements:
- Undergraduate degree: BS or BA; Most students major in genetics, biology, biochemistry, chemistry, or related field, although this is not an absolute requirement
- Transcripts documenting coursework in Genetics, Biology, Biochemistry, and Statistics
- TOEFL scores for applicants from non-English speaking countries
- Three letters of recommendation, including at least one from a core science course instructor
- Academic Statement of Purpose and Personal Statement
- Resume or CV
Successful applicants will typically have a GPA of 3.0 or higher. However, applications will be reviewed holistically, and the quality and strength all application components will be carefully reviewed during the admissions process. GRE scores are not required for Fall 2026 applications.
- Review Application Requirements:
- Familiarize yourself with the application requirements and procedures.
- Visit Rackham's "Applying for Graduate Study" page for comprehensive guidelines on application and document submission.
- Complete FAFSA:
- Before submitting your Rackham application, visit the University of Michigan's Office of Financial Aid and submit a FAFSA application. Use the code 00395.
- Ensure the FAFSA is completed to be considered for federal financial aid.
- Register as a Prospective Student:
- Begin by registering as a prospective student at the Rackham Graduate School.
- Check the Application Checklist:
- Review the Application Checklist to understand all required components and deadlines.
- Fill Out the Application Form:
- Choose "Master of Science in Human Genetics" as your program.
- Upload required documents, including your Personal Statement, Academic Statement of Purpose, and Curriculum Vitae or resume.
- Submit the Application Form by April 1, 2026.
- Letters of Reference:
- Ensure all Letters of Reference are submitted before your application is reviewed.
- Transcripts:
- Rackham Graduate School must receive all undergraduate transcripts (both official and “In Progress”).
- Upload additional transcripts (e.g., military, other institutions) as a single PDF or email them to the attention of Ashley Andreae, Human Genetics Student Services Administrator.
- Application Review:
- Your application will be queued and discussed by the Admissions Committee.
- Applications will be reviewed in February and April.
- A decision may be made immediately or deferred.
- Interview:
- If the Admissions Committee needs further clarification or information about your application, you may be contacted for an interview.
- Decision Notifications:
- Decision notifications are sent via email between March and May.
- Students who receive offers of admission are asked to provide their final decisions to the program by May 30.
MS Curriculum
The Human Genetics Master’s program requires successful completion of a minimum of 24 credits and can be completed in 2 semesters. Students can also elect to extend their graduate training an additional 1 or 2 semesters. Our MS program offers two tracks: a Coursework Track and a Research Track.
Coursework Track
The Coursework track is suitable for applicants interested in matriculating to medical school, law school, or other professional programs. Students in this track typically take the required core coursework as well as additional graduate level electives offered within the Human Genetics department or in other graduate programs at the U-M Medical School. Students on the Coursework track can also perform research with Human Genetics faculty.
Research Track
The Research Track is selected by students seeking significant research experience in preparation for PhD or MD/PhD programs and/or research careers. Research Track students perform ground-breaking research in genetics and genomics with faculty in the Department of Human Genetics and write a Master’s thesis. Students can begin their thesis research projects in the summer prior to Fall semester and typically enroll in 5-7 research credits during Fall and Winter Terms.
Fall Term
- HUMGEN 545 Molecular, Cellular, and Organismal Genetics (3cr)
- HUMGEN 803 Current Topics in Genetics (2 cr.)
- HUMGEN 821 Student Seminar (1 cr.)
- HUMGEN 800 Research and/or Other Electives* (5 cr.)
Winter Term
- HUMGEN 546 Genetics in Human Biology and Disease (4 cr.)
- HUMGEN 551 Computational Genomics (3 cr.), BIOINF 524 Foundations for Bioinformatics (3 cr.), or similar (with approval)
- HUMGEN 822 Student Seminar (1 cr.)
- HUMGEN 800 Research and/or Other Electives* (5 cr.)
Spring/Summer Terms
- Finish research and write thesis (HUMGEN 800 credits as needed)
- HUMGEN 545 Molecular, Cellular, and Organismal Genetics (3 cr.)
- HUMGEN 546 Genetics in Human Biology and Disease (4 cr.)
- HUMGEN 551 Computational Genomics (3 cr.), BIOINF 524 Foundations for Bioinformatics (3 cr.), or similar (with approval)
- HUMGEN 803 Current Topics in Genetics
- HUMGEN 821 Student Seminar
- HUMGEN 822 Student Seminar
Additional classes that are not on this list will be considered based on the student’s interest. Research credits are counted towards the 24 credit hours requirement.
- BIOINF 527 Introduction to Bioinformatics and Computational Biology
- BIOINF 528 Structural Bioinformatics
- BIOLCHEM 550 Macromolecular Structure & Function
- BIOLCHEM 591 Signal Transduction
- BIOLCHEM 640 Regulatory RNA
- BIOLCHEM 650 Eukaryotic Transcription and Epigenetics
- BIOSTAT 601 Probability & Distribution Theory
- BIOSTAT 602 Biostatistical Inference
- BIOSTAT 666 Statistical Models & Numerical Methods in Human Genetics
- CANCBIO 554 The Science of Cancer
- CDB 530 Cell Biology
- CDB 581 Developmental Genetics
- CDB 582 Stem Cells to Regenerative Biology
- EPID 516 Genetics in Epidemiology
- HUMGEN 630 Genetics
- HUMGEN 650 Medical Genetics
- MICRBIOL 607 Microbial Pathogenesis
- MICRBIOL 615 Viral Pathogenesis
- MICRBIOL 619 Special Topics in Microbiology & Immunology
- MICRBIOL 640 Molecular & Cellular Immunology
- PATH 581 Tissue, Cellular & Molecular Disease
- PHRMACOL 502 Introduction to Scientific Communication
- PHYSIOL 555 Method & Logic in Biomedical Science
- STATS 425 Introduction to Probability
- STATS 426 Introduction to Theoretical Statistics
- STATS 500 Statistical Learning I: Regression
- STATS 503 Statistical Learning II: Multivariate Analysis
Cutting-Edge Publications
Learn more about our research publications and current areas of research.
Current MS Students
Each academic year we welcome MS students who follow either the research track or the course track of training.
Frequently Asked Questions
Our program is designed for students who wish to gain knowledge in human genetics and genomics and methods of inquiry into genetic variation and mechanisms underlying human disease. The rigorous coursework provides didactic instruction in molecular, developmental, organismal, statistical, and human disease genetics. The courses integrate reading the primary literature with lectures, discussions, and student presentations. Thus, we are looking for applicants with strong academic preparation who can take advantage of the advanced training our Master’s program offers. Successful students also have a genuine interest in human genetics and genomics, a desire to gain research experience, and clear educational and/or career goals.
The Master’s degree provides a knowledge base that will enhance your competitiveness for applications for (a) graduate degrees such as PhD, MD, or JD, (b) employment in academic research, industry, clinical diagnostics or (c) public service.
For full-time students, the degree requirements can be completed within a calendar year. However, part-time study is also available which would extend the length of training to include additional semesters of study.
Our curriculum is designed to offer individualization based on a student’s own interest and goals. There is flexibility with regards to the length of study, the elective coursework, and the laboratory in which research track students choose to conduct their thesis work.
No. We make no distinction in our admissions process between in-state, out-of-state, or international applicants.
Transcripts are evaluated to confirm that the prerequisite courses have been successfully completed in order to assess whether applicants are adequately prepared for our rigorous curriculum. Minimally, we require students to take the following courses:
- An upper-level Genetics course.
- At least one semester of Biochemistry.
- A general, introductory Statistics course.
Note: If you are presently enrolled in a course that would qualify as a prerequisite and won’t therefore appear on your official transcript, be sure to specifically address this in your application.
The three letters of recommendation should be from individuals in supervisory or responsible positions who can provide meaningful input about your potential for success in our Master’s program. This can include course instructors, research mentors, professors, academic advisors, or employers. Letter writers who can specifically comment on your academic achievements, character, career goals, motivations, and interests are the most valuable, rather than individuals who may have impressive titles but can provide only generic information.
Not necessarily. We look at each applicant’s transcript and total application to determine their suitability for acceptance. We take into account elements such as demonstrated improvement over the course of an undergraduate career, with particular focus on grades from prerequisite science courses. In addition, admission decisions will be based on the total package of GPA, GRE (MCAT, etc.) scores, research or other relevant experience, the statement of purpose and the personal statement and letters of recommendation.
Join the MS Graduate Program Community
Program Leadership
JoAnn Sekiguchi, PhD
Associate Professor of Human Genetics and Program Director
Human Genetics
Medical School
Shigeki Iwase PhD
Professor of Pediatrics
Medical School
Research Opportunities
Our interdisciplinary research in human genetics provides diverse opportunities to explore the genetic foundations of health and disease.
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