The Genetics & Genomics Graduate Program (G3P) trains students to understand the fundamental mechanisms of genetics and extend their knowledge of basic biology and human disease through cutting-edge research.
Our doctoral program emphasizes student development in key areas including developing and pursuing scientific questions, the application of molecular, animal-model, genome-wide, and bioinformatics approaches, critical analysis of the scientific literature, and scientific communication.
Most students apply to the PhD program through the Program in Biomedical Sciences (PIBS) except for those pursuing combined MD and PhD degrees (Medical Scientist Training Program). After completing the required coursework, the doctoral dissertation is generally completed within 5 years. The application deadline is December 1st.
Successful applicants will list the Genetics & Genomics Graduate Program as their 1st choice and discuss the following in their Academic Statement of Purpose:
- Describe the genetics research area you are interested in and your motivation for pursuing this research area.
- Select the top three (3) laboratories in the Department of Human Genetics that you would be interested in training in, and a few reasons why you selected these laboratories.
Applicants choosing to apply directly to the G3P know they want to obtain a PhD in Genetics and Genomics. Applicants with a strong background in genetics prefer to apply via this route. DIRECT students take the courses detailed below. The application deadline is April 1st.
Both PIBS and DIRECT admit students are combined into a cohort of ~5-10 Genetics and Genomics PhD students and belong to a community of ~30 current Genetics and Genomics PhD students. PIBS matriculants also connect to the broader community of PIBS students, which consists of ~90 incoming students each year.
Both paths provide stipend, tuition, and health insurance coverage, and guarantee stipend, tuition, and benefits coverage for all students in good standing throughout their graduate studies. Matriculated students from either route will complete the same genetics courses within the G3P.
*The GRE is NOT required for PIBS nor DIRECT admission consideration.
G3P offers a structured yet flexible curriculum. In the first year, students take core courses in genetics and engage in lab rotations. The second year focuses on research and scientific communication, with opportunities to choose electives in specialized areas like bioinformatics, biostatistics, and cancer biology.
Fall Term
- HUMGEN 545 – Molecular, Cellular, and Organismal Genetics
- HUMGEN 821 – Student Seminar
- HUMGEN 803 – Research Topics
- PIBS 503 – Lab Survival Skills and Ethics
- PIBS 600 – Laboratory Rotation
- PIBS 800 – PIBS Seminar
Winter Term
- HUMGEN 546 – Genetics in Human Biology and Disease
- HUMGEN 822 – Student Seminar
- PIBS 600 – Laboratory Rotation
- Major elective course(s) from other departments (3-6 credits)
Spring Term
- PIBS Laboratory Rotation
Fall Term
- HUMGEN 821 – Student Seminar
- HUMGEN 990 – Research (up to 8 credits)
- Major course(s) from other departments (3-6 credits)
Winter Term
- HUMGEN 822 – Student Seminar
- HUMGEN 995 – Candidacy Research (8 credits)
- Major elective course(s) from other departments (3 credits)
Examples of Human Genetics electives and recommended courses from other departments. Please note that not all courses are offered every year
Fall Term
- BIOINF 527 – Introduction to BIOINFormatics and Computational Biology
- BIOLCHEM 550 – Macromolecular Structure & Function
- BIOLCHEM 591 – Special Topics in Signal Transduction
- BIOSTAT 521 – Applied BIOSTATistics
- BIOSTAT 601 – Probability & Distribution Theory
- BIOSTAT 666 – Statistical Models & Numerical Methods in Human Genetics
- CANCBIO 553 – Cancer Biology
- CDB 530 – Cell Biology
- CDB 581 – Developmental Genetics
- MICRBIOL 619 – Special Topics in Microbiology & Immunology
- MICRBIOL 640 – Molecular & Cellular Immunology
- STATS 425 – Introduction to Probability
- STATS 426 – Introduction to Theoretical Statistics
- STATS 500 – Applied Statistics I
Winter Term
- HUMGEN 551 – Computational Genomics
- HUMGEN 665 – Statistical Population Genetics (odd years)
- BIOLCHEM 576 – Signal Transduction
- BIOLCHEM 640 – Regulatory RNA & Control of Gene Regulation
- BIOLCHEM 650 – Mechanisms of Eukaryotic Gene Expression
- BIOSTAT 602 – Biostatistical Inference
- CANCBIO 554 – Cancer Pathogenesis & Treatment
- CDB 582 – Organogenesis: Stem Cells to Regenerative Biology
- EPID 516 – Genomics in Epidemiology
- MICROBIOL 504 – Cellular Biotechnology
- MICROBIOL 607 – MICROBIOLbial Pathogenesis
- MICRBIOL 615 – Viral Pathogenesis I
- MICROBIOL 619 – Special Topics in MICROBIOLbiology & Immunology
- PATH 581 – Tissue, Cellular & Molecular Disease
- PHARMACOL 502 – Introduction to Scientific Communications
- PHYSIOL 555 – Integrative Genomics
- STATS 400 – Applied Statistical Methods
- STATS 425 – Introduction to Probability
- STATS 426 – Introduction to Theoretical Statistics
- STATS 500 – Applied Statistics I
GSI appointments are announced two times per year through emails sent to Human Genetics PhD students alerting them of the GSI opportunity including course information, selection criteria, and application deadlines. The DHG Associate Chair for Education and faculty instructors review all applications, note all highly qualified applicants, identify unqualified applicants, and conduct interviews as needed. For GSI appointments in the Department of Human Genetics, the maximum ratio of GSIs to students is 1:30.
Students are fully funded through their training with a stipend, benefits, and paid tuition and fees. Application fee waivers are available for those applying through PIBS.
All students in good standing will be provided with a monthly stipend, comprehensive health care coverage, and coverage of tuition and fees. For the first year, PIBS will cover all expenses. In year two, the student will be supported by a combination of individual fellowships, pre-doctoral training grant funds, institutional funds, and research grants.
Learn more about the Genetics Training Program
Our PhD students range from those just beginning their journey and exploring potential research mentors to advanced students who are in the final stages of completing their doctoral dissertations.
Established in 1979, the U-M Medical Scientist Training Program (MSTP) is tailored to meet the educational needs, unique talents, and dedication of students who seek a combined MD-PhD degree with the goal of establishing a career in academic medicine. Our graduates represent the best of what the U-M Medical School contributes to the advancement of science and medicine.
MSTP Curriculum
Medical Scientist Training Program (MSTP) students receive 18 credit hours for medical school coursework. This typically includes training in biochemistry and cell biology to satisfy course requirements in these areas. MSTP students are required to take core coursework in the Department of Human Genetics including HUMGEN 545, HUMGEN 546, PIBS503, HUMGEN 803, and 2 semesters of the student seminar course, HUMGEN 821/822. Three elective credits are waived for MSTP students; thus, they need to select a minimum of three elective credits of graduate coursework to fulfill the requirement for the Ph.D. degree.
MSTP students entering the Genetics and Genomics Graduate Program after their M2 year will have completed two lab rotations—with a possible third—during the summers and will take their preliminary exam after one year in the PhD program, on the same schedule as the PhD students.
Current areas of research include gene regulation and replication, genome organization, developmental genetics, complex trait analysis, population and quantitative genetics, disease gene identification, and molecular mechanisms of disease.
Associate Chair, Department of Human Genetics
Program Director, Human Genetics
Associate Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology
Associate Professor of Urology
Medical School
Our interdisciplinary research in human genetics provides diverse opportunities to explore the genetic foundations of health and disease.
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