Program Overview
Genetics, MS
The Genetics, MS program at the University of WisconsinMadison emphasizes study and research leading to a PhD degree in genetics. A master's degree in medical genetics with specialized training in genetic counseling is also available.
Laboratory of Genetics
The Laboratory of Genetics is a renowned center of genetics in the nation, highly regarded for its research contributions in disease genetics, cell biology, neurogenetics, developmental genetics, gene expression, genomics, evolutionary and population genetics, and computational biology. The laboratory consists of two departments: Genetics, in the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, and Medical Genetics, in the School of Medicine and Public Health.
Admissions
This MS is offered for work leading to the PhD. Students may not apply directly for the masters and should instead see the admissions information for the PhD. A master's degree in medical genetics with specialized training in genetic counseling is also available.
Funding
The Bursars Office provides information about tuition and fees associated with being a graduate student. Resources to help afford graduate study might include assistantships, fellowships, traineeships, and financial aid. Further funding information is available from the Graduate School.
Minimum Graduate School Requirements
Review the Graduate School minimum degree requirements and policies, in addition to the program requirements listed below.
Major Requirements
Mode of Instruction
- Face to Face: Yes
- Evening/Weekend: No
- Online: No
- Hybrid: No
- Accelerated: No
Mode of Instruction Definitions
- Accelerated: Accelerated programs are offered at a fast pace that condenses the time to completion.
- Evening/Weekend: Courses meet on the UWMadison campus only in evenings and/or on weekends.
- Face-to-Face: Courses typically meet during weekdays on the UW-Madison Campus.
- Hybrid: These programs combine face-to-face and online learning formats.
- Online: These programs are offered 100% online.
Curricular Requirements
- Minimum Credit Requirement: 32 credits
- Minimum Residence Credit Requirement: 16 credits
- Minimum Graduate Coursework Requirement: 16 credits must be graduate-level coursework.
- Overall Graduate GPA Requirement: 3.00 GPA required.
- Other Grade Requirements: n/a
- Assessments and Examinations: Oral thesis proposal defense examination.
- Language Requirements: No language requirement.
Required Courses
- GENETICS 701: Advanced Genetics
- GENETICS 702: Advanced Genetics II
- GENETICS/MD GENET 707: Genetics of Development
- GENETICS/MD GENET 708: Methods and Logic in Genetic Analysis 1
- GENETICS 808: From Genes to Grants: Writing Winning Research Proposals in Genetics
- Responsible Conduct in Research: Students must complete an approved responsible conduct in research course.
- Elective: Any graduate-level GENETICS course.
- Seminars: Students must complete four seminars and present during each seminar.
- Additional Coursework: To meet the 32-credit requirement, students must complete additional coursework.
Graduate School Policies
The Graduate Schools Academic Policies and Procedures serve as the official document of record for Graduate School academic and administrative policies and procedures.
Major-Specific Policies
Prior Coursework
- Graduate Credits Earned at Other Institutions: The program may accept prior graduate coursework from other institutions toward the minimum credit requirement.
- Undergraduate Credits Earned at Other Institutions or UW-Madison: Refer to the Graduate School: Transfer Credits for Prior Coursework policy.
Probation
Refer to the Graduate School: Probation policy.
Advisor / Committee
Every graduate student is required to have an advisor. To ensure that students are making satisfactory progress toward a degree, the Graduate School expects them to meet with their advisor on a regular basis.
Credits Per Term Allowed
15 credit maximum. Refer to the Graduate School: Maximum Credit Loads and Overload Requests policy.
Time Limits
Refer to the Graduate School: Time Limits policy.
Grievances and Appeals
These resources may be helpful in addressing concerns:
- Bias or Hate Reporting
- Graduate Assistantship Policies and Procedures
- Hostile and Intimidating Behavior Policies and Procedures
- Office of the Provost for Faculty and Staff Affairs
- Employee Assistance
- Employee Disability Resource Office
- Graduate School
- Office of Compliance
- Office Student Assistance and Support
- Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards
- Ombuds Office for Faculty and Staff
- Title IX
Professional Development
Take advantage of the Graduate School's professional development resources to build skills, thrive academically, and launch your career.
Learning Outcomes
- Display a broad understanding of classical and modern genetic and genomic principles.
- Articulate research problems, potentials, limits, and strategies to advance the field of genetics and genomics.
- Conduct rigorous scientific research that advances the field of genetics and/or applies genetic research approaches.
- Apply knowledge from various disciplines through multidisciplinary coursework, collaborative projects, and research activities.
- Advance contributions of genetics and genomics research to society through publications, presentations, teaching, mentoring, and outreach.
- Develop transferable skills in critical thinking, problem-solving, leadership, mentorship, and written and oral communication.
- Exhibit and foster conduct that is professional, ethical, collaborative, and inclusive.
- Formulate strategies to explore diverse career paths and achieve individual professional development goals.