Master of Science in Human Genetics and Genomic Data Analytics

Program Overview

Master of Science in Human Genetics and Genomic Data Analytics (MSGDA)

Program Overview

The Master of Science in Human Genetics and Genomic Data Analytics (MSGDA) program at Keck Graduate Institute prepares students for careers in human genetics and genomics, medical genetics, bioinformatics, and related fields. The program combines coursework, practical experience, and hands-on learning to provide students with a comprehensive education in genomic data analytics.

Program Details

• Format: In-Person
• Start Term: Fall
• Duration: Full-time, 21 months
• Application Deadline: December 8 (priority), rolling admissions thereafter
• Cost: $23,300 per term
• Scholarship Support: 82% of students who enrolled in 2024 received scholarship support

Program Description

The MSGDA program provides students with a unique combination of foundational coursework in human genetics, cutting-edge courses in the applied life sciences, and an innovative human genomics curriculum. Students gain hands-on experience with next-generation sequencing technology, DNA sequencing, and data analysis, preparing them for careers in human genomics.

Concentrations

The program offers three concentrations to match students' career interests:

• Clinical Decision Support: Designed for those interested in helping clinicians interpret patient data for personalized medicine.
• Clinical Trial Design: Designed for those interested in contributing to personalized medicine by working at a pharmaceutical or biotech company in the drug development pipeline.
• Assay Development: Designed for those interested in using genomics knowledge to develop new clinical assays or products for the diagnosis of disease.

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the MSGDA program can pursue roles in human genetics and genomics, medical genetics, bioinformatics, and related fields. Career options include:

• Clinical variant curator
• Genomic data scientist
• Pharmaceutical or biotech company roles in the drug development pipeline
• Assay development and product development for disease diagnosis

Program Faculty and Staff

• Program Director: Barbara Fortini
• Program Director (MSGDA), Interim Program Co-Director (MSGC), Associate Professor of Genetics, Director of the Center for Training in Applied Genomics
• Barbara Bailus: Assistant Professor of Genetics
• Anna Capria: Experiental Education Specialist
• Julio ("Cesar") Espinoza: Assistant Professor of Bioinformatics and Data Analytics
• Melissa Randall: Interim Assistant Director of Fieldwork Training (MSGC), Professor of Practice
• Marisa Torres: Administrative Coordinator

Prerequisites

• Chemistry
• Biology
• Genetics
• Recommended courses: statistics, computer science, biochemistry, and social science

Admission Requirements

• Completed online application
• Personal statement
• Resume
• Three letters of recommendation
• Transcripts
• English language proficiency (TOEFL, PTE, IELTS, iTEP)
• $75 non-refundable application fee
• Admission interview

Program Structure

• Year 1: Foundational coursework in human genetics and genomics, medical genetics, bioinformatics, and introduction to the bioscience industry and clinical settings.
• Summer: Paid internship in an industry or clinical laboratory setting.
• Year 2: In-depth courses in next-generation sequencing technologies, DNA variant interpretation, and genomic data visualization. Emerging topics in genomics, such as pharmacogenomics and genetic engineering, are covered and prepare students for their capstone industry-sponsored project or research thesis.