Program Overview

Diagnostic Genetics and Genomics Program

The Diagnostic Genetics and Genomics Program aims to make an important contribution to improving health care through applied research. With a variety of participating Principal Investigators who share a wide range of research interests, these goals are attainable through collaborative, interdisciplinary, and outcome-based clinical research and clinical applications.

Program Description

The Graduate Program in Diagnostic Genetics and Genomics concentrates on the mastery of interpretive skills in major areas of the field including:

• Cancer genetics and genomics
• Infectious disease genetics and genomics
• Pre- and Post-natal genetics and genomics
• DNA forensic science
• Model organism genomics
• Bioinformatics and diagnostic genetics and genomics

The program offers two tracks leading to a Master of Science degree:

• Two-Year Track in Molecular Genetics and Genomics
• Two-Year Track in Cytogenetics and Cytogenomics

Curriculum

The student to faculty ratio for student lab activities is roughly 5:1. With respect to the ratio of clinical laboratory student to faculty, the ratio is 1:1 in clinical and basic research laboratories not only within the institution but also within the Houston Medical Center, in Galveston, and across the United States.

Administration

• Program Director: Peter Hu, Ph.D.
• Associate Graduate Program Director: Awdhesh Kalia, Ph.D.
• Executive Advisor: Rajyalakshmi Luthra, Ph.D., Professor, Department of Hematopathology, Professor, Department of Translational Molecular Pathology, Division of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, MD Anderson Cancer Center

Accreditation

The Diagnostic Genetics program is accredited by and has conformed its curriculum to the standards published and monitored by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS). Upon completion of the program, students will qualify for examination and certification from the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP).

Clinical Affiliations

The program has developed affiliations with reference labs and medical institutions around Houston, so that students will develop expertise in a variety of settings and experience the breadth of opportunity available to a certified diagnostic geneticist. During the clinical phase of instruction, training and supervision are provided in affiliated hospitals and clinical laboratories, including:

• The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center
  • Diagnostic Molecular Science Laboratory
  • Clinical Cytogenetics Laboratory
  • Clinical Microbiology Laboratory
  • DNA Analysis Core Facility
• Access Dx Laboratory
• Baylor College of Medicine (Harris Health System)
  • Chromosome & Microarray Laboratory
  • Diagnostic Sequencing Laboratory
  • John Welsh Cardiovascular Diagnostic Laboratory
  • Mitochondria Laboratory
• UTMB Health at Galveston, Molecular Diagnostic Laboratory

Outcome Measures-Effectiveness Data

The program's effectiveness is measured by graduation rates, placement rates, and pass rates on certification exams. The data for recent years is as follows:

• Graduation Year | Graduation Rate | Placement Rate | Pass Rate
• 2015 | 100% | 100% | 100%
• 2016 | 100% | 100% | 100%
• 2017 | 100% | 100% | 100%
• 2018 | 100% | 100% | 100%
• 2019 | 100% | 100% | 100%
• 2020 | 100% | 100% | 100%
• 2021 | 100% | 100% | 75%
• 2022 | 100% | 86% | 75%
• 2023 | 100% | 100% | 100%
• 2024 | pending | 100% | 100%

How to Apply

The application deadline for each year is April 30; however, late applicants may be considered if the class is not filled. The program accepts up to 10 students per class. The program's academic year is usually the last week in August or the first week in September through the second or third Friday in August of the following year.