One of the top 10 medical schools according to "U.S. News & World Reports," Stanford University in Stanford, California, began a master's program in human genetics and genetic counseling in 2008. Six academic quarters (two years) of study including genetics mechanisms, testing and research along with a substantial number of seminars, directed readings assignments and clinical rotations make up the program. Clinical experience takes place full-time during summer between the first and second year in the program.
Indiana University in Indianapolis accepts only two or three students each year into its program leading to a master of science in medical and molecular genetics. Students take two years to complete the 30 credits. Courses cover basic human genetics, clinical genetics, cytogenetics, molecular genetics and hereditary genomics. Students complete a master's thesis, first authorship of a refereed publication (an article that has gone through a blind peer review process) or additional coursework. All students must pass a comprehensive exam.
The University of Maryland--Baltimore offers both a master's and a Ph.D. in epidemiology and human genetics. The program focuses on hands-on learning. Masters students meet with a faculty adviser to personalize their class choices. At the Ph.D. level, students rotate research studies in epidemiology, molecular epidemiology and human genetics; take a comprehensive exam midway through the second year; and complete a dissertation. Required courses include biostatistics, mechanisms in biomedical sciences, current topics in molecular medicine, and genetics and metabolism.
Outside the U.S., the University of British Columbia in Vancouver offers a master of science and a Ph.D. in medical genetics. Required courses include immunogenetics, human cytogenetics, genetics and cell biology of cancer, and genome analysis. Half the required credits come from the master's research thesis. Masters-level students may choose to enter the genetics counseling program that includes clinical experience. Ph.D. candidates at Vancouver focus their studies on research that culminates in a doctoral dissertation.