Aside from general education credits to complete your degree, coursework in genetics focuses on biology, chemistry and biochemistry. As you complete basic competencies in these subjects, you will move on to genetics-related subjects such as cell biology, protein secretion, kinetics, bacteriophages, mechanics of viral growth, DNA theory and chemotaxis. At the graduate level, you will complete independent research and clinical work in genetics.
If you plan to pursue a bachelor's degree in the field of genetics, take advanced science and mathematics classes in high school. Focus on biology, computer science and pre-calculus -- or high-level courses in the mathematics department. Most schools will require above-average SAT scores and possibly the completion of prerequisites before admission into a genetics program. For graduate-level work, you must demonstrate above-average competencies in biology, chemistry and biochemistry. Fieldwork in genetics is also desirable.
Schools across the country offer degree programs in genetics. The University of Wisconsin at Madison, University of Georgia, Iowa State University, Columbia University, Yale University, Washington State University, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, University of Rochester, Cedar Crest College and the University of Iowa are among colleges that offer genetics degree programs at the undergraduate and graduate level.
A degree in genetics -- bachelor's or graduate level -- can prepare you for a variety of career opportunities. Those with a degree in genetics can work as a genetics counselor, laboratory technician, research assistant, researcher, medical geneticist or clinical geneticist. To work as a medical or clinical geneticist, you will need to graduate from medical school or a obtain a Ph.D. in genetics.