A masters in genomics offers you the chance to participate in the growing field of modern healthcare and personalized treatment.
Advanced disease research, individualized patient care, and preventative medicine are all important innovations made possible by genomics and genetics. The genomics field of study makes it possible to provide patients with treatment options unique to their genetic makeup.
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As a student in a graduate program in genomics, you’ll study the ways in which DNA variance affects a patient’s response to diseases and drugs as well as their overall health.
Online Masters in Genomics Programs
DNA is the biological source code for all living organisms. Understanding DNA is the key to developing new, essential strategies that can affect the future of healthcare and personalized medicine.
A graduate program in genomics helps prepare you for the rapidly growing field of genome-based research. It can lead to advanced careers in medical genetics, pharmacology, patent and health law, and even veterinary science.
Much like online biology degrees in general, an online master’s in genetics, or even an online masters in biomedical informatics, an online master’s in genomics degree program can help you develop technical knowledge and leadership skills. It will also cover ethical guidelines and clinical applications of disease research and health science.
The goal of a genomics master’s program is to teach students:
- Genomics applications in modern healthcare
- The role of genomics in precision medicine and public healthcare
- How to analyze the social, ethical, and legal issues of genetic research
- Epigenetics and pharmacogenomics
- Applicable theories of genomics in research, education, and practice
Biochemistry, virology, neurobiology, and bioinformatics are just a few of the topics you can expect to study as a genomics graduate student. With patience and determination, you can develop the investigative, analytical, and technical skills necessary for this field.
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As the field of healthcare continues to expand, new career opportunities in genomic medicine continue to develop. With a genomics master’s degree, some professionals find positions as medical scientists, health educators, clinical researchers, or geneticists. This degree can open doors in multiple varied sectors, ranging from data analysis to medical manufacturing.
If you have a passion for science and healthcare, a master’s in genomics could be a stepping stone toward building a career studying the human genome.
Genetics and Genomics Careers & Salaries
A genomics master’s degree could lead to several career opportunities. Some professionals choose to go on to work for a healthcare organization, but there are also positions in a variety of other industries.
Big data firms, pharmaceutical companies, research centers, and universities may all hire professionals with a Master of Genomics. Graduates might pursue genetic research, data analysis, grant writing, and a variety of other roles.
Those with a background in genomics may also work for medical device manufacturers. They might utilize their knowledge to improve medical technology and provide patients with more accurate DNA screening and diagnostics.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the following are a few potential careers related to the study of genomics.
| Careers | Annual Median Salaries |
| Natural Sciences Managers | $137,900 |
| Biochemists and Biophysicists | $102,270 |
| Medical Scientists | $95,310 |
| Genetic Counselors | $80,150 |
| Epidemiologists | $78,830 |
| Technical Writers | $78,060 |
| Junior College Teachers | $76,350 |
| Clinical Laboratory Technicians | $57,800 |
| Health Education Specialists | $60,600 |
| Biological Technicians | $48,140 |
A masters in genomics is beneficial for the listed career paths, but some careers require additional or specialized training. For instance, medical scientists often need to complete medical school or a related doctorate.
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Individuals working in the genomics field of study have the chance to study the way species adapt and evolve as well as the similarities present between organisms. This means that you could also continue on to study veterinary science, zoology, or even agriculture.
MS in Genomics Curriculum & Courses
Coursework required for a masters in genomics varies depending on the program. As a student in a genomics graduate program, you may encounter the following courses:
- Bioinformatics: You’ll use web-based analysis tools and current bioinformatics software programs to study the fundamentals of genomics and molecular biology.
- Cancer genomics: In this course, you’ll use genomic technologies and computational approaches to analyze the role of genomics in cancer diagnosis and treatment.
- Biochemistry: This course provides an introduction to the metabolic pathways, control systems, and essential molecules of living organisms.
- Virology: You’ll examine bacteria, plant, and animal viruses, with an emphasis on viral genetics and the pathology of viral families.
- Molecular Biology: In this class, you’ll study molecular biology concepts and techniques, specifically gene expression, regulation, and maintenance.
- Neurobiology: This course introduces the functional and structural components of the nervous system and allows you to use hands-on learning to master neurobiological techniques.
- Ethical, Legal, and Regulatory Aspects of Biotechnology: You’ll cover the ethical, legal, and regulatory issues surrounding the healthcare and biotech industries and will examine current trends regarding these issues.
- Epigenetics and Gene Organization and Expression: Using genetic analysis and molecular biology techniques, you’ll examine chromosome organization, functional genomics, and gene expression.
- Genomic and Personalized Medicine: In this course, you’ll explore how genomics, proteomics, and epigenetics affect the growing field of personalized medicine.
- Genes and Disease: Throughout this course, you’ll use molecular methods of analysis to study gene mapping, cytogenetics, and the treatment of genetic diseases, especially in the context of gene replacement therapy.
If you have a deep interest in the ways genetics and genomics influence modern healthcare, a masters in genomics program could be a good fit. These courses may provide you with the learning outcomes necessary to succeed in the realm of individualized genomics and health.
Admissions Requirements
The admissions criteria for admittance into a graduate program in genomics vary depending on the school and the program you choose. The following are a few basic requirements you may encounter during the application process:
- GMAT or GRE scores (only some schools require them)
- Letters of recommendation
- Official undergraduate transcripts
- Resume or CV
- Personal statement
Your personal statement can detail your personal, academic, and professional goals in your chosen field. In addition to these criteria, some schools may require a minimum undergraduate GPA or favor students with professional work experience.
Genetics Masters Programs Online Accreditation
When you are searching for the right online genetics master’s program, it’s essential to check the accreditation status of the school you’re considering.
Regionally accredited institutions have been found to meet a predetermined standard of academic excellence. Not only will attending an accredited school ensure you are entering a quality program, but it can also influence your educational and career opportunities in the future.
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Many employers prefer or require applicants to have received accredited degrees. In addition, if you wish to transfer schools or attend another degree program, many institutions will only count transfer credits that were earned at an accredited college or university.
Financial Aid and Scholarships
Online graduate programs in genomics can have a wide range of costs that vary from school to school. Luckily, there are several options available to help qualifying students pay for their master’s degree.
Grants, scholarships, and student loans are the main financial aid options available to students who qualify. Education grants and scholarships typically do not need to be repaid, while loans have to be paid back once you graduate. Scholarships may be awarded by your school or by private groups based on academic excellence, financial need, or your inclusion in a particular cultural or social group.
If you are interested in state or federal aid, filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) can determine your eligibility. You can also talk to an advisor from your college’s financial aid office to learn more about the options that are available to you.
Is Genomics Hard?
Graduate-level programs typically increase in difficulty compared to undergraduate coursework, but success in a genomics program is an achievable goal for many students.
While getting a master’s in genomics, you’ll study topics like bioinformatics, molecular biology, and biochemistry. Some courses will build on knowledge and techniques acquired during your undergraduate studies, while others will introduce new materials and concepts.
Many schools have additional resources for students that provide academic help outside of the classroom. When selecting a program, you may want to check to see what resources are available to online students.
What Can You Do with a Masters in Genomics?
A master’s in genomics degree can be a key to unlocking many doors. Many genomics professionals pursue positions as medical scientists, health education specialists, and epidemiologists.
There are many industries and careers that can benefit from a masters in genomics. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the top employers of medical scientists are colleges and universities, hospitals, physicians’ offices, and pharmaceutical manufacturing companies.
The majority of medical scientists, though, work in research and development. Community health education, healthcare legislation, medical manufacturing, and genomic research are all potential paths connected to this area of study.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Master of Science in Genomics Online?
Most masters programs can be completed in 1 to 2 years with full-time study. Online programs offer more flexibility than traditional coursework, so the amount of time it will take you to complete your master’s in genomics online is largely dependent on you.
The program you choose, your enrollment status, and a thesis component can all affect how long your studies will take. For instance, if a program consists of 36 credit hours and doesn’t require a thesis, it may be completed in 1 year if you are enrolled full-time, including during the summer months. Part-time enrollment and the completion of a thesis will extend this time period.
What’s the Difference Between a Masters in Genetics vs. Genomics?
Genetics and genomics are both fields concerned with the study of DNA, but they differ in their concentrations.
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Both degrees may advance your career opportunities and allow you to develop a deeper understanding of DNA.
Is a Master’s Degree in Genomics Worth It?
Yes, a master’s degree in genomics is worth it for many students. A graduate program in genomics can help you enter this lucrative field or help you advance your current career. As we learn more about the role genomics has to play in our understanding of diseases and treatments, the field of genetic healthcare continues to grow rapidly.
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The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 30% job growth for epidemiologists over the next ten years. In that same time period, medical scientists are expected to see 17% job growth, and jobs for postsecondary teachers are expected to increase by 12%. The job growth rate for these careers is significantly faster than the national average.
Universities Offering Online Masters in Genomics Degree Program
Methodology: The following school list is in alphabetical order. To be included, a college or university must be regionally accredited and offer degree programs online or in a hybrid format.
Students who are passionate about genetic research may find a great fit in the Master of Science in Individualized Genomics and Health program at Johns Hopkins University. The program’s 10 required courses can be attended fully online or fully in-person, with most full-time students finishing in 12 months and part-time students in 24 months.
The Johns Hopkins University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
New York University offers a Master of Science in Bioinformatics. The program is designed to help students gain the fundamental knowledge needed for the genomics field. The curriculum includes studies in molecular biology, statistics, programming, machine learning, and sequence and pathway analysis. The program consists of 30 credits and can be completed entirely online.
New York University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Students can potentially acquire their Master of Science in Bioinformatics online at Northeastern University in just 2 years if attending full-time. In addition to learning from expert faculty, students are also given opportunities to gain hands-on experience at one of the many organizations the program partners with.
Northeastern University is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.
Rutgers University offers a Master’s in Biotechnology and Genomics program that requires a minimum of 42 credit hours, all of which can be completed online. The program’s curriculum combines studies of fundamental concepts in biochemistry, cell biology, and genomics with key business, finance, and communication principles. This is done with the goal of graduating well-equipped and well-rounded students.
Rutgers is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
The goal of Saint Joseph’s University’s Master of Science in Genomics program is to help students develop a deep understanding of genetics and a passion for leadership. Students can typically complete the 36 required credits in just 2 years. Each of the twelve courses is 8 weeks long. All classes, including lab-based courses, are attended asynchronously and fully online.
Saint Joseph’s University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Southern California University of Health Sciences offers an online program for a Master of Science in Human Genetics and Geonomics. It is designed for students interested in careers in the world of genetic research and development. The program admits new students three times a year and can potentially be completed in just 2 years.
Southern California University of Health Sciences is accredited by WASC Senior College and University Commission.
Tufts University’s open choice Master of Science program allows students to choose a concentration in Functional Genomics. This concentration is designed to provide students with the expertise needed to work in genomic, biomedical, or commercial research and production. Students can move through the curriculum with full-time or part-time schedules, and classes can be taken in-person or online.
Tufts University is accredited by the New England Commission on Higher Education.
At the University of Cincinnati, students in the Master of Pharmaceutical Sciences program can specialize in Pharmacogenomics and Personalized Healthcare. This specialization is designed to prepare students for vital roles in lab-based research, genetic counseling, clinical trials, and cancer therapies. This program consists of 30 credits and can be completed entirely online.
UC is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
The Master of Science in Microbiology and Cell Science program at the University of Florida offers a concentration in Medical Microbiology and Biochemistry. It is designed to give students a comprehensive understanding of molecular biology, the role of the genome, genomics research, and biotechnology. Students can complete their courses 100% online.
The University of Florida is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
The University of Illinois—Urbana Champaign offers a Master of Engineering in Bioengineering with a concentration in Computational Genomics.
The program combines intensive coursework, expert instructors, and hands-on learning experiences to help prepare students for the bioengineering field. Students are given opportunities to conduct research alongside faculty in areas like tissue engineering, nanotechnology, and computational and systems bioengineering.
The University of Illinois – Urbana Champaign is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Getting Your Masters in Genomics Online
We continue to learn more about the way our genetic makeup affects our susceptibility to disease and our response to treatment. As a result, the study of genomics has risen as a hero of modern medicine.
If you are interested in the way genetics and genomics affect our understanding of humanity and healthcare, you might consider earning a master’s in genomics online. A graduate degree in this field may offer you the chance to turn your passion into a fulfilling career.
With a wide array of applications, a genomics master’s degree could help you take the next step toward your career goals in medical manufacturing, healthcare legislation, or academic research and education. The sooner you start exploring accredited universities, the sooner you may find the genomics graduate program that’s right for you.
