Master of Science in Human Genetics and Genomics – Online

Overview

Imagine being able to unlock the code of life itself—deciphering the instructions that make us who we are. Genetics and genomics professionals are explorers of the hidden world of DNA, driving awe-inspiring discoveries that advance healthcare and beyond.

SCU’s fully online Master of Science in Human Genetics and Genomics (MSHGG) program is designed with the flexibility to help busy working professionals advance their current careers or launch new careers in this exciting and rapidly growing field. As a student, you’ll gain both a broad and deep understanding of genetic and genomic science, technologies, and therapies—as well as the ethical, legal, and social implications (ELSI) of your work. You’ll graduate with both the knowledge and practical skills you need to work in wide-ranging settings from academia to cutting edge biotechnology companies and more.

Our MSHGG program was named the 2024 Best Online Master’s in Genetics Program by BestColleges.com. Evaluators shared that our program stood out for its high graduation rates, flexible format, affordability, and the broad array of topics covered in the curriculum, from classical genetics to the latest in advanced genomics technologies.

Program at a Glance

  • Accelerated, 100% online program that can be completed in as little as one year
  • Ideal for working professionals seeking to advance in their current careers or to launch new ones
  • Provides students with both a broad and a deep understanding of human genetics and genomics including a strong emphasis on genetic involvement in disease, emerging technologies such as gene editing and gene therapies, advanced diagnostics, infectious disease surveillance, and more
  • Optional, one-semester add-on to earn a concentration in Pre-Genetic Counseling, and a guaranteed interview for our highly competitive Master’s in Genetic Counseling program
  • Accelerated pathway through which graduates of our Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences with a concentration in Human Genetics and Genomics enter the program having already completed 12 of the 36 required credits.
  • Fixed tuition guarantee, federal financial aid for those who qualify, and a range of institutional and program-specific scholarship opportunities

Upcoming Start Dates

  • Fall: September 2nd, 2025
  • Spring: January 5th, 2026
  • Summer: May 4th, 2026

What Sets Our Program Apart?

ACCELERATED, ONLINE FORMAT

While most similar programs take two or more years to complete, ours can be completed in as little as one, and without giving up your current job. All of your courses will take place online—and all but one will be delivered “asynchronously,” meaning that you may watch lectures and complete assignments whenever it works best for you during a given week. Taught and facilitated by seasoned faculty members, each online course will include peer-to-peer discussion board posts and replies, self-directed exercises, written assignments, quizzes, case studies, and exams. You’ll attend class year-round but take just one or two courses per 7.5 week term–enabling you to complete the program faster, but without feeling overwhelmed.

BROAD AND DEEP CURRICULUM

While many programs focus on just a few areas of genetics and genomics, ours will equip you with a comprehensive understanding of the field, from classical to cutting-edge. Here’s just a glimpse at the topics you’ll study:

  • Structure and function of the human genome
  • Microbial genomics in health and disease
  • Advanced diagnostic technologies
  • Heritable syndromes and diseases
  • Population genetics and genetic genealogy
  • Epigenetics
  • Gene editing and gene therapies
  • Synthetic biology
  • Pharmacogenomics
  • Bioethics and research ethics
  • And more

PRACTICAL CAPSTONE PROJECT

Your Capstone Project will give you the opportunity to explore and demonstrate innovative thinking in an area of particular interest to you. With support from a Capstone Mentor, you’ll create a unique capstone project that reflects mastery of your chosen topic. A graduate-level Capstone Project is an academic and professional milestone, potentially leading to publications, future research opportunities, and other achievements that can advance your career.

CONCENTRATION “ADD ON” OPTION

By taking just one additional term of study, you will earn a concentration in Pre-Genetics Counseling—strengthening your knowledge and readiness for highly competitive genetic counseling programs, including our own. If you complete the concentration and meet the admissions standards for our Master of Science in Genetic Counseling program, you’ll be guaranteed an interview.

ACCELERATED PATHWAY

Graduates of our Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences with a concentration in Human Genetics and Genomics enter having already completed 12 of their 36 required credit hours, giving them the option to reduce the program length from three terms to two terms.

BROADER INTERPROFESSIONAL EDUCATION

Most of today’s healthcare colleges offer an “interprofessional education” through which students learn with, from, and about other disciplines. But at SCU, our Interprofessional Education is broader and, frankly, we think that makes it better. Unlike other colleges, we teach you about both conventional and complementary disciplines—not just one or the other—because we believe in both and we teach both, all under one roof.

AN INTEGRATIVE, WHOLE HEALTH APPROACH

All too often, healthcare providers “stay in their lanes” rather than building comprehensive care plans that include other disciplines, professionals, and approaches. In addition, they look strictly at the physical body as opposed to all the factors that may be influencing a patient’s health and well-being—genetics, lifestyle, mental health, relationships, physical environments, community support, and beyond. But at SCU, no matter what program you are in, you’ll learn to blend the best of conventional and complementary approaches (integrative healthcare) and to treat the entire mind, body, and spirit (whole health)—for true lasting wellness.