Master of Science in Human Genetics and Genomics – Online

Courses & Labs

SCU’s Master of Science in Human Genetics and Genomics (MSHGG) program is designed for students seeking a genomics-centered biotechnology career in industry or academia. Individuals with a bachelor’s degree can benefit from the advanced knowledge of the rapidly growing field of genetics and genomics. The MSHGG degree is also valuable to clinical laboratory scientists who wish to further their careers and expand their opportunities. The MSHGG degree provides state-of-the-art knowledge in genetics and genomics to meet the demands of biotechnology, academia, and clinical practice.

The curriculum provides both breadth and depth of knowledge in genetics and genomics. There is also an emphasis on practical skills, bioethics, and emerging technologies such as gene editing and gene therapies. SCU diplomas and transcripts are identical whether you earn your degree online or in person.

The optional Master of Science in Human Genetics and Genomics with a Pre-Genetic Counseling Concentration (PGC) is a fully online, remote, continuation of the degree. The concentration’s curriculum includes population genetics, genetic genealogy, genomic variant analysis, advanced genomics technologies, “omics” and precision medicine, microbial genomics, and epigenetics. The concentration also covers the latest in emerging areas such as gene therapies and synthetic biology as well as emphasizes the ethical, legal, and social implications (ELSI) of applied genomics. This additional fourth term of study covers topics specific to genetic counseling such as clinical counseling and psychosocial principles of counseling as well as case studies in genetic counseling.

Full-Time

Term 1 (12 credits)

  • Introduction to Human Genome
  • Embryology and Human Development
  • Statistical Methods
  • Population Genetics and Ancestry Analysis

Term 2 (12 credits)

  • Structure and Function of the Human Genome
  • Principles of Research Methodology
  • Human Microbiome and Infectious Disease
  • Online Resources for Research and Clinical Genomics

Term 3 (12 credits)

  • Heritable Syndromes and Diseases
  • Genomics Technologies and Diagnostics
  • Bioethics and Research Ethics
  • Human Genetics and Genomics Seminar
  • Master Capstone Project

TERM 4 (12 CREDITS) – OPTIONAL CONCENTRATION IN PRE-GENETICS COUNSELING

  • Introduction to Counseling Psychology
  • Genetics Counseling as a Career
  • Psychosocial Principles of Counseling
  • Clinical Case Studies in Genetic Counseling

To see the full MSHGG Program curriculum, credit hours and other details, visit the University Catalog. For questions, contact Dr. Handley, at: danielhandley@scuhs.edu.

Part-Time

Term 1 (6 credits)

  • Introduction to Human Genome
  • Embryology and Human Development

Term 2 (6 credits)

  • Statistical Methods
  • Population Genetics and Ancestry Analysis

Term 3 (6 credits)

  • Structure and Function of the Human Genome
  • Principles of Research Methodology

Term 4 (6 credits)

  • Human Microbiome and Infectious Disease
  • Online Resources for Research and Clinical Genomics

Term 5 (6 credits)

  • Heritable Syndromes and Diseases
  • Genomics Technologies and Diagnostics

Term 6 (6 credits)

  • Bioethics and Research Ethics
  • Human Genetics and Genomics Seminar
  • Master Capstone Project

TERM 7 (6 CREDITS) – OPTIONAL CONCENTRATION IN PRE-GENETICS COUNSELING

  • Introduction to Counseling Psychology
  • Psychosocial Principles of Counseling

TERM 8 (6 CREDITS) – OPTIONAL CONCENTRATION IN PRE-GENETICS COUNSELING

  • Genetics Counseling as a Career
  • Clinical Case Studies in Genetic Counseling

To see the full MSHGG Program curriculum, credit hours and other details, visit the University Catalog. For questions, contact Dr. Handley, at: danielhandley@scuhs.edu.

Master of Science in Human Genetics and Genomics<!–?h4 ></h4>
<ol start=”1″>
<li><strong>Classical Genetics Knowledge</strong>: Graduates will state key concepts in human development, Mendelian inheritance, population genetics, molecular cell biology, genetics, genomics, and the relationship between genotype and phenotype in both health and disease.</li>
<li><strong>Fundamental Technology Knowledge</strong>: Graduates will explain the theory and practice of basic and advanced molecular genomic technologies.</li>
<li><strong>Modern Genomics Knowledge</strong>: Graduates will demonstrate a thorough understanding of genome structure, function, annotation, sequence analysis, and clinical manifestations of genetic aberrations.</li>
<li><strong>Information Literacy</strong>: Graduates will apply technology for information gathering and be able to assess scientific literature and genetic test results.</li>
<li><strong>Analytical and Critical Thinking Skills</strong>: Graduates will engage in critical thinking, reflection, and problem solving in relation to current issues in genomics.</li>
<li><strong>Communication Effectiveness</strong>: Graduates will professionally construct and express their ideas, thoughts, and concepts through written and verbal communication.</li>
<li><strong>Bioethics</strong>: Graduates will demonstrate the ability to critically analyze and apply ethical considerations to complex issues and dilemmas in genomics research and clinical practice.</li>
</ol>
<p>For full program information, view our <a href=”https://catalog.scuhs.edu/preview_program.php?catoid=17&poid=1160&returnto=1710″ target=”_blank” rel=”noopener”>catalog</a>.</p>
<h4 style=”margin-bottom: 25px;”>Pre-Genetics Counseling Concentration</h4>
<ol start=”1″>
<li><strong>Counseling Psychology: </strong>Graduates will demonstrate a thorough understanding of psychological counseling concepts and theoretical models.</li>
<li><strong>Genetic Counseling Practice</strong>: Graduates will describe the process for direct patient counseling related to family histories, genetic test results, and genetic medical conditions.</li>
<li><strong>Information Literacy:</strong> Graduates will demonstrate skills in information gathering and will assess scientific literature and genetic test results.</li>
<li><strong>Analytical Skills:</strong> Graduates will engage in analysis, reflection, and problem solving in relation to issues in genomics.</li>
<li><strong>Communication Effectiveness:</strong> Graduates will express their ideas, thoughts, and concepts through professional written and verbal communication.</li>
<li><strong>Ethics: </strong>Graduates will critically analyze the ethical principles involved in complex issues and dilemmas in genomics research and clinical practice.</li>
</ol>
<p>For full program information, view the <a href=”https://catalog.scuhs.edu/preview_program.php?catoid=17&poid=1160&returnto=1710″ target=”_blank” rel=”noopener”>catalog.</a>