Human Genetics (Ph.D.)
Overview
The PhD in Human Genetics is a research-intensive program designed to train the next generation of independent scientists in human genetics and genomics and address the growing demand for qualified geneticists in the areas of basic research, clinical research, medical care, and biological science. The program emphasizes applications of human genetics to medicine and encompasses training across the breadth of genetics from molecular genetics through computational approaches to analysis. Due to the location in the Rio Grande Valley (RGV), the program covers diseases and conditions that disproportionately affect minority populations, particularly Hispanics.
The program consists of 72 hours including 36 hours of required and prescribed elective coursework and 36 hours of doctoral/dissertation research. Admitted students can enroll in the program full time or part time.
Admission Requirements
To be admitted to the graduate program, prospective candidates must first meet all requirements for graduate admission to UT Rio Grande Valley, as well as the other requirements listed below:
- Bachelor’s degree in an appropriate field of study from an accredited university.
- Minimum average GPA of 3.25.
- Official transcripts from each institution attended (must be submitted directly to UTRGV).
- Applicant statement of goals for the Ph.D. program.
- Curriculum Vitae.
- Three letters of reference.
International students or those who have received their degree at a foreign institution, TOEFL or IELTS Language Proficiency Test with minimum scores: 550 on paper-based, 213 on computer-based, or 79 on internet-based for the TOEFL; 6.5 for the IELTS. TOEFL and IELTS scores are valid for 2 years.
The application for admission to the university must be submitted online and is available at www.utrgv.edu/gradapply.
Review of submitted applicant will be holistic and combined with an onsite review to determine readiness to enroll in the program’s coursework.
Transfer Coursework
Students may apply for transfer admission the UTRGV Ph.D. in Human Genetics. Within university limits, students may be permitted to transfer course work to the UTRGV doctoral program at the time of entry.
Dissertation
The PhD in Human Genetics program requires students to complete a dissertation. The dissertation must meet the format and submission requirements established by the UTRGV Graduate College and any additional Department of Human Genetics requirements. All doctoral/dissertation research hours must be completed in residence at UTRGV.
Program Requirements
Required Courses - 27 Hours
Prescribed Electives - 9 Hours
Choose three from the following:
| HGEN 8325 | Advanced Topics in Molecular Genetics | 3 |
| HGEN 8330 | Advanced Topics in Statistical Genetics | 3 |
| HGEN 8335 | Advanced Topics in Bioinformatics | 3 |
| HGEN 8340 | Database Management and Data Analysis for Genetic Research | 3 |
| HGEN 8342 | Computing Skills for Research | 3 |
| HGEN 8345 | Field Studies of Human Populations | 3 |
| HGEN 8350 | Advanced Topics in Complex Disease Research | 3 |
| HGEN 8355 | Advanced Topics in Omics Research | 3 |
| HGEN 8360 | Advanced Topics in Population Genetics | 3 |
| HGEN 8365 | Advanced Topics in Human Evolutionary Genetics | 3 |
| HGEN 8370 | Advanced Topics in Animal Models for Human Disease | 3 |
| HGEN 8375 | Stem Cell Based Methodologies in Human Disease Gene Identification | 3 |
| HGEN 8380 | Advanced Topics in Neurogenetics | 3 |
| HGEN 8385 | Advanced Topics in Functional Genomics | 3 |
| HGEN 8390 | Translational Genetics | 3 |
Written Comprehensive Exam
Doctorial Research - 36 Hours
Total Credit Hours: 72