Master’s Degree

Master's Degree in Genetics

A Master's Degree in Genetics teaches advanced concepts in genetic research and biotechnology, preparing students for careers in research, healthcare, and industry.

1 to 2 years
Length
Master
Level
After bachelor's degree
Entry level
71
Schools
00
Exit level
Master
Length
1 to 2 years
Work-study
Uncommon
Selectivity
Selective
Direct careers
1 métier
Where to study
71 établissements

About

This Master's Degree in Genetics is a graduate-level program in the United States designed for students who have completed a bachelor's degree in biology or related fields. It focuses on the study of genes, heredity, and molecular biology to understand living organisms at a fundamental level. The program is suitable for those interested in scientific research, healthcare, or biotechnology industries. Graduates can pursue roles in laboratories, hospitals, pharmaceutical companies, or academic research.

  • The degree typically takes one to two years to complete after a bachelor's degree.
  • It provides in-depth knowledge of genetic mechanisms and modern biotechnological techniques.
  • Students learn to analyze DNA, RNA, and protein functions through practical laboratory work.
  • The program prepares for careers in research, clinical genetics, and biotechnology.
  • It is aimed at students motivated by scientific discovery and problem-solving in biology.

What you study

The curriculum covers a broad range of topics in genetics and molecular biology, combining theoretical knowledge with hands-on laboratory experience. Students progressively build their expertise through core courses and electives. The program emphasizes research skills and experimental design.

  • Core subjects include molecular genetics, genomics, bioinformatics, and genetic engineering.
  • Courses often explore topics like population genetics, epigenetics, and genetic diseases.
  • Laboratory sessions provide practical experience in DNA sequencing, PCR, and gene editing techniques.
  • Students typically complete a research project or thesis under faculty supervision.
  • The program may include seminars and workshops to develop scientific communication skills.
  • Electives allow specialization in areas such as plant genetics or medical genetics.

How to get in

Admission to a Master's Degree in Genetics in the US requires a relevant undergraduate degree and a formal application process. The program is competitive and looks for students with strong academic backgrounds and research interest.

  • Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree in biology, genetics, or a related science field.
  • They usually submit transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a statement of purpose.
  • Some programs require GRE scores, but this varies by institution.
  • Relevant laboratory experience or research is often valued.
  • International students must provide proof of English proficiency.
  • Admissions committees seek candidates with motivation for research and scientific inquiry.

Day to day

The academic year involves coursework, laboratory work, and research activities. Students balance lectures with practical sessions and independent study. Many programs encourage collaboration and participation in scientific discussions.

  • Typical weeks include lectures, lab experiments, and group meetings.
  • Students spend significant time in labs applying genetic techniques to real samples.
  • Research projects often require data collection, analysis, and writing reports.
  • Some programs offer internships or collaborations with research centers.
  • Students may attend scientific seminars and conferences to broaden their knowledge.
  • Alternance or work-study options are generally not common in this field at the master's level.

Careers this degree leads to

Graduates with a Master's Degree in Genetics can find opportunities in various sectors related to science and healthcare. The degree opens doors to research roles and technical positions in multiple industries.

  • Common careers include geneticist, research scientist, and laboratory technician.
  • Healthcare roles such as clinical genetic counselor may be accessible with further certification.
  • Biotechnology companies recruit graduates for roles in drug development and genetic testing.
  • Academic and government research institutions offer positions in genetic research projects.
  • Employment prospects depend on practical experience and networking during studies.
  • Insertion into the workforce is generally supported by the program's research training.

Careers after further study

Continuing your studies

After completing this master's degree, students may continue their education or shift to related fields to enhance career prospects. Doctoral studies are a common path for those interested in research careers.

  • Many graduates pursue a PhD in Genetics or related biomedical sciences.
  • Some may choose professional degrees in medicine or genetic counseling.
  • Others might explore interdisciplinary fields like bioinformatics or biotechnology management.
  • Changing fields is possible but may require additional coursework.

Where to study this degree (71)

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Arcadia University
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Arcadia University
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📍Glenside, 🇺🇸 United States
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Harvard University
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Harvard University
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📍Cambridge, 🇺🇸 United States
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Johns Hopkins University
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Johns Hopkins University
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📍Baltimore, 🇺🇸 United States
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Manchester University
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Manchester University
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📍North Manchester, 🇺🇸 United States
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University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus
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University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus
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📍Pittsburgh, 🇺🇸 United States
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University of Oregon
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University of Oregon
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📍Eugene, 🇺🇸 United States
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University of Wisconsin–Madison
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University of Wisconsin–Madison
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📍Madison, 🇺🇸 United States
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Saint Joseph's University
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Saint Joseph's University
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📍Philadelphia, 🇺🇸 United States
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Stanford University
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Stanford University
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📍Stanford, 🇺🇸 United States
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Southern California University of Health Sciences
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Southern California University of Health Sciences
University
📍Whittier, 🇺🇸 United States
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University of Utah
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University of Utah
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📍Salt Lake City, 🇺🇸 United States
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University at Buffalo
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University at Buffalo
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📍Buffalo, 🇺🇸 United States
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Keck Graduate Institute
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Keck Graduate Institute
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📍Claremont, 🇺🇸 United States
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University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
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University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
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📍Ann Arbor, 🇺🇸 United States
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Long Island University
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Long Island University
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📍Brookville, 🇺🇸 United States
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Rutgers University-New Brunswick
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Rutgers University-New Brunswick
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📍New Brunswick, 🇺🇸 United States
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University of Chicago
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University of Chicago
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📍Chicago, 🇺🇸 United States
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Emory University
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Emory University
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📍Atlanta, 🇺🇸 United States
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University of Cincinnati
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University of Cincinnati
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📍Cincinnati, 🇺🇸 United States
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Brandeis University
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Brandeis University
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📍Waltham, 🇺🇸 United States
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Augustana University
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Augustana University
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📍Sioux Falls, 🇺🇸 United States
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University of Connecticut
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University of Connecticut
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📍Storrs, 🇺🇸 United States
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Tulane University
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Tulane University
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📍New Orleans, 🇺🇸 United States
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University of South Carolina-Columbia
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University of South Carolina-Columbia
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📍Columbia, 🇺🇸 United States
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Columbia University
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Columbia University
University
📍New York, 🇺🇸 United States
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University of Rochester
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University of Rochester
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📍Rochester, 🇺🇸 United States
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University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
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University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
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📍Little Rock, 🇺🇸 United States
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Indiana University-Indianapolis
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Indiana University-Indianapolis
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📍Indianapolis, 🇺🇸 United States
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University of Miami
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University of Miami
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📍Coral Gables, 🇺🇸 United States
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University of North Carolina at Greensboro
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University of North Carolina at Greensboro
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📍Greensboro, 🇺🇸 United States
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Thomas Jefferson University
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Thomas Jefferson University
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📍Philadelphia, 🇺🇸 United States
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University of California-Davis
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University of California-Davis
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📍Davis, 🇺🇸 United States
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University of Washington-Seattle Campus
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University of Washington-Seattle Campus
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📍Seattle, 🇺🇸 United States
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Albert Einstein College of Medicine
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Albert Einstein College of Medicine
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📍Bronx, 🇺🇸 United States
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Clemson University
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Clemson University
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📍Clemson, 🇺🇸 United States
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Black Hills State University
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Black Hills State University
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📍Spearfish, 🇺🇸 United States
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Wayne State University
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Wayne State University
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📍Detroit, 🇺🇸 United States
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Midwestern University-Glendale
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Midwestern University-Glendale
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📍Glendale, 🇺🇸 United States
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North Carolina State University
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North Carolina State University
University
📍Raleigh, 🇺🇸 United States
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Ohio State University-Main Campus
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Ohio State University-Main Campus
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📍Columbus, 🇺🇸 United States
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University of Georgia
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University of Georgia
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📍Athens, 🇺🇸 United States
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Iowa State University
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Iowa State University
University
📍Ames, 🇺🇸 United States
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Duke University
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Duke University
University
📍Durham, 🇺🇸 United States
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Texas A & M University-College Station
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Texas A & M University-College Station
college
📍College Station, 🇺🇸 United States
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Kansas State University
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Kansas State University
University
📍Manhattan, 🇺🇸 United States
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University of Maryland, Baltimore
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University of Maryland, Baltimore
University
📍Baltimore, 🇺🇸 United States
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Michigan State University
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Michigan State University
University
📍East Lansing, 🇺🇸 United States
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Vanderbilt University
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Vanderbilt University
University
📍Nashville, 🇺🇸 United States
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University of Southern California
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University of Southern California
University
📍Los Angeles, 🇺🇸 United States
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Case Western Reserve University
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Case Western Reserve University
University
📍Cleveland, 🇺🇸 United States
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Medical College of Wisconsin
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Medical College of Wisconsin
School
📍Milwaukee, 🇺🇸 United States
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Stony Brook University
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Stony Brook University
University
📍Stony Brook, 🇺🇸 United States
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University of California-San Francisco
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University of California-San Francisco
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📍San Francisco, 🇺🇸 United States
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Virginia Commonwealth University
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Virginia Commonwealth University
University
📍Richmond, 🇺🇸 United States
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Yale University
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Yale University
University
📍New Haven, 🇺🇸 United States
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North Dakota State University
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North Dakota State University
University
📍Fargo, 🇺🇸 United States
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University of Arizona
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University of Arizona
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📍Tucson, 🇺🇸 United States
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University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center
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University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center
college
📍Dallas, 🇺🇸 United States
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Cornell University
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Cornell University
University
📍Ithaca, 🇺🇸 United States
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Dartmouth College
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Dartmouth College
School
📍Hanover, 🇺🇸 United States
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University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
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University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
University
📍Chapel Hill, 🇺🇸 United States
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West Virginia University
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West Virginia University
University
📍Morgantown, 🇺🇸 United States
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Michigan Technological University
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Michigan Technological University
University
📍Houghton, 🇺🇸 United States
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George Washington University
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George Washington University
University
📍Washington, 🇺🇸 United States
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University of New Hampshire
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University of New Hampshire
University
📍Durham, 🇺🇸 United States
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Tufts University
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Tufts University
University
📍Medford, 🇺🇸 United States
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The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston
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The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston
University
📍Houston, 🇺🇸 United States
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Baylor College of Medicine
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Baylor College of Medicine
School
📍Houston, 🇺🇸 United States
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Hofstra University
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Hofstra University
University
📍Hempstead, 🇺🇸 United States
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University of California-Los Angeles
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University of California-Los Angeles
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📍Los Angeles, 🇺🇸 United States
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Washington State University
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Washington State University
University
📍Pullman, 🇺🇸 United States
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Liste des 71 établissements

Frequently asked questions

What background do I need to apply for this master's degree?

You need a bachelor's degree in biology, genetics, or a related science field. Having laboratory experience and a strong academic record helps during admission.

Is practical lab work important in this program?

Yes, practical laboratory sessions are a key part of the curriculum, allowing you to apply genetic techniques and develop hands-on skills.

Can I work while studying this master's degree?

Most programs do not offer work-study or alternance options, so students usually focus full-time on their studies and research.

What kinds of jobs can I get after graduation?

Graduates can work as research scientists, geneticists, lab technicians, or in biotech companies. Some roles may require further certification.

Is this degree enough to become a clinical genetic counselor?

Additional certification or training is generally required to become a clinical genetic counselor beyond the master's degree.

Can I continue my studies after this master's degree?

Yes, many graduates pursue a PhD or professional degrees in medicine or genetic counseling to specialize further.

Are GRE scores always required for admission?

GRE requirements vary by institution; some programs require them while others do not. Check the specific university's admission criteria.

Do international students need to prove English proficiency?

Yes, international applicants usually must provide test scores like TOEFL or IELTS to demonstrate English language skills.