Ph.D. in Molecular Genetics and Genomics

The PhD In Molecular Genetics and Genomics is a research-intensive graduate program that prepares students for careers in academia or industry. Molecular Genetics and Genomics graduate students receive broad training in genetics, molecular and cellular biology, genomics, functional genomics, systems biology, bioinformatics, and computational and statistical methods. A major component of their training is conducting dissertation research in one of the focus areas of Center faculty. Doctoral candidates receive intensive laboratory training, working closely with faculty on projects at the forefront of biomedical genetics and genomics research. Students can apply to the PhD program or to the combined MD-PhD program. A focus on Computational Biology is also offered within the PhD program.  Additional details about the curriculum can be found here.

 FAQ • How to apply 

Admission Standards

Applicants must have at least a bachelor's degree with major preparation in the sciences. We look for strong enthusiasm and aptitude for scientific research and evidence of ability. Applicants should have a minimum grade point average of 3.0 majoring in biological or chemical sciences and in most cases will also have experience in a working laboratory environment.

How to Apply

You must complete an application at https://gradschool.wayne.edu/admissions. Admissions are granted for Fall term starts only and the application deadline is generally the first of the previous December. Applicants should provide a statement describing their motivation for pursuing a PhD, research experience, interest in genetics and genomics, any specific interests in Center research, and future and career plans. Applicants must also provide official academic transcripts and have three letters of recommendation sent from faculty who can evaluate the research and academic potential of the student. The Graduate Record Examination is not required. International applicants must be proficient in English and demonstrate above-average performance on the TOEFL English proficiency examination (for specific requirements and exemptions see the Graduate School's English requirements). All admission materials should be submitted to Graduate Admissions utilizing their online portal.  Applicants meeting admissions criteria will be selected for interview.

Financial Support

All Ph.D. students are funded by a Graduate Research Assistantship (GRA) that includes a competitive stipend, paid tuition, and subsidized medical insurance. No separate application for financial support is required.

During their first two years, Ph.D. students enroll in required and elective courses in Molecular Genetics and Genomics (MGG) and in the School of Medicine’s Interdisciplinary Biomedical Sciences (IBS) curriculum. Courses include:

Elective and advanced topics courses will be selected to meet student needs. The program will enable the student to demonstrate a basic understanding of molecular genetics and genomics, in order to pass a general examination for candidacy for the Ph.D. degree.

Dissertation: Eighteen credits in dissertation research are required in the Ph.D. program. This requirement is fulfilled by registering for the courses MGG 9991 (3-9 credits), and MGG 9992 (1-18 credits) in consecutive academic year semesters. Students must write an original research dissertation, which generally includes one or more peer-reviewed publications, have it approved by a dissertation committee, and present it in a public defense.

Academic Scholarship: All course work must be completed in accordance with the regulations of the Graduate School and the School of Medicine governing graduate scholarship and degrees.