Why a Master's Degree or Graduate Certificate in Individualized Genomics and Health?
Genetics and genomics both focus on the study of DNA. However, whereas genetics examines specific genes or lines of DNA to understand how DNA controls appearance and development, genomics examines large amounts of DNA to understand how variations in DNA affect an organism's response to drugs and disease, as well as how variations affect an organism's overall health and evolution.
A master's degree or graduate certificate in individualized genomics and health will prepare students for careers in animal, plant, or medical genetics, diagnostics, epigenetics, patent and health law, as well as occupations in regulation and policy.
What Skills Will I Learn While Studying for the Individualized Genomics and Health Master's Degree or Graduate Certificate?
Those studying for a master's degree or graduate certificate in individualized genomics and health requires patience and is an excellent degree or certificate to pursue for those with a curious mind and a love for health and science.
Skills learned while studying for a master's degree or graduate certificate in individualized genomics and health include:
- Understanding technology pertinent to the study of genomics
- Examining case studies to investigate pathogens and their genetic origins
- Deepening research and analyzation skills learned at the undergraduate level
- Utilizing laboratory procedures to recognize genes linked to disease
- Presenting research findings to peers
- Implementing creative thinking to solve complex problems
- Investigating the legal, ethical, regulatory, and social issues of genomics, counseling, and healthcare
How are Individualized Genomics and Health Courses Taught?
Courses taught at the master's degree and graduate certificate level in individualized genomics and health include lectures in the traditional classroom setting, hybrid courses, or classes taught solely online. Initial courses provide a detailed overview of the many subjects within genomics and health. This overview allows students to establish their area of interest whether it be policy-making, epigenetics, health law, or bioinformatics so they may hone their focus later on in their master's degree or graduate certificate program.
How Long Does It Take to Earn a Master's Degree or Graduate Certificate in Individualized Genomics and Health?
A graduate degree in individualized genomics and health can be earned in two years, while a graduate certificate can be completed in approximately a year to a year and a half.
How do Online Master's Degrees or Graduate Certificates in Individualized Genomics and Health Work?
A master's degree or graduate certificate in individualized genomics and health is designed for working professionals, and, therefore, a number of programs are available solely in an online capacity. Classes are taught much in the same way as in a traditional academic setting, which include lectures and seminars.
What if I Have Questions about the Online Individualized Genomics and Health Master's Degree Format and Process?
When exploring online individualized genomics and health upper-level academic programs, it is important to research and ask several questions, including:
- What type of financial aid does the school offer?
- Is the school accredited?
- What type of course materials are available? Does the school have an online library?
- What type of interaction do students have with each other and with the teacher?
- Does the school assist with job placement?
- What type of academic and career counseling is available?
- Are courses taught by faculty who are experts in the field of health and genetics?
What Will I Need to be Successful Studying Online?
Studying for any degree online requires discipline and effective time management. Many online programs do not operate on a set classroom schedule and it is solely up to the individual student to complete coursework. Students must be organized, self-sufficient, and create a strong and consistent study routine.
Individualized Genomics and Health Online Master's Degree or Graduate Certificate Course Examples
Courses taught online at the graduate level toward a degree or certificate in individualized genomics and health include:
- Biochemistry
- Molecular Biology
- Epigenetics, Gene Organization & Expression
- Virology
- Neurobiology
- Intro to Bioinformatics
- Marketing Aspects of Biotechnology
- Nanobiotechnology
- Cancer Genomics
- Stem Cell Biology
Tuition and Costs for an Online Master's Degree or Graduate Certificate in Individualized Genomics and Health
As with most online master's degree and graduate certificate programs, tuition fluctuates. The cost to obtain an online master's degree or graduate certificate in individualized genomics and health ranges from $3,600 to $25,932 per year. Some schools require one-time application and transcript fees, as well.
What Kinds of Jobs Can I Do with an Individualized Genomics and Health Master's Degree or Graduate Certificate?
Those with a master's degree or graduate certificate in individualized genomics and health have many job options, including:
- Healthcare/Clinical scientist, $86,747
- Researcher, $62,514
- Genomic counselor, $77,480
- Science writer, $82,641
- Professor, $94,100
- Geneticist, $154,258
- Laboratory geneticist, $77,611
- Pharmacologist, $82,240
- Epidemiologist, $69,450
- Medical sales representative, $141,464
What are the Benefits of Having a Master's Degree or Graduate Certificate in Individualized Genomics and Health?
Careers in genomics are in increasingly high demand. Those studying and working in the field seek to not only understand how DNA influences an organism's response to drugs and disease, but they also seek to understand similarities across species, as well as how organisms and species evolve over time. This has led to those working in the field the ability to improve quality of life in human beings and has also led to expansion into the fields of veterinary science, zoology, and agriculture to understand and improve plant- and animal-life.
How Can I Get More Information on Individualized Genomics and Health?
More information on genomics, as well as information on a master's degree or graduate certificate in individualized genomics and health can be found at: