MS in Human Genetics

We embrace diversity and welcome motivated applicants with backgrounds in diverse fields. Our master of science program attracts brilliant local, national, and international students with undergraduate training and/or work experience in the biological, behavioral, and quantitative sciences.

Admissions Requirements

  • U.S. bachelor’s or graduate degree (or international equivalent) in a discipline related to the biological, quantitative, or behavioral sciences from an accredited college or university. GPA of 3.0 or greater is recommended.
  • Introductory courses in genetics and either calculus or statistics are required; additional coursework in biochemistry and behavioral/social sciences is recommended but not required.
  • Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores are optional. Students who choose to submit GRE or other standardized test scores (i.e. MCAT) can do so with the application for admission.

International Applicants

In addition to the above criteria, international applicants must meet additional requirements. 

International Applicants

Application Process

Applications are considered twice per year, for Fall and Spring matriculation, although most students matriculate in the Fall term which matches the intended sequence of course offerings. There is no formal interview process, although the admissions committee may request to hold phone or video interviews with promising applicants to gather more information. Applicants wishing to visit the department in person are encouraged to do so after receiving an offer of admission.

Personal Statement

The personal statement provides an opportunity for the applicant to shape the narrative of his or her application. It should address the following questions:

  • How have your experiences informed your decision to pursue a degree in human genetics?
  • What qualifications and experiences have prepared you to succeed in your graduate work?
  • Why you have chosen Pitt Public Health?
  • What do you seek to gain from your graduate studies and how does this align with future career goals?

You may also discuss any perceived weaknesses in your application, and explain how these were overcome.

How to Apply

Applications for admission to the Master of Science program are processed through the Office of Student Affairs at the School of Public Health. New applications are accepted through the SOPHAS system, the centralized application service for graduate schools of public health. Please note, SOPHAS routes applications to the School of Public Health only after all required materials are received. Applicants who have submitted applications may track their status online.

Application deadlines

Admissions Questions

Noel C. Harrie
Student services coordinator
412-624-3066
join.hugen@pitt.edu

Frequently Asked Questions

Our graduates enter diverse career trajectories, with many taking positions as researchers in laboratories associated with academic institutions, medical centers, or private research organizations. Others go on to pursue advanced degrees (PhDs, MDs, etc.).

The American Society of Human Genetics maintains a flowchart of the diverse and growing list of careers within the field of genetics, organized by level of education.

Yes. PhD applicants can be considered for the MS program.

Yes, current MS (and MPH) students can apply for promotion to the PhD program. After demonstrating a period of sustained good academic standing, MS students with the desire to pursue a PhD degree within the department shall submit directly to the office of student affairs a dossier containing (1) a cover letter/statement of purpose indicating the applicant's motivation for pursuing a doctorate in human genetics and justification for promotion to the doctoral program, and (2) at least two letters of recommendation from local mentors/professors who can comment on the applicant's recent academic and research performance. Internal applicants are strongly encouraged to have identified a willing research mentor prior to applying for promotion to the doctoral program.

Yes. Application materials are reviewed as a whole, so allowances can be made for otherwise strong candidates who may be weak in certain areas such as GPA in previous studies. Successful applicants will describe how these weaknesses have been overcome, for example, in supplemental coursework, subsequent degree programs, or on-the-job experiences.

Submission of GRE scores is optional. There are not specific minimum GRE scores required for admission. If you choose to submit GRE scores they will be reviewed holistically as part of the entire application. Including superb GRE scores may benefit your application, however, choosing not to submit GRE scores will not adversely affect your application.

The personal statement provides an opportunity for the applicant to shape the narrative of his or her application.  It should address the following questions:  (1) How have your experiences informed your decision to pursue a degree in human genetics?  (2) What qualifications and experiences have prepared you to succeed in your graduate work?  (3) Why you have chosen Pitt Public Health?  4) What do you seek to gain from your graduate studies and how does this align with future career goals?

Possibly. Admissions decisions to the MS program are made twice per year, for Fall and Spring matriculation. New students are strongly encouraged to apply for Fall admission. We can often make accommodations for late applicants to the MS program, but not always. The safest option is to apply before the deadline. It is fine if third-party application materials, such as letters of recommendation, are submitted after the deadline as long as there is not a long delay.