Education
Human genetics is one of the most exciting and fastest-growing fields in the biomedical sciences. At the University of Michigan, graduate students and postdoctoral fellows have wide-ranging opportunities to conduct interdisciplinary genetics research in a broad range of areas, including population and statistical genetics, genomic instability, the genetic epidemiology of common diseases, genomics, the isolation and characterization of disease-causing mutations in humans and mice, gene therapy, regulation of gene expression, mammalian developmental genetics and cancer genetics.
Graduate Student Training: Program in Biomedical Science (PIBS)
Graduate students entering the University of Michigan Program in Biomedical Science (PIBS) can choose between 13 participating Ph.D. training programs in 44 research areas. Entering students can immediately begin training in their chosen program, or they can take a course of study compatible with several programs. In the meantime, students participate in research rotations in two to four laboratories of their choice out of more than 300 graduate research mentors available in the thirteen programs. Students are not required to select a specific research laboratory or training program until the end of their first year. Complete information is available on the PIBS Web site.
Genetic Counseling Program
The University of Michigan’s Genetic Counseling Program offers an innovative course of study in the medical, scientific and counseling aspects of human genetics and genetic counseling. Our graduates emerge as extremely well rounded clinicians, who are prepared to meet the current challenges in clinical genetic medicine and to help guide the evolving practice of genetic counseling and genomic medicine.
The two-year master’s program provides an individualized, integrated and supportive graduate training environment comprised of a comprehensive and rigorous academic curriculum, diverse clinical experience and a broad spectrum of research opportunities to support the development of genetic counseling clinical scholars.
For more information on eligibility, qualifications and the application process, see the program’s Web site.
Public Health Genetics
The Public Health Genetics Interdepartmental Concentration (PHGIC), offered by the U-M’s School of Public Health, provides graduates with a base of knowledge and skills in public health genetics. Students enrolled in the PHGIC are trained to incorporate knowledge of how genes, together with the environment and behavior, influence health and apply this insight into their area of practice or research. All areas of public health can be improved and expanded by examining the role of genetics in public health issues. For more information, see the program’s Web site.
Medical Genetics Residency Program
The Medical Genetics Residency Program is based in the Department of Pediatrics and utilizes the combined clinical genetics services and basic science research and education programs of five Medical School departments. It is a Medical Genetics RRC-accredited two-year program providing a minimum of 18 months of clinical experience in Medical Genetics. For more information, see the program’s Web site.
