Healthcare Genetics, PhD

Program Requirements

The interdisciplinary Doctor of Philosophy degree program in Healthcare Genetics, provided through the School of Nursing, offers individuals from multiple health-related disciplines the opportunity to achieve a terminal degree in Healthcare Genetics. The curriculum builds partnerships with more than six disciplines focusing on genetics, health policy and ethics, theory development and quantitative and qualitative research methods. Three specialty research tracks promote advanced study in Translational Genetics [Bench Research], Applied Population Genetics as an Interventionist, or Genetics in Ethics/Health Policy.

The PhD program in Healthcare Genetics prepares interdisciplinary scientists to extend the knowledge base relevant to healthcare genomics, translate research to advance the application of genomics in healthcare and collaborate in interdisciplinary research and practice.

Objectives of the program are as follows:

1. Collaborate with other disciplines to generate knowledge and develop theories that focus on the genetic aspects of actual and potential health problems of diverse individuals, families, groups and communities while addressing health disparities.
2. Formulate health promotion, disease prevention, and treatment strategies that translate and integrate genomic knowledge from a variety of disciplines.
3. Demonstrate leadership that facilitates interdisciplinary development and application of ethical guidelines and health policy in genetics.
4. Disseminate research findings to expand knowledge of genomics into models of practice.

Coursework includes a variety of on-line, Webenhanced and traditional classroom settings. Core courses are available on the Clemson University campus, as well as a variety of other institutions.

Admission Requirements

Students applying for the Healthcare Genetics program will have at least a bachelor’s degree in a related health science discipline from an accredited institution. Other requirements include the following:

1. Competitive GRE scores (most successful applicants will have at least a 153 on the verbal section, a 144 on the quantitative section and a 4.0 for the writing section)
2. Master’s (MS/MA) thesis or publications. (BS applicants entering without a data-based research experience will be required to complete satisfactorily a research project utilizing the six hours of cognate electives prior to beginning the core courses in the doctoral program.)
3. Submission of a curriculum vita
4. Written statement of career goals
5. Graduate School application with three letters of recommendation from professionals that address research and scholarly potential
6. Interviews with two faculty members (may be conducted in person, Polycom, or telephone depending on individual circumstances)
7. Cumulative grade-point average of 3.4 or higher in the undergraduate (and/or graduate programs if applicable)

The curriculum is composed of 12 core courses and three cognate specialties/tracks. The core curriculum provides 34 hours of coursework in the areas of genetics, health policy and ethics, theory development and quantitative and qualitative research methods. In the specialty cognates, students pursue advanced study in Basic Genetics [Bench Research], Applied Population Genetics as an Interventionist, or Genetics in Ethics/Health Policy. Seminars and electives bring the cognate hours to 18. With 18 hours of dissertation (requirements met as manuscripts submitted for preparation), the total credit hours required is 70. This can be accomplished full-time over a four-year period, including two summers of study.

Comprehensive exams and 18 hours of dissertation research are required (to be developed as three manuscripts for publication).

The coordinator of the PhD program in Healthcare Genetics, in concert with individual faculty advisors, will work with each student to determine the requirements for their program of study. The plan of study for a student entering with a bachelor’s degree will be developed that reflects prior coursework, required prerequisites and data-based research experiences. Students without previous biochemistry courses will be required to take BCHM 6320  or its equivalent.