Healthcare Genetics, PhD

Program Description

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 settings. Some core classes are offered on Clemson’s main campus and students may find alternate courses online and transfer course credits to meet requirements with approval from the School of Nursing.