Graduate Certificate in Human Genetics and Genomics Online


Frequently Asked Questions

Program Overview

This 100% online, executive-style certificate builds your expertise in genetic testing and diagnostics, genetic involvement in disease, and precision therapeutics, plus the ethical, legal, and social implications (ELSI) of the field. It’s designed for bioscience and healthcare professionals who want to apply genomics in education, research, or clinical practice. View the full Program Overview page for more.

Yes. Every course is 100% online and asynchronous, so you can watch lectures and complete assignments whenever it works best for you each week, with no set login times. Courses include discussion posts, written assignments, case studies, and assessments, all facilitated by experienced faculty.

You can finish in as little as 8 months if you enroll full-time (1 term), or you can spread the same 12 credits across 2 terms if you’d rather go part-time.

The certificate is made up of 4 courses totaling 12 credits:

  • Introduction to the Human Genome (3 credits)
  • Population Genetics and Ancestry Analysis (3 credits)
  • Structure and Function of the Human Genome (3 credits)
  • Online Resources for Research and Clinical Genomics (3 credits)

You can view the full details on the Courses and Learning Outcomes page.

Admissions and Curriculum

You’ll need a completed bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution and an undergraduate GPA of 2.7 on a 4.0 scale. See the full Admissions Requirements page for current details.Your Content Goes Here

Not necessarily. Most applicants have a background in biology, biochemistry, chemistry, or physics, but degrees in other fields are still considered.

SCU offers multiple start terms throughout the year for both full-time and part-time tracks. Please check the current upcoming start dates.

SCU admits students on a rolling basis, but it’s best to submit your application and supporting documents 3 to 6 months before your intended start date.

If you have relevant graduate credit from another institution, SCU’s Transfer Students page walks through how that process works and what may or may not apply toward the certificate.

Cost and Financial Aid

Tuition is billed per credit hour across the certificate’s 12 credits, and SCU’s Fixed Rate Tuition Guarantee locks in your rate as long as you stay on track with your cohort. Please check the Tuition and Scholarships page for current details.

Yes. Please see the Undergraduate Student Aid page and our SCU Scholarships page for details.

Career Outcomes and How This Program Compares

Yes. If you decide to continue your studies, you can apply all 12 of your certificate credits toward SCU’s Master of Science in Human Genetics and Genomics (MSHGG), assuming you’re accepted into that program.

The certificate is a focused, 12-credit foundation in genetics and genomics. The MSHGG is a full graduate degree for a genomics-centered biotechnology career, going deeper into topics like gene editing and advanced diagnostics. Since your credits carry over, many students use the certificate to explore the program first.

No. Sitting for the ABGC exam and pursuing state licensure requires an ACGC-accredited program, like SCU’s Master of Science in Genetic Counseling (MSGC). This certificate and the MSHGG are built for research, industry, and biotechnology careers instead. See our article on how to become a genetic counselor if that’s your goal.

The Pre-Genetic Counseling Certificate prepares you for admission into a genetic counseling master’s program. This certificate is broader, building genomics and biotechnology knowledge that stacks into the MSHGG instead.

It’s a strong fit if you’re already working in a related field and want to add genomics expertise, or if you’re exploring whether a deeper genomics career is right for you. Related roles include:

  • Laboratory or clinical genomics support roles
  • Research or biotech industry positions
  • Genomics-focused roles within healthcare organizations
  • Educational or training roles that require applied genomics knowledge

For a broader look at where a genomics background can take you, see our articles on careers that combine DNA technology and medicine and whether biotechnology is a good career path.

No prior coding experience is required. The certificate builds your foundation in genetics and genomics concepts, including how to use research and clinical genomics resources, rather than teaching programming languages.

You’re a good fit if you:

  • Already work in bioscience or healthcare and want to add genomics expertise to your résumé
  • Are considering a career pivot into genomics, biotechnology, or genetics-related research
  • Want a lower-commitment way to explore the field before enrolling in a full master’s program
  • Plan to eventually pursue the MSHGG and want to bank credits toward it now

Preparing for Class

You’ll have a set window, usually the length of the term, to watch lectures, complete assignments, join discussion posts, and finish any case studies or assessments. You choose when during the week to do the work, which is what makes the format friendly for working professionals.

Yes. General admission requirements are the same regardless of citizenship, though immigration regulations mean there are a few additional steps for international applicants. Please visit our International Students Admissions page for details.

SCU outlines the specific hardware, software, and internet requirements you’ll need on the Technology Requirements page, so it’s worth reviewing before your first term starts.

Yes. SCU is regionally accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC), a regional accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. You can find more on SCU’s Accreditation and Affiliations page.

Next Steps

You can start your application directly through the SCU Applicant Portal.

You can request information, register for a virtual information session, or call 562-475-4604 to talk through your specific path and questions.