Graduate Certificate in Human Genetics and Genomics Online

What is the Graduate Certificate in Human Genetics and Genomics?

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.

Is this program fully online?

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.

How long does it take to complete the certificate?

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.

What courses will I take?

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.

What are the admissions requirements?

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

Do I need a science degree to apply?

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

When can I start the program?

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

When should I apply, and are there deadlines?

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.

Will I need to transfer in any previous coursework or credits?

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.

How much does the certificate cost?

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.

Are there financial aid or scholarships available for this certificate?

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

Can I apply my certificate credits toward a master's degree?

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.

What's the difference between this certificate and SCU's Master of Science in Human Genetics and Genomics (MSHGG)?

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.

Does this certificate qualify me to become a certified genetic counselor?

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.

How is this different from SCU's Graduate Certificate in Pre-Genetic Counseling?

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.

What careers can this certificate help prepare me for?

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.

Do I need programming or bioinformatics coding experience to succeed in this program?

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.

Who is this certificate program best suited for?

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

What does a typical week look like in an asynchronous course?

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.

Can international students apply?

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.

What technology do I need for online coursework?

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.

Is Southern California University of Health Sciences accredited?

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.

How do I apply?

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

Who can I talk to if I still have questions?

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

Why should I care that SCU is focused on Integrative, Whole Health?

Because healthcare is increasingly moving in this direction. You’ll be entering a healthcare system that places greater emphasis on whole-person care, prevention, and collaboration across disciplines. An Integrative, Whole Health education will prepare you to understand the many factors that influence health, the range of approaches available to patients, and how your profession fits into the bigger picture.

Why should I care that SCU provides an Interprofessional Education?

Because in the real world, healthcare is rarely delivered by one profession alone. Learning with and about other healthcare disciplines will help you understand what other providers do, when their expertise may benefit your patients, and how to communicate, collaborate, and coordinate care effectively.

Will focusing on Integrative, Whole Health take away from learning my own profession?

No. You will still develop the advanced knowledge and skills you need to become an expert in your chosen profession. Integrative, Whole Health adds a broader understanding of the patient, other health professions, and the healthcare system in which you’ll practice—it doesn’t replace professional expertise.

Couldn’t I learn this at any healthcare university?

You may encounter elements of it elsewhere. At SCU, however, this broader perspective is part of the environment in which you’ll learn from the beginning—not simply a topic you’ll encounter in an individual course or elective.