Graduate Certificate in Pre-Genetic Counseling Online

Message from the Program Director

Dan Handley, MS, PhD Program Director, Human Genetics and Genomics Program Southern California University of Health Sciences

Welcome to the Human Genetics and Genomics Program.

This is an extremely exciting time to be in the field of human genetics and genomics. Major discoveries and new technologies in genomics are revolutionizing healthcare. Gene editing technologies are giving new hope to patients with serious diseases previously considered untreatable, such as sickle cell anemia. Genome sequencing and other technologies allow us to rapidly detect, track, and study the spread of serious infectious diseases as well as swiftly creating new genomics-based vaccines. Researchers are now developing methods of capturing and analyzing tiny fragments of tumor DNA circulating in the blood, allowing cancer to be detected in its earliest stages months or years before symptoms develop. These are just a few examples of the enormous impact genomics is making on preventing, treating, and curing disease. Virtually every week, a new important discovery in the field of genomics is announced.

I welcome you to this program, and no matter what your aspirations, I am confident you will find this program exciting and valuable. As the application of genomics technologies in healthcare continues to increase rapidly, graduates from our program will have a multitude of lucrative career opportunities. You will become the next generation of leaders, educators, and innovators who will continue to make positive contributions to the world.

Dan Handley, MS, PhD

Program Director, Human Genetics and Genomics Program
Southern California University of Health Sciences


Program News

  • Genetic Counseling Co-Hort
SCU Welcomes Inaugural Genetic Counseling Cohort

September 4, 2025|

SCU Welcomes Inaugural Genetic Counseling Cohort Southern California University of Health Sciences (SCU) is proud to welcome the inaugural class of the Master of Science in Genetic Counseling (MSGC) program, an extraordinary group [...]

  • A collage of the 2023 ASB E-board electees
SCU Announces the 2023 ASB Executive Board (E-board)

November 29, 2022|

Elections were recently held for the 2023 SCU ASB Executive Board (E-board) annual student leadership positions, including President, Vice President, CCO Chair, Treasurer, Secretary, and Community Liaison. Congratulations to the following elected student leaders for 2023 who will serve a one-year term beginning Jan. 2023, through Dec. 2023. President: Joanna Quintana (top left) Vice President: Tim Schrijver (top middle) Secretary: Kristeen Shamas (top right) Treasurer: Eira Perez (bottom left) Community Liaison: Madison Park (bottom middle) CCO Chair: John Krueger (bottom right)

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