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3 Terms | 1 year, full-time
6 Terms | 2 years, part-time
Spring: January 6th, 2025
Summer: May 5th, 2025
Fall: September 2nd, 2025
The Master of Science in Human Genetics and Genomics (MSHGG) program is intended for those who wish to gain a broad and deep understanding of human genetics and genomics, a fast-growing field that is revolutionizing virtually every area of healthcare and the life sciences. Delivered 100% online, the program is ideal for busy professionals in clinical fields, biotechnology industries, or academia.
Upon successful completion, students will be able to critically analyze, translate, and apply genomics in education, research, and practice. Students will understand epigenetics and the ethical, legal, and social implications (ELSI) of applied genomics.
The MSHGG includes a strong emphasis on genetic involvement in disease as well as advanced genomic diagnostic technologies and therapeutics. Students will gain familiarity with DNA testing for paternity, ancestry, and forensic purposes. The principles of genetics and genomics can be applied to diverse public health fields such as population health, infectious diseases, and the human gut microbiome. Upon successful completion, students will be able to critically analyze, translate, and apply genomics in education, research, and practice.
The 100% online year-round courses enable the degree to be completed in only one year versus other programs that usually take two or more years to complete. Students can enroll for full-time or part-time study. You will also have the opportunity to participate in virtual collaborative work, gaining insight from your peers. The program is ideal for busy professionals in clinical fields, biotechnology industries, or academia.
The field of genetics is transforming virtually every area of healthcare and the life sciences. Scientists and thousands of other professionals are using discoveries in genetics to revolutionize the world. This means careers in genetics and genomics are growing. Many new opportunities in the field of genetics and genomics are remote, online positions.
Graduates of our Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences with a concentration in Human Genetics and Genomics have the option of reducing the program length from 3 terms to 2 terms.
The program of study emphasizes a broad array of topics from classical genetics to the latest in advanced genomics technologies. Learn not only about genetics and genomics, but how to correctly interpret genetic information in a way that a physician or other professional can use and apply it. You will become skilled at discerning the clinical significance and applications of genetic data.
Apply your learning experience to the real world with the capstone project. The capstone project walks students through the process of writing a compelling funding proposal. Whether graduates wish to work in industry, academia, nonprofit organizations, or other sectors, the ability to write a successful project proposal is a crucial and highly valuable skill. This capstone project helps students develop skills for life-long career success.
Students can choose to add an additional term of study and earn a concentration in Pre-Genetics Counseling. This concentration is intended to strengthen students knowledge and applications for acceptance into highly competitive master of science in genetic counseling programs. If a student completes the PGC concentration and meets the admissions standards for the SCU MSGC program, the applicant will be guaranteed an interview.
SCU scholarships are designed to offset college costs without the burden of loans or extra work. Scholarships are available for you to apply to help reduce the cost of your tuition. They are designed to reward, encourage, and assist students in the pursuit of academic excellence and leadership. Visit this program's Tuition & Fees tab for program-specific scholarships or SCU Scholarship for a complete listing of the available benefits.
SCU’s Master of Science in Human Genetics and Genomics (MSHGG) program is designed for students seeking a genomics-centered biotechnology career in industry or academia. Individuals with a bachelor’s degree can benefit from the advanced knowledge of the rapidly growing field of genetics and genomics. The MSHGG degree is also valuable to clinical laboratory scientists who wish to further their careers and expand their opportunities. The MSHGG degree provides state-of-the-art knowledge in genetics and genomics to meet the demands of biotechnology, academia, and clinical practice.
The curriculum provides both breadth and depth of knowledge in genetics and genomics. There is also an emphasis on practical skills, bioethics, and emerging technologies such as gene editing and gene therapies. SCU diplomas and transcripts are identical whether you earn your degree online or in person.
The optional Master of Science in Human Genetics and Genomics with a Pre-Genetic Counseling Concentration (PGC) is a fully online, remote, continuation of the degree. The concentration’s curriculum includes population genetics, genetic genealogy, genomic variant analysis, advanced genomics technologies, “omics” and precision medicine, microbial genomics, and epigenetics. The concentration also covers the latest in emerging areas such as gene therapies and synthetic biology as well as emphasizes the ethical, legal, and social implications (ELSI) of applied genomics. This additional fourth term of study covers topics specific to genetic counseling such as clinical counseling and psychosocial principles of counseling as well as case studies in genetic counseling.
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.
Program Director, Human Genetics and Genomics Program
Southern California University of Health Sciences
SCU’s Academic Advisory Board is composed of senior university academics, industry leaders, and content experts from around the world focused on continually improving the SCU Master of Science in Human Genetics and Genomics. Academic Advisory Board associates volunteer their time and are an appreciated and valuable resource to the program and university.
Applicants must meet the following minimum requirements. Applicants who do not meet all standards may be admitted with the approval of the Program Director; exceptions are made on an individual basis.
Students seeking reasonable accommodations or support services while enrolled at SCU can do so through the Student Services Office (SSO). We encourage you to register with SSO as early as possible to allow sufficient time for the approval and notification process.
If you have 47 credits or more, you can enter the Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences with a concentration in Human Genetics and Genomics, saving you both time and money toward earning your Master of Science in Human Genetics and Genomics.
$39,600 tuition to complete the program.*
SCU’s distinctive Fixed Rate Tuition Guarantee for degree programs provides students with confidence in planning for their educational investment.
Fixed Tuition Guarantee Benefits:
If you would like to learn more about fixed rate tuition, please contact the Office of Financial Aid at FinancialAid@scuhs.edu.
You can also visit the Office of Financial Aid website to learn more about available scholarships, loans, and more.
*Tuition is billed by term and rates reflected above represent the fixed rate for a student entering during the 2024-2025 academic year. Tuition does not include the Pre-Genetics Counseling Concentration. Tuition rates are subject to change and may not be reflected on this website or other SCU materials. Please contact us for the most updated information.
**Some limitations apply. View the Fixed Rate Tuition Guarantee page for more information.
The MSHGG Merit Scholarship is available to incoming students who have demonstrated academic achievement. The scholarship award is $1,500 and will be awarded over 3 terms. To be eligible for consideration, students must have a cumulative GPA of 3.25 or higher and be continuously enrolled. Scholarships are limited.
Students who select the Pre-Genetics Counseling Concentration will qualify for a scholarship of $5,400. The scholarship will be awarded during the last term for 4 Term students and the last two terms for 8 Term students.
| Term | Tuition* | Program Fees** | Petition to Graduate Fee | Total Term Cost*** |
| 1 | $13,200 | $150 | – | $13,350 |
| 2 | $13,200 | $150 | – | $13,350 |
| 3 | $13,200 | $150 | $225 | $13,575 |
| Totals | $39,600 | $450 | $225 | $40,275 |
| Term | Tuition* | Program Fees | Petition to Graduate Fee | Total Term Cost* |
| 1 | $13,200 | $150 | – | $13,350 |
| 2 | $13,200 | $150 | – | $13,350 |
| 3 | $13,200 | $150 | – | $13,350 |
| 4 | $13,200 | $150 | $225 | $13,575 |
| Totals | $52,800 | $600 | $225 | $53,625 |
| Term | Tuition* | Program Fees** | Petition to Graduate Fee | Total Term Cost*** |
| 1 | $6,600 | $150 | – | $6,750 |
| 2 | $6,600 | $150 | – | $6,750 |
| 3 | $6,600 | $150 | – | $6,750 |
| 4 | $6,600 | $150 | – | $6,750 |
| 5 | $6,600 | $150 | – | $6,750 |
| 6 | $6,600 | $150 | $225 | $6,975 |
| Totals | $39,600 | $900 | $225 | $40,725 |
| Term | Tuition* | Program Fees | Petition to Graduate Fee | Total Term Cost* |
| 1 | $6,600 | $150 | – | $6,750 |
| 2 | $6,600 | $150 | – | $6,750 |
| 3 | $6,600 | $150 | – | $6,750 |
| 4 | $6,600 | $150 | – | $6,750 |
| 5 | $6,600 | $150 | – | $6,750 |
| 6 | $6,600 | $150 | – | $6,750 |
| 7 | $6,600 | $150 | – | $6,750 |
| 8 | $6,600 | $150 | $225 | $6,975 |
| Totals | $52,800 | $1,200 | $225 | $54,225 |
Per term tuition amounts listed above were calculated using the current curriculum plan for credit hours in the term shown times the rate per credit hour and assumes that the student stays on cohort and follows the normal academic progression.
*Tuition is charged at $1,100 per credit hour. Tuition is billed by credit hour and rates reflected above represent the fixed rate for a student entering during the 2024/2025 academic year. Tuition rates are subject to change and may not be reflected on the website or other SCU materials. Please contact us for the most updated information. Restrictions on our fixed rate tuition guarantee apply. To remain eligible for the fixed rate guarantee, students must graduate either on time or within one additional term of the published program length they are enrolled in. Refer to the Fixed Rate Tuition Guarantee section of the academic catalog for more information. Actual tuition per term will vary depending upon the number of credit hours enrolled.
**Program fees listed are for the 2024/2025 academic year and are subject to change. Program fees include a charge for technology and ASB are charged every term that the student is enrolled.
***Books, supplies, and other equipment not included in this tuition and fee schedule may be required for this program.
Master of Science in Human Genetics and Genomics (MSHGG) graduates have many different employment options. Employers include both established biotechnology companies and startup companies, in addition to pharmaceutical companies, educational institutions, research institutions, and genetic testing laboratories.
You can specialize in branches of genetics such as:
expected growth between 2016 and 20261
median annual wage for geneticist in California2
While many graduates are in clinical, pharmaceutical, and research occupations, the program has significant representation from fields as varied as:
The single attribute all students and graduates possess is their passion for understanding genetics and applying that knowledge to improve human health.
Geneticists work in multidisciplinary teams alongside clinical counselors, clinical laboratory scientists and technicians, medical secretaries and administrative staff, as well as general practitioners, psychologists, neurologists, pediatricians and a range of other specialists.
Geneticists participate in biotechnology innovation and advancing integrative, whole-person health by contributing their knowledge of genetics in areas such as pediatrics, oncology, and infectious disease prevention.
View career and job resources in genetics and genomics below
Dan Handley, M.S., Ph.D., serves as Program Director of the Master of Science in Human Genetics and Genomics degree program at SCU. His knowledge spans over 30 years in the world of advanced genomics research and biotechnology. His Genetics & Genomics podcast educates listeners on what genomics is and how it’s helping scientists and clinical researchers gain a better understanding of how to promote health, prevent disease, and develop more precise treatments. Dr. Handley discusses topics ranging from health and ancestry, genetic testing, forensic genetics, genetics and mental health, common myths about genetics, and more.
Whether you’re interested enrolling in the SCU Master of Science in Human Genetics and Genomics degree, the booming Genetics & Genomics field and many career options, or just curious in learning more about the 3 billion DNA letters that make up the human genome; the DNA Dan podcast touches on it all.
Tune into DNA Dan on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Buzzsprout, or wherever else you enjoy listening to podcasts.
You wouldn’t be looking at this program if you weren’t interested in using discoveries in genetics and genomics to revolutionize the world. Your dedication and enthusiasm for the growing movement toward genomics becoming a fixture in our lives are what make you the perfect fit for SCU. Now, begin to discover why we’re the perfect fit for you.
Our approach to Interprofessional Education is unique in California and across the country. Here, modern medicine unites with ancient and traditional healing arts to create an environment of engagement. SCU’s groundbreaking IPE model combines curriculum, clinic, community, and clubs to help you develop a broader base of knowledge and gain a deeper appreciation for different perspectives on care which leads to a seamless transition from student to practitioner.
We bring together aspiring students from different disciplines so you can learn and excel side-by-side. The depth and breadth of this dynamic experience will prepare you to one day take the lead in a collaborative, interprofessional practice.
Students at SCU have many financial assistance opportunities available to them in order to cover their educational expenses. It is the policy of the Financial Aid Office to assist our students as much as possible to afford their education. Talk with a financial counselor by calling (562) 947-8755 ext 766 or click here to learn more
Fixed Tuition Guarantee Benefits:
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