Master of Science in Human Genetics and Genomics Online

What is the Master of Science in Human Genetics and Genomics program?

It’s a graduate degree that builds both broad and deep expertise in human genetics and genomics, covering genetic disease, gene editing and therapies, diagnostics, and the ethical and legal issues in the field. It’s designed to prepare you for biotechnology, research, and lab careers rather than direct patient care. See the Program Overview page for more.

Is the program fully online?

Yes. Nearly all coursework is asynchronous, so you can study on your own schedule. Your diploma and transcript look the same whether you complete the degree online or in person.

How long does it take to complete the program?

You can finish in as little as one year full-time, or spread your coursework out further with a part-time option if you’re balancing work or other commitments. Full details on both tracks and term structure are on the Program Details page.

When can I start the program?

SCU offers multiple start terms throughout the year and admits on a rolling basis, so you don’t have to wait for a single annual deadline. Check the Program Overview page for current upcoming start dates.

What is the difference between this degree and a genetic counseling degree?

This program prepares you for genomics research, biotechnology, and lab or data-focused careers. A genetic counseling degree trains you for direct, patient-facing clinical work. If counseling is your goal, you’ll need an ACGC-accredited program like SCU’s Master of Science in Genetic Counseling. Read more in Careers That Combine DNA Technology and Medicine.

How do genetics and genomics differ?

Genetics is the study of individual genes and inheritance, while genomics looks at an organism’s entire set of DNA. This program gives you a foundation in both. For a deeper explanation, see Exploring Online Genetics Classes.

Will this degree qualify me to become a licensed genetic counselor?

No, not on its own. Genetic counselor licensure and certification require graduating from an ACGC-accredited program. If you want to pursue counseling, the optional Pre-Genetic Counseling concentration below can help position you for that path.

What is the Pre-Genetic Counseling concentration?

It’s an optional add-on term covering counseling psychology, the genetic counseling career path, and clinical case studies. If you complete it and meet admissions standards for SCU’s Master’s in Genetic Counseling program, you’re guaranteed an interview. Learn more on the Program Overview page.

What will I study in this program?

• Structure and function of the human genome
• Microbial genomics in health and disease
• Advanced diagnostic technologies
• Heritable syndromes and diseases
• Population genetics and genetic genealogy
• Epigenetics
• Gene editing and gene therapies
• Synthetic biology
• Pharmacogenomics
• Bioethics and research ethics

For the full course list and credit breakdown by term, visit the Program Details page.

Can I complete this program part-time while working?

Yes. A part-time track spreads the same coursework across more terms so you can keep working while you study. Whichever track you choose, SCU’s fixed tuition guarantee locks in your per-term rate. See the Tuition and Scholarships page for current details.

What is the Capstone Project?

In your final term, you’ll work with a mentor to complete an independent project on a genomics topic of your choice. It’s a chance to demonstrate mastery of a subject you care about, and it can lead to publications or research opportunities down the line.

What are the admissions requirements?

In general, you’ll need a completed bachelor’s degree, a 2.7 undergraduate GPA, and a set number of life and physical science credits (biology, chemistry, and biochemistry or molecular cell biology). Requirements and current thresholds are outlined on the Admissions Requirements page.

Do I need a science background to apply?

Not necessarily. Most applicants come from biology, biochemistry, chemistry, or physics backgrounds, but SCU considers other fields of study too. If you’re missing science prerequisites, you may still be admitted contingent on completing a short online module early in your first term.

What if I'm missing some of the prerequisite science courses?

You can enroll in an SCU Accelerated Science course to fill gaps or improve your GPA, and these courses come with guaranteed acceptance into this program. Learn more on the Accelerated Sciences page.

Is the GRE or another standardized test required to apply?

No standardized test scores are required for admission. Some applicants may be asked for a brief personal statement instead.

What are the application deadlines?

SCU admits on a rolling basis rather than working from a single fixed deadline, so it’s best to apply as early as possible ahead of your intended start term. Visit the Admissions Requirements page for current guidance.

Can international students apply?

Yes. Admissions requirements are the same regardless of citizenship, though you may need extra documentation related to immigration and finances. Visit the International Students Admissions page for details.

How much does the program cost?

Tuition is billed by credit hour and varies depending on whether you enroll full-time or part-time and whether you add the Pre-Genetic Counseling concentration. For current rates and a full term-by-term cost breakdown, visit the Tuition and Scholarships page.

What is SCU's Fixed Rate Tuition Guarantee?

Once you enroll, your per-term tuition rate is locked in for the length of your program (as long as you stay on track to graduate on time), so you won’t face surprise price increases mid-program. Review the Fixed Rate Tuition Guarantee page for details.

Are there scholarships available?

Yes. SCU offers a merit scholarship for incoming students who meet a GPA threshold, plus a scholarship specific to the Pre-Genetic Counseling concentration. Additional institutional scholarships may also apply. Current award amounts and eligibility are on our SCU Scholarships page.

How do most students pay for the program?

Students typically combine federal loans, private education loans, scholarships, and personal resources. SCU’s Financial Aid team can help you build a personalized plan, and you can view estimated costs of attendance on the Cost and Affordability page.

What can I do with this degree?

Graduates work across a range of settings, including:

• Academic and nonprofit research
• Biotech, pharma, and diagnostics companies
• Clinical and diagnostic laboratories (non-clinical roles)
• Variant curation and genomic data interpretation
• Public health, policy, and government
• Genomic data science and informatics
• Education, communication, and outreach

See the Career Information page and How to Earn a Geneticist Degree for more.

Who is this program best suited for?

This program tends to fit well if you’re one of the following:

• A biology, chemistry, or STEM graduate who wants deeper, applied training without a PhD or medical school
• A working lab professional aiming for more advanced genomics or R&D roles
• A data-oriented scientist who wants to apply quantitative skills to genomic data
• A health professional who wants to work with genomic tests and precision medicine without a clinical genetics degree
• Someone drawn to biotech, pharma, or diagnostics who wants a science-focused, non-clinical path
• An educator, communicator, or policy-minded professional who wants technical depth in genomics

Where do SCU graduates end up working?

Graduates are employed in laboratories, academic medical centers, biotech and pharmaceutical companies, genomic bioinformatics firms, and public health or government-affiliated labs, both within California and around the country. Current outcomes data is on the Career Information page.

Is this a growing field?

Yes. Demand for genomics expertise continues to expand as sequencing, bioinformatics, and precision medicine become more central to research and routine healthcare, creating openings across labs, data science, and industry.

How competitive is the job market for graduates?

Genomics and genetics roles fall within broader, faster-than-average-growth categories like medical scientists, biochemists, and clinical laboratory professionals, so the field tends to reward strong skills without being oversaturated.

Is there a faster path if I already have an SCU bachelor's degree?

Yes. Graduates of SCU’s Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences with a concentration in Human Genetics and Genomics enter this master’s program having already completed some of the required credits, which can shorten your timeline.

Who can I contact with questions about the program?

You can email Admissions@scuhs.edu or call 562-475-4604. You can also, request information, schedule a call with an admissions advisor, or attend a virtual information session.

How do I apply?

SCU admits on a rolling basis, so you can start your application at any time. Visit the application page to begin.

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.