Diagnostic Genetic Sciences Certificate Program - Admissions & Applications

Admissions

The DGS certificate program is a full-time, competitive program open to students who have completed a related subject from an accredited institution. Applications are due by February 1st for a start date the following January, but may be accepted until the program start date on a space-available basis. The program is limited to a maximum of 24 students per year (combined undergraduate and certificate program students). The DGS certificate program cannot be completed on a part-time basis.

Prerequisites

  1. A Bachelor’s Degree prior to DGS Program matriculation
  2. A total GPA and a science GPA of 2.7 or better
  3. Coursework in the following areas:
    • Biology
    • Computer terminology and application (may be a component of another course)
    • Two semesters of general chemistry with lab
    • Organic chemistry
    • General genetics or human genetics
    • Microbiology (including virology)
    • Pre-calculus or higher
    • Statistics

Note: Students must have earned a passing grade in all prerequisite courses. Applicants who have not fulfilled all required prerequisite coursework may complete some requirements during the Program.

General Admission Requirements

Diagnostic Genetic Sciences admission is competitive. The following guidelines were established to help students prepare for the admissions process. All applications are given individual attention, and there are no predetermined, absolute minimum standards, aside from those established by the Department of Allied Health Sciences. The size and experience (both academic and non-academic) of the applicant pool varies from year to year, and influences to selection process.

Acceptance Criteria

  1. Total Grade Point Average (TGPA) of 2.2 is necessary to apply to any program in the Department of Allied Health Sciences, however, a TGPA of 2.7 or higher is often necessary to be competitive for admission to the Diagnostic Genetic Sciences Program.
  2. Science Grade Point Average (ScGPA) of 2.7 or higher is recommended to be competitive for admission to the Diagnostic Genetic Sciences Program. Courses in the biological sciences and chemistry are used to calculate the ScGPA. If science courses are retaken to improve one’s academic standing, the ScGPA is calculated twice; once including the original and repeat grade(s), and once with the repeat grade(s) only. Resultant improvement in academic standing will be factored into the admission decision.
  3. Evidence of Knowledge of the Profession. Evidence of knowledge of and commitment to the professions may be demonstrated by, but is not limited to, observation, volunteer or work experience in a cytogenetics, molecular, or related laboratory. Informational interviews with individuals working in cytogenetics or molecular diagnostics, and attendance of educational activities related to the professions are additional ways to gain and demonstrate knowledge of the disciplines. Although not required for admission, this category is particularly important for students with minimally competitive academic qualifications.
  4. Personal Interview. While not required, a personal interview with the Program Director or one of the DGS faculty is recommended and may be helpful to some individuals.

A candidate certifies awareness of the essential functions and behaviors required for admission and matriculation to the Diagnostic Genetic Sciences Program upon submission of an application to the DGS Program.

Learn more about Essential Program Requirements

Applying

Certificate Application Information

The Diagnostic Genetic Sciences certificate program is only open to students who have earned (or will have earned) a bachelor’s degree in biology, chemistry, molecular and cell biology, or a related subject area and completed appropriate prerequisite courses. For preferred consideration, applications are due by February 1 to begin the program in August. Later applications may be considered on a space-available basis.

Required Application Components:

  1. Online Graduate School Application
    Area: Health
    Field of Study: “Diagnostic Sciences Post-Bacc Certificate”
  2. Transcripts for all institutions you have attended, whether or not you graduated from that institution
  3. 500-word Personal Statement (Personal Statement Information)
  4. Two Letters of Recommendation – one must be an academic recommendation, the second may be academic or professional (no personal references accepted)
  5. $75 non-refundable application fee payable by credit card or PayPal during the application process

All application materials become the property of the Department of Allied Health Sciences and cannot be returned to you after submission. Please keep copies of application materials for your own records.