The Master of Science (MS) in Genetic Epidemiology provides students with in-depth training in genetic epidemiology through unique coursework and training opportunities.
Learn more about the MS in Genetic Epidemiology Curriculum:
Courses
Sample Schedule
Course listed on this page are based on a two-year, full-time course of study. Only required courses are listed in the sample schedule. Electives are selected by the student in consultation with their advisor. For questions about less than full-time study, please contact our admissions team at phgadmit@uw.edu.
Year 1 Autumn (12 credits)
| Course | Name | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| EPI 512 | Epidemiologic Methods I | 4 |
| BIOST 517 | Applied Biostatistics I | 4 |
| PHG 512 | Legal, Ethical, and Social Issues in Public Health Genetics | 3 |
| PHG 580 | Interactive Seminar | 1 |
Year 1 Winter (9 credits)
| Course | Name | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| EPI 513 | Epidemiologic Methods II | 4 |
| PHI 500 | Public Health Practice, Science and Knowledge | 1 |
| BIOST 518 | Applied Biostatistics II | 4 |
| PHG 580 | Interactive Seminar | 1 |
Year 1 Spring (10 credits)
| Course | Name | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| PHG 511 | Genetic Epidemiology | 3 |
| BIOST 550 | Statistical Genetics I: Mendelian Traits | 3 |
PHG 536 or GENOME 559 (AUT) | Bioinformatics and Gene Sequence Analysis | 3 |
| PHG 580 | Interactive Seminar | 1 |
Year 2 Autumn (12-15 credits)
| Course | Name | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| BIOST 551 | Statistical Genetics II: Quantitative Traits | 3 |
| GENOME 552 | Technologies for Genome Analysis | 1.5 |
GENOME 559 or PHG 536 (SPR) | Introduction to Statistical and Computational Genomics | 3 |
| EPI 573 | Methods and Issues in Using Biological Measurements in Epidemiologic Research | 3 |
| PHG 580 | Interactive Seminar | 1 |
| PHG 700 | Master’s Thesis | 1-9 |
Year 2 Winter (4-10 credits)
| Course | Name | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| PHG 580 | Interactive Seminar | 1 |
| PHG 700 | Master’s Thesis | 1-9 |
Year 2 Spring (4-10 credits)
| Course | Name | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| PHG 580 | Interactive Seminar | 1 |
| PHG 700 | Master’s Thesis | 1-9 |
Additional Requirements Not Tied to a Specific Quarter
| Course | Name | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Electives (not listed above) | 12 |
Notes
- Courses and timing are subject to change.
- Sample schedule is provided as a guide. Individual students’ schedules will vary.
- MS students must complete a minimum 63 credits.
- MS students must complete a minimum of 9 credits of Master’s Thesis credits.
Degree Competencies
Upon satisfactory completion of the Master of Science in Genetic Epidemiology, graduates will be able to:
- Meet the competencies established by the School of Public Health and the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH) for all SPH students.
- Meet the core competencies established by the Institute for Public Health Genetics for MS Genetic Epidemiology students:
- Apply knowledge of inheritance to understanding the etiology of a variety of diseases and health conditions;
- Describe the major genetic epidemiologic research study designs and their advantages and limitations and apply epidemiological and statistical approaches to the study of risk factors and diseases with a genetic component;
- Design, conduct and analysis of genetic epidemiologic studies and interpretation of findings, including integration of findings from other genetic epidemiologic studies;
- Describe the importance of evaluating interactions among genes, environmental factors, and behaviors, and their roles in health and disease;
- Critically read and evaluate quantitative research findings contained in, genetics, medical and public health journals;
- Write a research proposal including rationale for a specific genetic epidemiologic investigation, including a clear description of methods, and strengths and limitations of the proposed study;
- Demonstrate proficiency in conducting statistical analysis of genetic epidemiologic data;
- Describe the legal, ethical and social issues that may be associated with the collection and application of genetic and genomic information;
- Describe the latest technologies and genomic advances used to investigate the role of genes in disease and normal variation of traits; and
- Communicate effectively and persuasively, both orally and in writing, with colleagues within genetic epidemiology and from other disciplines.
Master's Thesis
MS students complete a research-based thesis under the direction of a faculty thesis chair and committee.
See past student projects.