Overview of IPHG Degree Programs
IPHG degree programs prepare students for careers in which they will apply a knowledge of genetic advances to public health. The curriculum focuses on phenotypic disease prevention in communities and populations, not only individual patients and their families, and explores related issues of economics, ethics, policy, and law. All degree programs emphasize a interdisciplinary approach to the subject matter.
The following are brief descriptions of the degree programs offered. For more details and degree requirements, please follow the links to the page for each program.
MPH in Public Health Genetics
IPHG's Master of Public Health (MPH) degree program provides broad training in public health genetics, including epidemiology, biostatistics, bioinformatics, pharmacogenomics, and ecogenetics in the context of law, ethics, policy, and culture. The program is open to students with a strong undergraduate education. It is also appropriate for those already holding an MD, RN, DVM, DDS, PhD, or JD degree who seek a career in public health practice or academia.
Concurrent JD/MPH in Public Health Genetics
The Concurrent JD/MPH degree program offers students the opportunity to combine in-depth professional educational training in the two professions so that they will be prepared to work in both venues. This program is appropriate for those who have worked in the health care industry or legal system and have developed an interest in public health issues through that experience. It is also appropriate for those who wish to broaden their previous careers and the potential impact of their work.
M.S. in Genetic Epidemiology
The Master of Science in Genetic Epidemiology is intended as a research degree focused on discovering and characterizing genetic susceptibility to disease in populations and identifying interactions with environmental factors. The MSGE program concentrates on epidemiologic methods, biostatistics, statistical genetics, and research methods in genetic epidemiology.
Ph.D. in Public Health Genetics
The Public Health Genetics Ph.D. program trains scholars for careers in colleges and universities, healthcare delivery systems, public health departments, government agencies, and the private sector. Courses, seminars, and research participation give students a interdisciplinary perspective that prepares them to teach, pursue their own research, and address scientific and policy questions from a solid educational grounding.
Graduate Certificate in Public Health Genetics
The Graduate Certificate Program in Public Health Genetics is available to students already enrolled in any other University of Washington graduate degree program. The program provides training in three primary areas of public health genetics: Genetic epidemiology, Pharmacogenomics, and Ethical, legal, and social issues connected with genetics. Students who complete the program will receive the Certificate from the Institute for Public Health Genetics. The Certificate will be acknowledged on the student's official UW transcript.