Frequently Asked Questions about the Institute for Public Health Genetics (IPHG)
Q: I come from a non-science background. What classes could I take to prepare myself better for one of the IPHG programs?
A: Not all of our students come from a scientific background. New IPHG students who do not have a fundamental knowledge of human genetics and genomics are frequently required to complete the equivalent of GENOME 371 either before entering the program or during their first year of study in the MPH program. Courses in basic biology and chemistry will also be helpful.
Q: What is the typical profile for somebody admitted into the PHG program?
A: There is no typical profile. Student backgrounds have ranged from law to molecular biology and from biology teaching to social anthropology.
Decisions regarding acceptance to the PHG program are made by a faculty committee. The committee makes its decisions based on a variety of factors. These include:
- Grades, coursework and GRE scores
- Work and/or volunteer experience relevant to public health genetics
- Motivation and interest in public health genetics, based on the personal statement and letters of recommendation.
All of these factor into an assessment of a prospective student's likelihood of success in this rigorous, multidisciplinary program and in a public health genetics career. In addition, competition varies from year to year and acceptance rates are dependent on the pool of applicants.
Because we are still a relatively new program, we are unable to provide information such as average GPA or GRE scores of students admitted to the program.
Q: Do I need to also take a GRE subject or writing assessment test?
A: No. Only the general GRE (Verbal/Quantitative/Analytical) is required when applying to our MPH program. Both analytical scores (before Oct. 1, 2002) and analytic writing scores (after Oct. 1, 2002) are acceptable.
Q: Do I need an advanced degree to apply to this program?
A: No. Our program's minimum requirement is a bachelor's degree in any relevant field.
Q: Will you send me application materials?
A: Only in unusual circumstances. Our application packets are available on line in early October and the application deadline is January 15th. It can be found through our PHG homepage at: http://depts.washington.edu/phgen/
Q: Do I qualify for financial aid?
A: You may. Financial aid issues are detailed at: Funding Information
Q: How many spots are available, and how many people are competing for those spots?
A: Because we are a relatively small program, the numbers to vary greatly from year to year. However, last year we received approximately 50 completed applications. The committee offered admission to almost half of the applicants. The committee makes its decisions based on each applicant's qualifications and not on a specific number of spaces available for new students.
Q: I am interested in genetic epidemiology. Would it be better for me to apply for the MPH in Public Health Genetics or for the MS in Genetic Epidemiology?
A: The MPH is typically a terminal practice degree that requires courses in other disciplines of public health as well as a practicum experience. Genetic epidemiology is one of several core components of the MPH in Public Health Genetics. The MS in Genetic Epidemiology is a more focused degree typically designed for researchers or as a stepping-stone toward a Ph.D. It will allow you to cover genetic epidemiology in greater depth than the MPH.
Q: Are there any joint degrees offered (MPH/MBA, MPH/JD, MPH/MPA)?
A: There is now a formal joint MPH/JD program available. Please send an email to phgen@u.washington.edu for more information. Other joint degrees can be pursued on an informal, concurrent basis. Up to twelve credit hours can be shared between concurrent masters degrees.
Q: What are some refresher/prep courses that I could take if my science/math background is out-of-date?
A: Any course in basic biology and/or genetics will be beneficial. Organic chemistry or biochemistry courses are helpful, but not necessary. Other useful courses would be introductions to epidemiology and biostatistics.
Q: What kinds of employment opportunities are there for PHG graduates?
A: In general, our graduates pursue careers in public health agencies and at colleges and universities. Please see our annual report for a tabulation of graduates. We have graduates who have continued on to law school, to medical school, to genetic counseling programs, and who have been admitted to our PhD program. Several of our graduates have accepted fellowships at the CDC. Others have continued doing research here at the University of Washington and at other universities. We also have graduates who now work for the Washington State Department of Health. For more information about the "Genetics in the Workplace Survey" published in Community Genetics [Community Genet 2001;4:143-147].
Q: What kinds of research do faculty members in PHG conduct?
A: Our faculty range in their fields of research. PHG research is conducted in (but not limited to) genetic epidemiology, pharmacology, environmental health, medical genetics, pathobiology, nutrition, social anthropology, health economics, law, bioethics and genomics. A list of our faculty is available at: Core Faculty