Ph.D. in Public Health Genetics
Overview
The Ph.D. in Public Health Genetics is a new, unique, interdisciplinary degree approved by the UW Graduate School and housed in the Institute for Public Health Genetics. It is guided by the Interdisciplinary Group in Public Health Genetics (PHG). Highly qualified students admitted to the program will receive advanced training in PHG and develop sophisticated research skills.
Prospective students are expected to have an outstanding academic record. We seek applicants from a variety of academic backgrounds. Some training in human genetics and molecular biology is desirable, as are excellent oral and written communication skills. See Admission Requirements.
For information about financial aid, see For Prospective Students.
Competencies
Ph.D. students develop a high level of proficiency in human genetics and public health, rooted in established competencies as formulated by several leading academic and governmental organizations.
The fundamental areas of study for the Ph.D. are human genetics and genomics, and public health (epidemiology, biostatistics, environmental health, and health services). Core knowledge areas are (a) Genomics in Public Health, including Genetic Epidemiology and Ecogenetics & Pharmacogenetics; and (b) the Implications of Genetics for Society, including Ethics & Social Science, Law & Policy, and Health Economics and Outcomes Research.
En route to the Ph.D. degree, students will develop their skills in independent research, their ability to communicate effectively about public health genetics to audiences from diverse backgrounds, and their ability to write at a professional level.
Curriculum
Students must complete at least 90 credits. Of those, at least 60 must be earned at the University of Washington. These include a minimum of 17 units of courses from the fundamental areas of study, 28 units from the two core knowledge areas, 9 units of selective courses, and 27 dissertation units.
Specifically, students are expected to:
- Complete, during their first two years, courses in the fundamental areas of study (Human Genetics and Public Health) and the two Core Knowledge Areas (Genomics in Public Health and Implications of Genetics for Society)
- Pass a written Preliminary Exam, usually at the completion of the second year
- Complete a third year of study focused on one of the two Core areas, including appropriate selective courses
- Pass the General Examination for advancement to Ph.D. candidacy
- Prepare a doctoral dissertation, and pass the Final Examination and oral defense of the dissertation.
For complete information about the Ph.D. requirements, see Ph.D. Program Details.
Schedule of Coursework for Ph.D. Students
The course of study leading to the Ph.D. in Public Health Genetics is designed to take four to five years. Actual student progress can vary, however, depending on a number of personal and academic factors. All work for the doctoral degree must be completed within ten years, including quarters spent on leave.
Program Application Materials
The following materials are available for you to download:
- Application Instructions
- Application Form (Microsoft Word format)
- Application Form (Adobe Acrobat PDF)
Other Program Forms