Diagnostic Genetics
in the School of Health Professions
Diagnostic Genetics and Genomics
The Diagnostic Genetics and Genomics Program aims to make an important contribution to improving health care through applied research. With a variety of participating Principal Investigators who share a wide range of research interests, these goals are attainable through collaborative, interdisciplinary, and outcome-based clinical research and clinical applications.
The Graduate Program in Diagnostic Genetics and Genomics concentrates on the mastery of interpretive skills in major areas of the field including:
- Cancer genetics and genomics
- Infectious disease genetics and genomics
- Pre- and Post-natal genetics and genomics
- DNA forensic science
- Model organism genomics
- Bioinformatics and diagnostic genetics and genomics
The program offers two tracks leading to a Master of Science degree.
- Two-Year Track in Molecular Genetics and Genomics
- Two-Year Track in Cytogenetics and Cytogenomics
Visit the program on the campus of MD Anderson during one of the program information sessions.
The application deadline for each year is April 30; however, late applicants may be considered if the class is not filled. The program accepts up to 10 students per class. The program’s academic year is usually the last week in August or the first week in September through the second or third Friday in August of the following year.
The student to faculty ratio for student lab activities is roughly 5:1. With respect to the ratio of clinical laboratory student to faculty, the ratio is 1:1 in clinical and basic research laboratories not only within the institution but also within the Houston Medical Center, in Galveston, and across the United States.
An Overview of Diagnostic Genetics and Genomics
The DGG program offers a low instructor to student ratio of ~1-3
Molecular genetics and genomics track students learn how develop bioinformatics workflows for Next Generation Sequencing data analysis
Molecular genetics and genomics track students learn to find disease-related differences in multiple genomes via hands project-based teaching labs
Molecular genetics and genomics students learn to sequence and analyze RNA from humans, model organisms and pathogenic microbes
Spectrum Karyotyping Analysis (SKY) indicates complex chromosome abnormalities for a cancer patient
Administration
Program Director
Peter Hu, Ph.D.
Associate Graduate Program Director
Awdhesh Kalia, Ph.D.
Executive Advisor
Rajyalakshmi Luthra, Ph.D.
Professor, Department of Hematopathology
Professor, Department of Translational Molecular Pathology
Division of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine
MD Anderson Cancer Center
View the complete roster of SHP educators
Accreditation
The Diagnostic Genetics program is accredited by and has conformed its curriculum to the standards published and monitored by the:
National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS
5600 N. River Rd., Ste 720
Rosemont, IL 60018-5119
Phone 773-714-8880
Fax 773-714-8886
Upon completion of the program, students will qualify for examination and certification from the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP.
Clinical Affiliations
The program has developed affiliations with reference labs and medical institutions around Houston, so that students will develop expertise in a variety of settings and experience the breadth of opportunity available to a certified diagnostic geneticist. During the clinical phase of instruction, training and supervision are provided in affiliated hospitals and clinical laboratories.
- The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center
- Diagnostic Molecular Science Laboratory
- Clinical Cytogenetics Laboratory
- Clinical Microbiology Laboratory
- DNA Analysis Core Facility
- Access Dx Laboratory
- Baylor College of Medicin (Harris Health System)
- Chromosome & Microarray Laboratory
- Diagnostic Sequencing Laboratory
- John Welsh Cardiovascular Diagnostic Laboratory
- Mitochondria Laboratory
- UTMB Healt at Galveston, Molecular Diagnostic Laboratory
Outcome Measures-Effectiveness Data
| Graduation Year | Graduation Rate | Placement Rate^ | Pass Rate* |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | 100% | 100% | 100% |
| 2016 | 100% | 100% | 100% |
| 2017 | 100% | 100% | 100% |
| 2018 | 100% | 100% | 100% |
| 2019 | 100% | 100% | 100% |
| 2020 | 100% | 100% | 100% |
| 2021 | 100% | 100% | 75% |
| 2022 | 100% | 86% | 75% |
| 2023 | 100% | 100% | 100% |
| 2024 | pending | 100% | 100% |
^ Indicates employed or pursued additional education, including doctorates.
* Board of Certification First-Time Pass Rate
Awdhesh Kalia, Ph.D.
713-563-3225
akalia@mdanderson.edu
School of Health Professions
713-745-1205
askSHP@mdanderson.edu