Genetics, PhD
This is the first version of the 2026–27 General Catalog. Please check back regularly for changes. The final edition and the historical PDF will be published during the fall semester.
Learning Outcomes
The PhD in genetics will:
- develop students' ability to understand and critically evaluate scientific literature, and to design and complete successful experiments with rigor and reproducibility;
- develop students' ability to publish scientific data and convey scientific discoveries through oral and written presentations to diverse audiences;
- develop students' ability to exhibit teaching effectiveness in the classroom and laboratory through teaching experiences; and
- prepare students for a multitude of career paths that include positions in academia, industry, clinical genetics and scientific writing.
The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in genetics requires a minimum of 72 s.h. of graduate credit. Students must maintain a cumulative grade-point average of 3.00. The program is designed to promote collaborative investigation and intellectual interaction among students and faculty participants affiliated with several different departments.
Students who enroll in the PhD program are encouraged to obtain a broad background in genetics, including molecular, population, and human genetics. Within this context, course requirements are flexible enough to permit students to tailor their formal coursework to their individual needs. All students are required to do some teaching as part of their development as future scientists and faculty members.
Students have the option to declare a PhD emphasis in computational genetics.
An example of typical curriculum taken each semester can be found in the Sample Plan of Study located on MyUI.
The PhD in genetics requires the following coursework.
Core Courses
| Course # | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| All of these: | ||
| GENE:6150 | Genetic Analysis of Biological Systems | 3 |
| BMED:5207 | Principles of Molecular and Cellular Biology | 3 |
| BMED:7270 | Scholarly Integrity/Responsible Conduct of Research I | 0 |
| BMED:7271 | Scholarly Integrity/Responsible Conduct of Research II | 0 |
| All of these, repeated each semester: | ||
| GENE:6200 | Current Topics in Genetics (seminar) | 1 |
| GENE:6210 | Seminars in Genetics | 1 |
| GENE:7301 | Graduate Research in Genetics | arr. |
| One of these: | ||
| BIOS:4120 | Introduction to Biostatistics | 3 |
| STAT:3510 | Biostatistics | 3 |
| One of these: | ||
| GENE:7191 | Human Molecular Genetics | 3 |
| BIOL:3172 | Evolution | 4 |
| BIOL:3713 | Molecular Genetics | 4 |
| BIOL:4333 | Genes and Development | 3 |
| And these: | ||
| Elective coursework in molecular and microbial genetics, cell and development genetics, human genetics, or computational genetics; see following section for a list of pre-approved courses | 7 | |
| Seminar courses approved by the program; see the following section titled "Pre-approved Seminar Courses" | 3 | |
Even more important than formal coursework is the opportunity to do significant research in genetics. Research interests of the participating faculty include virtually all areas of genetics, ranging from bacteriophage genetics to human medical genetics. In each area of genetics, there is a group of faculty members who have closely related interests.
The university is strong in several related disciplines, including microbial physiology, enzymology, virology, protein biochemistry and molecular biology, computational genetics, and developmental and cell biology, all of which contribute significantly to the overall training program.
In addition to completing research and coursework, students must pass a comprehensive examination, usually at the end of their second year in the program.
Pre-approved Elective Courses
Students complete at least 7 s.h. in elective coursework from the following list. Not all courses are offered every year. Other courses may be allowed with approval from the Curriculum and Graduate Affairs Committees.
| Course # | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| GENE:7191 | Human Molecular Genetics | 3 |
| BIOL:3212 | Bioinformatics for Beginners | 3 |
| BIOL:3713 | Molecular Genetics | 4 |
| BIOL:4333 | Genes and Development | 3 |
| BIOL:4386 | Introduction to Scientific Computing for Biologists | 3 |
| BIOL:5172 | Evolution - Graduate Lecture | 3 |
| BIOS:4510 | Data Science Foundations in R | 2 |
| BIOS:7330 | Advanced Biostatistical Computing | 3 |
| BIOS:7700 | Problems/Special Topics in Biostatistics | arr. |
| BMB:4310 | Computational Biochemistry | 3 |
| BME:5335 | Computational Bioinformatics | 3 |
| CS:5430 | Machine Learning | 3 |
| FRRB:7001 | Molecular and Cellular Biology of Cancer | 3 |
| IGPI:5450 | Machine Learning | 3 |
| IGPI:6480 | Knowledge Discovery | 3 |
| MICR:6268 | Biology and Pathogenesis of Viruses | 2 |
| MMED:6220 | Mechanisms of Cellular Organization | 3 |
| MMED:6226 | Cell Cycle Control | 1 |
| MMED:6227 | Cell Fate Decisions | 1 |
| NSCI:7235 | Neurobiology of Disease | 3 |
| PCOL:6225 | Growth Factor Receptor Signaling | 1 |
| STAT:4580 | Data Visualization and Data Technologies | 3 |
Pre-approved Seminar Courses
Students complete at least 3 s.h. from the following seminar courses. Not all courses are offered every year. Other courses may be allowed with approval from the Curriculum and Graduate Affairs committees.
| Course # | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| ACB:6237 | Critical Thinking in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology | 1 |
| ACB:6238 | Critical Thinking in Genetics | 1 |
| ACB:6239 | Critical Thinking in Cell Biology | 1 |
| ACB:6248 | Critical Thinking in Development | 1 |
| ACB:6249 | Critical Thinking in Cellular Physiology | 1 |
| BIOL:6188 | Seminar: Writing in Natural Sciences | 2 |
| MMED:6280 | Critical Thinking in Molecular Medicine | 1 |
PhD and Dental Scientist Training Program
PhD students in genetics who have earned a DDS degree may be candidates for advanced training programs in dentistry. For information, contact the College of Dentistry.
PhD/MD
Students may work toward the Doctor of Medicine degree and a PhD in genetics in a combined degree program offered by the Carver College of Medicine and the Graduate College. Applicants must be admitted to both programs before they may be admitted to the combined degree program. See the Medical Scientist Training Program (Carver College of Medicine) in the catalog. MSTP students enter the Genetics program after year 3 of medical school. 31sh of Medical School coursework is applied toward the PhD degree.
Graduate education prepares students with advanced knowledge and skills in specialized fields. At the University of Iowa, the Graduate College advocates for student-centered graduate education and supports equitable application of rules and policies across graduate programs.
Academics
University of Iowa graduate credentials are regulated by policies and requirements found in the Graduate College Manual of Rules and Regulations. This includes minimum grade-point average (GPA) requirements for academic standing and degree conferral. The Graduate College sets the minimum requirement. Individual graduate programs may establish higher GPA requirements.
Admissions
Graduate student applicants must meet admission requirements for both the Graduate College and the program to which they have applied. University of Iowa graduate admission requirements are published by the Graduate College and on the Graduate Admissions website.
Financial Support
Graduate students might be eligible for financial support. Several contingencies apply, including degree program and award type, satisfactory progress toward degree, satisfactory completion of all duties related to an appointment, and availability of funding. Graduate students should inquire directly with their program for more information about funding availability. The Graduate Student Employment Standards govern the employment relationship between the University of Iowa and all graduate teaching and research assistants in all matters except wages, which are covered by an existing collective bargaining agreement or the conditions of an applicable federal grant.
Prospective students should have a strong undergraduate science background and a strong commitment to research in genetics. Previous coursework should include general genetics, biochemistry, organic chemistry, and introductory physics and mathematics. However, deficiencies can be rectified during the first year as a graduate student.
Students who want to apply online should view the Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Genetics website. For additional information, see the program website.
Students generally begin graduate work in the fall semester.
Applicants must meet the admission requirements of the Graduate College; see the Manual of Rules and Regulations on the Graduate College website.
Sample Plan of Study
Sample plans represent one way to complete a program of study. Actual course selection and sequence will vary and should be discussed with an academic advisor. For additional sample plans, see MyUI.
Genetics, PhD
This sample plan is currently being reviewed and will be added at a later date.