Human Genetics Education

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Start Your Career in Genetics

Join a diverse and highly interactive community focused on mentorship and student learning.

Build a Solid Foundation for Success

Graduate training at the U-M Medical School Department of Human Genetics includes multidisciplinary programs with distinct goals and diverse skills, each fusing breadth with depth and balancing rigor with flexibility. Our programs are driven by the interests of the student and take advantage of a wide variety of genetics and genomics initiatives and promote inter-department collaborations. Trainees are well prepared for employment in industry or for matriculation into elite graduate or medical programs.

To learn more about our PhD Program in Genetics and Genomics, MS Program in Human Genetics, MS Program in Genetic Counseling, Genetics Training Program, Medical Scientist Training Program, or Dual Degree Programs, explore each program below.

Training & Education

PhD Program in Genetics & Genomics

This training focuses on the fundamental mechanisms of genetics and extends learners' knowledge of basic biology and human disease through cutting-edge research.

MS Program in Genetic Counseling

We tailor this program to our learners' unique needs and interests, offering mentored full-time study, extensive clinical training, a research project and professional development.

MS Program in Human Genetics

Our comprehensive program offers training on cutting-edge genetics and genomics topics, genetics research experience, critical thinking skills and scientific communication skills.

Predoctoral Genetics Training Program

This interdisciplinary program prepares investigators for careers in academia, government and industry by exposing them to diverse genetic fields and new research opportunities.

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Explore Our Graduate Programs

Dive deep into what makes us unique—from our comprehensive curriculum to hands-on opportunities outside the classroom, you'll hone your skills and build lifelong connections.

Read the Graduate Student Handbook

Ground-breaking Genetics Research

The field of Human Genetics began by linking specific mutations to disease and has since transformed into a far more diverse realm of study. It is one of the most exciting and fastest-growing fields in the biomedical sciences. Conceptual and technical innovations fuel discoveries in the molecular bases of complex diseases, organismal development, population dynamics, and genomic evolution.

The Department of Human Genetics Faculty offer mentorship and support. Our laboratories are involved in widely assorted areas of research, including genomics, population and statistical genetics, genomic instability, the genetic epidemiology of common diseases, complex trait analysis, disease gene identification, regulation of gene expression, developmental genetics, and cancer genetics. Our students carry out interdisciplinary genetics research in each of these diverse areas.

Check out our ground-breaking publications

Funding Your Education

All students in good standing will be provided with a monthly stipend, comprehensive health care coverage, and coverage of tuition and fees. Students can be supported by a combination of individual fellowships, pre-doctoral training grant funds, institutional funds, and research grants.

Upcoming Events

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2026 KARES Family & Science Conference

2026 KARES Family & Science Conference takes place June 26-28, 2026 in Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA at the University of Michigan
Event runs June 26, 2026 - June 28, 2026

2026 KARES Family & Science Conference

2026 KARES Family & Science Conference takes place June 26-28, 2026 in Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA at the University of Michigan
Event runs June 26, 2026 - June 28, 2026

2026 KARES Family & Science Conference

2026 KARES Family & Science Conference takes place June 26-28, 2026 in Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA at the University of Michigan
Event runs June 26, 2026 - June 28, 2026

DHG Thesis Defense: Sierra Mortimer

Part of the Human Genetics Thesis Defense Seminars

DHG Thesis Defense: Itzaira Mercado-Hernandez

Part of the Human Genetics Thesis Defense Seminars

DHG Thesis Defense: Rebecca Malcore

Part of the Human Genetics Thesis Defense Seminars

Department of Pediatrics & Human Genetics Research Seminar: Gabriel G. Haddad, MD (UCSD)

Part of the Human Genetics Research Seminar Series

Human Genetics Research Seminar Series: Yang Shi, PhD

Part of the Human Genetics Research Seminar Series

Human Genetics Research Seminar Series: Ira Hall, PhD

Part of the Human Genetics Research Seminar Series