Admission
Applicants to the Genetics and Genomics Program undergo a holistic evaluation by our Admissions committee. In addition to overall academic achievement (GPA), the committee considers factors including, but not limited to, the rigor and relevance of completed coursework (courses in Genetics, Genomics, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry or similar areas are highly recommended), experience in laboratory research, scholarly outputs (presentations, publications), awards, leadership experience, faculty references, and scientific maturity. Applicants with unique experiences or circumstances are encouraged to describe those in their applications, as we are particularly interested in recruiting a diverse array of outstanding students.
** We are no longer accepting Ph.D. applications, as the application cycle closed on December 1, 2024, for students starting in Fall 2025 **
Curriculum and Graduation Timeline
During their first year, the students perform laboratory rotations and start their graduate courses. The laboratory rotations provide an opportunity to evaluate suitable laboratory environments for their graduate research. It is anticipated that most students have decided on a research laboratory by the start of the second semester. The students also teach an undergraduate genetics lab as part of the graduate curriculum to gain teaching skills. The main focus is on starting a research project with the assistance of the thesis advisor and three additional faculty members who form the thesis committee. This period is also the time when students will prepare for their preliminary examination, to be taken by fall of the third year. The third, fourth and fifth year are dedicated to continuing and completing the thesis project, presenting data at conferences and publish the work, followed by the thesis defense. Generally, 4 to 5 years of study is required to complete 96 semester hours with a GPR of 3.0 or higher. The Ph.D. degree is awarded principally on demonstrated ability to conduct significant and original scientific research.
Our students are expected to present their research at national and international conferences and publish in established, high-impact peer-reviewed journals, and their teaching experience provides an additional valuable asset for future job opportunities. Our PhD graduates have been successful in obtaining faculty positions in top research Universities, teaching colleges, as well as companies in the fields of biotechnology, pharmaceuticals and agriculture.
Career Preparation
We prepare our students to succeed in the current interdisciplinary workforce by providing adequate education on modern and diverse scientific career opportunities in genetics and genomics. In addition to the strong scientific curriculum, our Ph.D. students may choose to diversify through graduate certificate programs with an emphasis in teaching, science law and public policy. Our students can also experience the industry or science policy paths through external internships. Details of these opportunities are on the Career Path page.
Financial Support
Students accepted to the Genetics and Genomics Ph.D. program receive a fellowship, which includes tuition, fees, health insurance, and a competitive stipend. This fellowship is granted regardless of financial need. The stipend for the 2025-2026 academic year starts at $32,000.
Living in Bryan-College Station
The cost of living in Bryan-College Station (BCS) area is one of the lowest across the nation. For example, a stipend of $32,000 in College Station is equivalent to a $35,338 stipend in Miami (Fl), $47,827 stipend in Los Angeles (CA) and $51,799 stipend in New York (NY). In addition, BCS is located less than a hundred miles away from two of the largest cities of Texas, Austin and Houston. In fact, BCS is located within a 180-mile radius of over 80% of the Texas population. College Station is also considered one of the nation’s friendliest places to live, has been ranked No. 3 on Kiplinger magazine’s list of 10 Great Places to live, and is considered by Forbes to be one of top five college towns in the nation.
