Genetics

Our program is unique in that it brings together a broad array of faculty in many areas of molecular genetics, evolutionary biology and genomics into one group. All our students are trained in both molecular and evolutionary genetics such that all students interested in evolutionary biology are trained in molecular genetics and all our students interested in molecular genetics are trained in evolutionary biology. This creates a unique culture in our graduate program, where our students provide a balance of biological insights. Our group is so well-respected in the field, that we have continuously held a training grant from the National Institutes of Health for almost 30 years. A student-faculty ratio of less than 2:1 ensures individualized training. All students complete several lab rotations in the first year of training and take several foundation courses in the two years. Students complete written exams at the end of the second year and oral exams early in the third year. Our weekly seminar program allows you to interact with top researchers from all over the world.

First Year

What is graduate school in Genetics like? You'll hopefully look to the fellow members of your cohort for support and camaraderie as you take the same classes, study for exams, apply for outside fellowships, and rotate through 3 or more different labs. Rotations are a key element of the training program, even if you are certain which lab you will join. More senior graduate students will be invaluable resources in helping you choose a lab. By the end of your first year, you will have chosen a major advisor and put together your dissertation advisory committee, consisting of 5 faculty. This is a busy year as you try to balance studying, doing research, perhaps teaching, and finding your way in a new environment. In addition to your own work, you also need to start actively contributing to the intellectual life of the department by attending departmental and student seminars and helping to recruit the next generation of graduate students and faculty.

Second Year

In the fall of your second year, you will meet with your committee to discuss which additional courses you might take. This is the first of regular annual meetings with your committee. In addition to courses, you will start a research project in your new lab. Starting this year, you will be expected to present your research by giving a student seminar. You will also likely be fulfilling your teaching requirement this year (although this depends on departmental teaching needs). All graduate students must serve as teaching assistants for either GENE 3000 or GENE 3200 for at least one semester of their graduate tenure, regardless of their financial support.

Third Year

With most of your coursework complete, the third year is often remembered as the time you take your comprehensive exams. Of course, your research should be your primary focus, but all students must pass both a written and oral exam. Writtens are taken in the summer after your second year and orals in the fall of the third year. Writtens take the form of five all-day essay tests, one day for each committee member. Each faculty member will discuss with you the format of his/her exam. Two weeks before the oral exam, the student prepares and distributes to the committee, a written research proposal based on the student’s proposed dissertation research (this will often form the basis for an NSF Dissertation Improvement Grant). On the date of the exam, the student presents the proposal and is questioned by the committee. Once these exams are passed, the student is "admitted to candidacy," and can focus on research.

Final Years

The final two years of graduate school become increasingly focused on research. Most students obtain enough results early on to display posters or give talks at national scientific meetings and start writing papers. Publications are critical when you start applying for postdocs; another primary occupation of senior graduate students. In order to finish graduate school, each student must write and defend a dissertation by presenting a public seminar and answering pertinent questions during a final committee meeting.

Applications are screened in December and early January. Assessment will focus on Research Experience, Letters of Reference, GPA and GRE scores, overall Potential for Graduate Study, and perceived Fit with affiliated graduate programs. Excellence in one or more areas can offset deficiencies in other areas; explanations for deficiencies should be described in your Personal Statement. Top domestic applicants will be invited to visit the UGA campus in late January / early February for in-person interviews and interactions with current students and research faculty. Top international applicants will have a Skype-based interview. Offers of admission will be extended to successful applicants shortly after interviews. Approximately 80% of interviewees are typically extended an admission offer.

• PERSONAL STATEMENT: The Statement of Purpose that is submitted to the UGA Graduate School during the application process can be the same as the Personal Statement requested on the ILS form, as long as the length (10,000 character limit) and content are within the stated guidelines. We highly recommend that your statement include the following at the very least:
  • your reason(s) for pursuing graduate study
  • your interests (e.g. names of faculty, interdisciplinary groups, and/or graduate programs)
  • evidence of scholarly activity (e.g. research experiences, manuscripts published/in preparation)
  • any special circumstances of which you wish to make us aware
  • if applicable, explanations for any perceived deficiencies in your application
• IMPORTANT CODES: Select Integrated Life Sciences, PhD, Fall term as the Major during the application process. Select 5813 as the institutional code for ETS reports (i.e. GRE scores).

Scholarships

Every student accepted into our Ph.D. program is guaranteed financial support for 5 years, including summers. Currently, each student is paid at least $25,000 a year. And, the University subsidizes part of the cost of health insurance. Athens is a very affordable place to live and students find that our stipend provides a good standard of living.