Human and Statistical Genetics

The Program in Human and Statistical Genetics at Washington University in St. Louis offers a comprehensive and interdisciplinary curriculum designed to prepare students for advanced careers in research, healthcare, and academia. This program provides students with a deep understanding of the genetic basis of human health and disease, integrating principles from genetics, genomics, biostatistics, and computational biology. Students gain skills in data analysis, experimental design, and statistical methodologies essential for investigating genetic populations and individual genetic profiles. The curriculum emphasizes the application of advanced technologies such as next-generation sequencing, genome-wide association studies (GWAS), and bioinformatics tools to analyze complex genetic data. Through coursework, laboratory rotations, and research projects, students learn to interpret genetic information within both clinical and population health contexts, enabling them to contribute meaningfully to personalized medicine, genetic counseling, and biomedical research. The program also fosters collaboration across disciplines, encouraging students to work alongside leading researchers and clinicians at Washington University School of Medicine. Graduates of the program will be equipped to pursue careers in academia, industry, healthcare institutions, and government agencies, where they can influence genetic research, policy, and the development of innovative diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. With its emphasis on integrating statistical and computational approaches with traditional genetics, the Human and Statistical Genetics program prepares students to address the complex genetic factors underlying human health conditions and to translate research findings into tangible health benefits.

The major goal of the program is to provide students with interdisciplinary training in “wet lab” molecular biology and human genetics as well as in the analytical and computational techniques of genetic epidemiology and statistical genetics. Graduates of the program will understand the critical issues in both fields and will be able to employ both fields in addressing and answering problems in biomedical research. To achieve true integration, each student will do three research rotations, with at least one in each of the two areas. All students will be exposed to teaching skills by serving as TAs for one semester and will also take a Research Ethics course.

The curriculum is designed to address the needs of students from both backgrounds, primarily biological versus primarily analytical/ statistical. Students lacking adequate cross training will take remedial courses. To foster close peer interactions among students from both streams, all students will take three required courses: 

• Fundamentals of Mammalian Genetics (L41 Bio 5285)
• Human Linkage and Association (M21 GEMS 5483) 
• Computational Statistical Genetics (M21 GEMS 621)

Each student will also take a minimum of 9 credits (maximum of 12 credits) of advanced electives. Students will opt for one of the two tracks, in consultation with the Faculty Directors, depending on their background and the choice of electives. The current list of electives includes the following:

• Advanced Genetics (L41 Biol 5491) 
• An introduction to Genomic Analysis (L41 Biol 5498) 
• Bioinformatics (M21 GEMS 550) 
• Computational Mol Biology (L41 Biol 5495) 
• Current Research in Chromatin, Epigenetics, and Nuclear Organization (L41 Biol 5284)
• Data Mining and Applications to Computational Biology (L41 Biol 5506)
• Epidemiology, Clinical Trials, Study Design and Management (M21 GEMS 616)
• Fundamentals of Molecular Cell Biology (L41 Biol 5068)
• Genomics (L41 Biol 5488) 
• Nucleic Acids and Protein Synthesis (L41 Biol 548) 
• Population Genetics (L41 Biol 4181) 
• Probability (L24 MATH 493) 
• Statistics (L24 MATH 494) 
• Stochastic Processes (L24 MATH 495)
• Theory of Statistics (L24 MATH 5061)
• Theory of Statistics II (L24 MATH 5062) 

Requirements

• Demographics
• Three letters of recommendation
• Academic history
• Test Scores 
  •  GRE
  • TOEFL (if applicable)
• Two essays and a 10 word research description
• Listing of Major coursework
• Work history
• Awards/Honors
• Publication list (if any)
• Payment of $45 application fee by credit card as part of the on-line application or obtain a fee waiver (please see fee waivers FAQ for additional information).
• Division of Biology and Biomedical Sciences conducts interviews by invitation only after the completed application and materials have been submitted, received and evaluated. Interviews are not conducted prior to submission and evaluation of an application. 

Scholarships

• Chancellor's Graduate Fellowship Program
• Need-based financial aid assistance
• Merit-based scholarships
• McDonnell International Scholars Academy

The Human and Statistical Genetics program at Washington University in St. Louis offers a comprehensive approach to understanding the genetic basis of human health and disease through advanced education and research. This interdisciplinary program integrates principles from genetics, statistics, bioinformatics, and computational biology to equip students with the skills necessary to analyze complex genetic data. The curriculum emphasizes both foundational knowledge in genetics and statistical methodologies, as well as practical skills in data analysis, interpretation, and application to biomedical research. Students have access to state-of-the-art laboratories and research facilities, collaborating with leading experts in genomics, bioinformatics, and human genetics. The program prepares graduates for careers in academia, industry, healthcare, and government agencies, where they can contribute to personalized medicine, genomics research, and public health initiatives. It also offers opportunities for research projects, internships, and collaborations with top researchers in the field. With a focus on translating genetic discoveries into clinical and public health benefits, the program aims to foster innovative approaches to tackling complex human health problems. Graduates will gain a solid foundation in genetic epidemiology, statistical genetics, and computational analysis, enabling them to lead research efforts that advance our understanding of genetic contributions to disease. The program emphasizes ethical considerations and responsible conduct of research, ensuring students are well-prepared to navigate the challenges of genetic data analysis responsibly. Overall, the Human and Statistical Genetics program at Washington University embodies a commitment to excellence in education and research, fostering the next generation of geneticists and data scientists dedicated to improving human health through genetic research.