MCDB&G Graduate Program, 6-160 Jackson Hall, 321 Church Street S.E., University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455 (612-624-7470, fax: 612-626-6140)

The master of science in molecular, cellular, developmental biology and genetics is offered with either a focus in genetic counseling or an academic focus. These two program focuses are distinct and have different admissions procedures, different program structures, and different graduation requirements. The focus in genetic counseling is a full-time program designed to provide students with the academic foundation and clinical expertise necessary to enter the profession of genetic counseling. The curriculum integrates selected coursework with firsthand experience in the diagnostic medical genetics laboratories and supervised work in multiple clinical genetics settings with patients and families. The program is accredited by the American Board of Genetic Counseling and all graduates are eligible to apply to the ABGC for active candidate status and sit for board certification. The academic focus master's is an interdisciplinary program that provides scientific training in the basic life sciences, with emphasis on the molecular basis of genetics, development, and cell biology. Areas of specialization include membranes, receptors, membrane transport, cell interactions, macromolecular structure, extracellular matrix, cytoskeleton, cell motility, regulation of gene expression, neuroscience, developmental mechanisms, human genetics, plant cell and molecular biology, genetic mechanisms, and genomics. The program is interdisciplinary and involves faculty from several departments in the College of Biological Sciences, the Medical School, and the College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences. Institutes for human genetics, plant molecular genetics, biological process technology, Genome Engineering, Stem Cell research and a center for developmental biology provide opportunities for graduate study. Note: Students are admitted directly to the academic focus M.S. program only under exceptional circumstances (e.g., if they can be in the area for only two years), or if they are accepted into the genetic counseling specialization or into the Joint Degree Program in Law, Health, and the Life Sciences. Also, students who were admitted to the Ph.D. program but who leave before they have completed their degree MAY be offered the option of obtaining a master's degree subject to approval by the student's adviser and the DGS. In all cases, applicants to the academic focus M.S. must also be competitive for admission at the Ph.D. level.

Other requirements to be completed before admission:

Recommended academic preparation includes coursework in molecular biology, genetics, biology, and biochemistry. Successful applicants to the J.D./M.S. or standard M.S. program must have previous research experience in an academic or industrial setting in addition to any course-related laboratory experiences. It is important to demonstrate familiarity with and aptitude for basic science research prior to embarking on a graduate career in this program. Applicants to the program in genetic counseling are required to have taken courses in organic chemistry, biochemistry, general genetics, statistics and probability, and psychology. In addition, all applicants to the genetic counseling program must have some type of client advocacy experience such as volunteer or paid work with troubled teens, working in a shelter for battered women, or a suicide prevention hotline, etc. The best experiences afford the applicant the opportunity to work in a helping profession.

Applicants to the J.D./M.S. program and the standard M.S. program must submit three letters of recommendation from persons familiar with their academic and research capabilities. A statement of interests and goals, a complete set of transcripts, and official scores from the General Test of the GRE are required. The GRE Subject Test in biochemistry, cell and molecular biology, biology, or chemistry is strongly recommended, but not required. The recommended date for receipt of completed applications is December 15. Completed files are reviewed between January and February. Graduate studies typically begin fall semester. Information about an early start program involving participation in laboratory research beginning on July 1 may be obtained from the director of graduate studies. Entry into the J.D./M.S. program requires separate admittance to both the Law School and the MCDB&G Graduate Program. Applications to the genetic counseling program are stronger if the applicant has spent some time with a practicing genetic counselor either in the clinical setting or in some capacity such as personal interviews that affords the applicant a real life understanding of the profession.

The genetic counseling focus is offered under Plan B and is designed to be completed in 4 semesters and the interim summer. Most of the coursework takes place in the first year, leaving more open time during the second year for clinical experience. Students must complete a total of 50 graduate credits with at least 30 credits in the major area of study, a plan B project paper, and a final oral exam. Students will be placed in laboratory and clinical observation experiences during the first year and four clinical genetic counseling internships during the second year. Students will complete a minimum of 200 hours of observation and a minimum of 800 hours of direct patient contact. Students must earn a passing grade in their four clinical internship rotations and present a completed log of at least 75 clinical cases before final oral exam. Only under exceptional circumstances will the course of study be varied to meet the needs of a student with many of the courses already completed or with extensive clinical laboratory experience. Students in the academic focus may complete the M.S. under Plan A or Plan B. Plan A requires a minimum of 20 course credits and 10 thesis credits; Plan B requires a minimum of 30 course credits and the completion of a Plan B paper. Students take a core curriculum, which is multidisciplinary and contributes to both the major and minor or related field requirements. Students may choose a concentration or specialization within the program such as cell biology, developmental biology, genetics, or human genetics.