The Health Care Genetics M.S. program at UConn offers a non-thesis, interdisciplinary education designed to prepare students for careers in biotechnology, healthcare, and research. This Professional Science Master’s (PSM) program combines advanced coursework in genetics with real-world experience and professional development.
Program Overview
- Degree Type: Master of Science (M.S.)
- Credit Requirement: Minimum of 33 credits
- Program Format: Non-thesis option
- Duration: Typically completed in 2–3 years (part-time options available for working professionals)
Final Examination
To graduate, students must pass a final exam within one year of completing all coursework or internship requirements. The exam:
- Is a combination of written and oral
- Is tailored by the student's advisory committee
- Assesses mastery of the field and integration of program learning
- Requires unanimous approval from the advisory committee to pass
If a student does not pass, they may retake the exam within 12 months, as recommended by the committee.
Graduation & Conferral
- Degree Conferral: Occurs in May, August, and December
- Commencement Ceremony: Held once annually in May only
- Students may participate in the May commencement if they graduate in May, are on track to finish by August or graduated in the previous December or August but didn’t attend a prior ceremony
- Diplomas: Mailed within three months of degree conferral
- Application for Degree: Must be submitted online in the first four weeks of the final semester
Academic Standing & Dismissal
Students must:
- Maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA
- Avoid grades of D+ or lower, or “U” (unsatisfactory)
- Pass the final exam
- Meet all program requirements
Students may be dismissed for failure to meet academic or professional standards. Dismissals can be appealed under UConn’s official procedures.