Introduction

In some cases, the degree requirements are specific to the Genetics Program. Additional University requirements can be found in The Penn State Graduate Degree Program Bulletin and the Thesis Information Bulletin.

Degree Programs

The Intercollege Graduate Program in Genetics is committed to excellence in genetics research and scholarship as well as the professional development of our students. The PhD degree is "conferred in recognition of high attainment and productive scholarship" in genetics. The MS degree program is designed to develop research expertise and technical proficiency in genetics.

Responsibilities of the Student, Thesis Advisor and Student's Committee

It is the student's responsibility to ensure that the regulations and requirements of the Graduate School and Genetics Program are met. Thesis advisors and graduate committees have a responsibility for the judicious timing of meetings and examinations and provide important guidance. The Genetics office will provide student profiles to the student and advisor as necessary. It is the responsibility of the student and advisor to review and provide updated information for these profiles.

Rotations and Advisor Selection Process

The selection of the faculty advisor is one of the most important decisions a student will make. Our rotation program allows incoming students to work with several faculty members before making this choice. Laboratory rotations allow students to assess several opportunities for doctoral thesis research and explore new areas with the diverse field of Genetics The Department Chair is responsible for advising first year rotation students through their initial course of study. To ensure that each student experiences the breadth of research opportunities within the program, incoming students will participate in 3 laboratory rotations (each rotation lasts 5 weeks). Every opportunity will be provided for students to select these rotations on the basis of their own interests. After completing three rotations, the students will select a thesis laboratory. The potential mentor must guarantee four additional years of support. The program also allows for a student to be admitted directly into the laboratory of a participating faculty member who has guaranteed a full five years of support. In this case, laboratory rotations are not applicable. However, the Genetics Program still has the responsibility for academic oversight of such a student.