Doctor of Philosophy in Genomics, Phenomics, and Bioinformatics

Genomics, Phenomics and Bioinformatics is an interdisciplinary graduate program that involves 27 faculty from six departments and three colleges. The program initially focused on Genomics and Bioinformatics. In 2021, the program underwent a major change. This was prompted by advances in high-throughput phenotyping, and the growing importance of phenomics data and its direct relationship to genes controlling traits. Based on those relations, phenomics was added as another research track.

Students in the program will perform advanced study, training and research in areas that focus on functional genomics, high-throughput phenotyping, and computation analysis of genomic and phenomic data. This will lead to an understanding of the many -omics fields interact to understand how a phenotype is expressed.

The program is designed to provide both M.S. and Ph.D. students the necessary skills and intellectual background to work cooperatively with others in a research areas that take systems-wide approach to the study of the organization and expression of the many genes and their products expressed in an organism. Exposure to modern techniques and instrumentation will prepare the student for success in both industrial and academic careers.

The Genomics graduate program is open to qualified graduates of universities of recognized standing. The Graduate School minimum for the TOEFL examination applies. In addition, the following are the requirements to be admitted with full standing.

Functional Genomics track: a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree an introductory biology class emphasizing molecular biology, with courses in genetics, physiology, biochemistry, an upper-division statistics class. A minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0.

Bioinformatics and Phenomics tracks: a B.S. degree with an introductory biology class emphasizing molecular biology, with courses in calculus, upper-division statistics class, calculus or matrix algebra, and programming language experience. A minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0.

Students can be accepted conditionally into any track without meeting the course or GPA requirements, but will be required to meet those requirements while in residency.

A statement of purpose is required for admission consideration and must be uploaded to your online application.
Please include the following information in your statement:
Reasons for pursuing graduate study
Special interests within your chosen discipline
Background preparation in your proposed field of study
Relevant skills or experience that you have acquired

Three (3) letters of recommendation are required from persons familiar with your academic achievements

Submit one official transcript (statement of marks) from each college or university at which you have been enrolled or are currently enrolled. Include both undergradu-ate and graduate coursework, as well as continuing education credits (if applicable).
Official original transcripts (statement of marks) are required to be sent from each institution attended, whether or not a degree was earned, and even if courses were transferred to another university.

TOEFL: 71 (internet-based) or 525 (paper-based)
IELTS: 6.0 (academic version)

At the baccalaureate level, the applicant must have earned a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of at least 3.0, or equivalent, to attain full standing in a graduate degree program. Applicants whose last degree completed is a graduate degree may be admitted in full standing if the final GPA of that degree is at least 3.0 or equivalent.