This is the preliminary (or launch) version of the 2024-2025 VCU Bulletin. We may add courses that expose our students to cutting-edge content and transformative learning. We may also add content to the general education program that focuses on racial literacy and a racial literacy graduation requirement, and may receive notification of additional program approvals after the launch. The final edition and full PDF version will include these updates and will be available in August prior to the beginning of the fall semester.
The Certificate in Clinical Genetics will train graduate students in the principles of inheritance, the basis of inheritance, how inheritance influences risk in human disease, and the technology and methods involved in testing for genetic disorders. Students who complete the certificate will be able to apply this knowledge to understand genetic conditions and the role of genetic professionals in the clinical setting, as well as calculate risk for genetic disorders. Graduates will be competitive applying for jobs, such as genetic counseling assistants, or in seeking promotions within their fields, such as nursing or technicians employed in genetic diagnostic laboratories. These graduates will also be more competitive in applying for professional training such as genetic counseling master’s programs or clinical diagnostic fellowships.
Program goals
The goal of the graduate certificate program in clinical genetics is to introduce students to human genetics concepts and its methodologies, understand the roles of genetic professionals in the clinic and gain an understanding of genetic conditions and the current genetic testing methodologies.
Student learning outcomes
- Knowledge of human genetics: Certificate candidates will demonstrate the appropriate knowledge of human genetics including patterns of inheritance, risk analysis, the molecular basis of inheritance and methods to study human genetics.
- Knowledge of clinical genetics: Certificate candidates will demonstrate the appropriate knowledge of genetic conditions and the varying roles of genetics professionals in clinical and laboratory genetics.
- Knowledge of genetic diagnostics: Certificate candidates will demonstrate the appropriate knowledge of current methodologies in genetic diagnostics for specific genetic conditions.
VCU Graduate Bulletin, VCU Graduate School and general academic policies and regulations for all graduate students in all graduate programs
The VCU Graduate Bulletin website documents the official admission and academic rules and regulations that govern graduate education for all graduate programs at the university. These policies are established by the graduate faculty of the university through their elected representatives to the University Graduate Council.
It is the responsibility of all graduate students, both on- and off-campus, to be familiar with the VCU Graduate Bulletin as well as the Graduate School website and academic regulations in individual school and department publications and on program websites. However, in all cases, the official policies and procedures of the University Graduate Council, as published on the VCU Graduate Bulletin and Graduate School websites, take precedence over individual program policies and guidelines.
Visit the academic regulations section for additional information on academic regulations for graduate students.
Graduation requirements
As graduate students approach the end of their academic programs and the final semester of matriculation, they must make formal application to graduate. No degrees will be conferred until the application to graduate has been finalized.
Graduate students and program directors should refer to the following graduation requirements as published in the Graduate Bulletin for a complete list of instructions and a graduation checklist.
Visit the academic regulations section for additional information on graduation requirements.