Frequently Asked Questions

What type of background should I have in undergrad studies to become a graduate student in Medical Genetics?

  • We look for students with a background in biology, or cell biology, or genetics, or biochemistry.
  • A minimum GPA of 3.2 is required.
  • Detailed information on the graduate program can be found here

How do I apply to the graduate program in Medical Genetics?

  • Prospective students should first review the list of Faculty members to identify areas of research and potential supervisors that are of interest to them. Prospective students should then contact individual Faculty members directly to determine whether that Faculty member is interested in supervising new graduate student trainees. Prospective students must have made a tentative arrangement with a Faculty member for supervision of their graduate program before their formal application to the Medical Genetics Graduate program can be considered by the Medical Genetics Graduate Program Committee.
  • It may be useful to consider an undergraduate research project during the school year or a paid summer student research program to identify a lab and research area that may be of interest to you.
  • Visit our website and fill out the application forms as indicated.

What kind of jobs can I get if I take a post-graduate degree in the Department of Medical Genetics?

A non-inclusive list of possible future careers includes:

  • Academic Scientist/Instructor: this could lead to a position as technician, research associate* or academic researcher/principle investigator* that runs a lab, teacher at a college or a sessional lecturer at a university.
  • Private Sector Scientist: You could work in industry/pharmaceutical companies (management, research, or technician), development of new technology in the context of industry, work for a scientific company (research and development or sales), Intellectual property law, biotechnology companies and service companies that perform scientific research.
  • Diagnostics and Patient Care: Clinical geneticist (MD, FCCMG)*, Genetic counsellor (MSc, CCGC or CGC)*, Clinical genetics technologist (BSc, MLT)*, CCMG Laboratory Geneticist (PhD, FCCMG)*.

*Some of the careers listed would also require further training after a post-graduate degree (MSc or PhD).