The Department of Genetics embraces a unified program devoted to outstanding research and teaching in all areas of genetics, with a particular emphasis on genetics and models of human disease, genetics and genomics, human genetics and animal models, and developmental genetics. Faculty conduct internationally recognized research programs in each of these areas. They are also committed to training the next generation of leading genetics researchers. The Department also has several affiliated program that provide additional research and training opportunities, including the Center for Human Genetics at University Hospitals and the Genomics Medicine Institute at the Cleveland Clinic.

Programs are offered that lead to a doctoral degree in genetics, a combined MD/PhD degrees, and a masters program in genetic counseling. Students are encouraged to pursue a program of research and study that meets their goals and interests. Advanced courses are offered in specialized areas as outlined later in this section.

Students participate in ongoing journal clubs, research seminars and grand rounds. A program of departmental and interdepartmental seminars by outstanding visiting scientists provides regular exposure to a broad range of current research in genetics.

The department accepts direct applicants to the doctoral program from those who have prior research experience in genetics and are committed to a career in genetics. Program descriptions and application information can be found in our Training Programs page.

The department also participates in the integrated Biomedical Sciences Training Program (BSTP, see Training Programs).

Student interested in pursuing the combined MD/PhD program are admitted through the Medical Scientist Training Program (MSTP , see Training Programs).

Students interested in a career in genetic counseling may apply directly to the Genetic Counseling Training Program.

The Center for Human Genetics is an integral part of the Department and consists of both research and clinical laboratories involved in human and clinical genetics. This center supports research and clinical programs focusing on human genome mapping, the molecular basis of inherited disease and the genetic dissection of complex disease, as well as providing clinical care and training for graduate students, postdoctoral fellows and genetic counseling students.

The Genomic Medicine Institute (GMI) serves as the expert base for the principles and practice of genomic medicine as a single platform for scholarly activity (research), academic clinical care and outreach and education ultimately directed at genomics-based personalized healthcare. Thus, GMI research will focus on translational and clinical human genetics and genomics (also to include epigenomics and proteomics) which would be eminently applicable to the routine clinical arena. GMI is helping to coordinate genomics research across many disciplines such that inter-disciplinary research and healthcare are being enhanced.

GMI is a nascent institute directed by Charis Eng, MD, PhD, and is housed in the new Center for Genomics Research Building's fifth floor, which has been specifically designed to enhance translational genomic medicine. Open design laboratory space is in proximity to the GMI's clinical component, the Center for Personalized Genetic Healthcare, as well as to its Genomic Medicine Biorepository and the Genomics Core Facility. A unique training program that will prepare the next generation to be facile in the investigation related to and evidence-based practice of cancer genomic medicine has been initiated.