ADMISSIONS
Why HMGGP?
HMGGP at CU Anschutz is an interdisciplinary, interdepartmental program that provides world-class graduate training and research opportunities in all aspects of Human and Medical Genetics & Genomics — from basic to translational research — and fosters the next generation of leaders in these areas.
Our program brings together a remarkably diverse group of research and clinical faculty with homes in different Schools, Departments, Institutes, and Centers at CU Anschutz and affiliated institutions, providing excellent graduate training opportunities in the dynamic and fast-moving field of genetics, genomics, and related “omics”. Our faculty represent a variety of expertise, including genetics, multi-omics, statistics, epidemiology, informatics, machine learning, and natural language processing, applied to wide-ranging biological problems related to human health.
Who is the ideal HMGGP student? What kind of students are likely to be successful?
HMGGP is for you if you are a multidisciplinary thinker and are excited about the genetics and genomics revolution — from interpreting personal genomes, through developing disease model systems and building novel computational data-driven methods and tools, to repairing of disease genes in stem cells — that is transforming biomedical research and medical practice.
Those are the unifying factors. Otherwise, our students are extremely diverse. They come from all walks of life, with education from small liberal arts colleges to large universities. They have variable levels of research experience, with some matriculating directly from their undergraduate institutions and others joining after gaining additional experience. Our students come from across the United States and around the world and we have strong representation from underrepresented groups. Students have training in either biological or computational sciences.
HMGGP represents a unique opportunity for students to be trained and immersed in the application of cutting-edge genetics and genomics practices to the study of human disease with world renowned faculty. Our trainees go on to careers in academia, biotechnology, biomedical data science, science communication, genetic counseling, and more.
Admission Philosophy
Students are selected on the basis of past academic performance, previous laboratory research experience, and, where possible, individual interviews. We select students who show high intellectual achievement, creativity, independence, and strong motivation to become successful scientists. Our Program recognizes that students who are attracted to a career in genetics and genomics can have highly varied backgrounds.
We are committed to providing equitable access to learning opportunities for all students, including those with disabilities (e.g., mental health, attentional, learning, chronic health, sensory, or physical) who meet the technical standards of the program, with or without reasonable accommodations.
If you are an applicant with a disability who would like to engage in a confidential consultation about disability access at CU Anschutz, or who requires accommodations to complete the application or interview process, please contact The Office of Disability, Access & Inclusion.
Admissions Requirements
Coursework | Although there are no formal undergraduate course requirements, students with a solid undergraduate foundation in mathematics and biological and chemical sciences have performed best in the Program. It is suggested that applicants have completed courses
in biology, chemistry (general and organic), physics, genetics, calculus, and statistics before entering the Program.
Graduate Record Exam (GRE) | The GRE General Test and Subject Test are not required for application to HMGGP but will be considered if submitted. To send scores directly to HMGGP, please designate GRE code 4875.
APPLICATION DEADLINES
Final deadline for all applicants: December 1
Priority deadline for international applicants:
November 1
APPLICATION FEE WAIVER
We strive to make our application process as accessible as possible. Application fee waivers are available.
Learn More
How to Apply
APPLICATION WILL OPEN ON SEPTEMBER 1.
To apply for admission applicants must submit the following:
- Online Graduate School application (included in the application is the Research Statement, Professional Background, and Future Goals Statement, and Colorado residency form).
- A $50.00 domestic and $75.00 international non-refundable application fee. No application will be processed unless this fee is paid.
- One (1) official transcript of all academic work completed to date. To be considered "official", the transcripts must come from the issuing institution directly to the University of Colorado Denver Anschutz Medical Campus graduate program. Use the following address:
Electronic Transcripts should be sent to: graduate.school@cuanschutz.edu
If sending a physical transcript, please mail to:
Graduate School
Mail Stop C296
Fitzsimons Building, C5000
13001 E. 17th Place
Aurora, CO 80045
- Three (3) letters of recommendation.
- GRE test scores (optional). Use GRE code 4875.
- TOEFL or IELTS scores and financial support verification (international students only).
Questions should be directed to the program at HMGG@cuanschutz.edu.
International Applicants
PRIORITY DEADLINE FOR INTERNATIONAL APPLICANTS IS NOVEMBER 1.
Since additional processing is required for international applications, the application may not be complete even if submitted on December 1. Submission by November 1 will ensure time to complete administrative processing before December 1.
Applications submitted between November 1 and December 1 will only be considered if all application components have been received and processed.
International students must meet ALL of the requirements above and those required by International Admissions.
How are applicants evaluated?
HMGGP conducts rigorous, holistic, and thorough review of every completed application we receive. Factors considered include research experience, letters of recommendation, academic performance, personal qualities, interest in human medical genetics/genomics, dedication to pursuing a PhD, and the applicant’s unique perspective. Successful applicants come from a variety of backgrounds and research experiences. We believe it is most important to carefully consider how HMGGP matches your professional goals and personal values so that you can thrive here at CU Anschutz.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the application deadline each year?
December 1. For international applicants, the priority deadline is November 1.
Is the GRE required?
No, GRE scores are not required. If you have them and wish to share it with the program, the GRE code is 4875. Likewise, the GRE subject exam is not required. We do accept MCAT scores instead of the GRE’s, but if you are sending scores, the GRE’s are preferred.
How much is it to apply?
There is a $50.00 domestic and $75.00 international non-refundable application fee. Fee waivers are available.
Do I need to join a lab before I can gain admission to the program?
HMGGP does not have a direct-to-lab admit track (i.e., acceptance into a specific laboratory with admission). All students must do all three rotations before selecting a dissertation lab in the spring of their first year.
Does the program award master's degrees?
No, we are a PhD-granting program. Master's degrees are not awarded generally.
What does my completed application need?
- Completed application form (Online Application)
- Include application fee information
- Upload Statement of Purpose, CV, academic and non-academic experience
- Optional test scores to be sent directly from Education Testing Service to the University of Colorado (Institutional Code 4875) A subject code is not required.
- Submit one (1) official copy of your transcripts from each college or university attended. Official copies must be sent directly from the college or university attended. Those submitted by the student will not be accepted.
- Three (3) letters of recommendation
I submitted my application, now what?
The Admissions Committee will review your application file and decide whether to offer you an interview at our interview weekends in February. If you do not receive an invitation or a letter
of decline, your application is put on a waitlist. The Committee has until April 15 to notify you of their decision. 9 applicants are invited for an interview weekend that starts Thursday night and runs through Sunday morning.
I received an invitation for an interview. What do I need to do next?
The Human Medical Genetics and Genomics Program Administrator will contact you about your travel and make arrangements convenient for you. All travel arrangements are handled by the Human Medical Genetics and Genomics Human Medical Genetics and
Genomics Program. The Human Medical Genetics and Genomics Program covers expenses for transportation, lodging, and meal expenses during your travel and visit. The Human Medical Genetics and Genomics Program may reimburse you for some out-of-pocket
travel expenses; guidelines for reimbursement will be included in your interview packet.
What happens during the interview weekend?
The events typically include an informal welcome with several current students on
Thursday evening, Friday interviews, and informal Friday and Saturday activities. Friday begins with a continental breakfast with current students and faculty. After an overview of the program, 5-8 interviews are scheduled, along with a lunch with
current students, and a tour of campus and scientific facilities. Friday evening, several current Human Medical Genetics and Genomics students host you at dinner. On Saturday, current students coordinate interesting activities in and around Denver.
Saturday evening, there is a poster session of current students' research followed by a buffet dinner with all visiting prospective students, faculty and current students.
What can I expect during the interviews?
The
interviews are one-on-one talks with the professors, Admissions Committee faculty, and student Admissions representatives. They last 30 minutes long. You may bring any additional information you would like to share. Current students will escort you
to and from your interviews.
What should I wear to
my interview?
Most candidates wear business casual attire. Keep in mind comfort, fluctuating temperatures, and weather that this time of year in Colorado is known for!
Will I be able to talk with other
graduate students about their experience in the University of Colorado Human Medical Genetics and Genomics Program?
Yes, our graduate students play an important and integral part in coordinating our interview weekends. Your student buddy can answer your questions about the Human Medical Genetics and Genomics Program and give you the "inside scoop" about their experience here. Candidates will have the opportunity to attend dinners, social events, and see highlights of Denver, all arranged by our current students.