Genetics (B.S.)
ABOUT
Those beautiful eyes you inherited from your dad are actually a complex science — genetics. Geneticists study the molecular structure and function of genes and their behavior in order to understand how organisms inherit and then pass on characteristics to their offspring. You likely can already see how the concepts of heredity are important in medicine, but they are also very important to modern science and industry in areas such as biotechnology and agriculture. A genetics degree from Clemson is a strong preparation for many different careers.
Our students graduate with an excellent foundation for medical, veterinary or pharmacy school. You’ll also be prepared to conduct graduate research in any discipline related to biology, such as bioinformatics, forensic technology or genetic counseling.
FAST FACTS
- There are numerous summer research opportunities available through the National Science Foundation.
- Clemson and the nearby Greenwood Genetics Center have established a human genetics collaborative.
- Our department interacts closely with the Institute for Translational Genomics.
- More than 20 percent of our students are members of the Calhoun Honors College.
- Clemson partners with Prisma Health to advance health care research.
WHAT YOU'LL STUDY
The first major-specific course required of freshman genetics majors is Careers in Genetics and Biochemistry. This introductory course brings in professionals to aid students in discovering the diversity of career opportunities available from this degree. This course also helps you become aware of professional organizations, ethical issues and the requirements for advanced studies.
In the first two years at Clemson, you’ll take various science courses such as general and organic chemistry, biology, physics and mathematics. These will prepare you for upper-level course work that includes molecular biochemistry, molecular and general genetics, comparative genetics and population genetics. Additionally, you’ll be able to tailor your degree to your specific interests by selecting from approved scientific courses such as microbiology, immunology, and human anatomy and physiology.
Genetics students spend quite a bit of time in Clemson’s laboratories with our nationally recognized faculty. Our faculty have diverse research interests from alternative fuel to molecular parasitology. You also have a chance to participate in internships and study abroad, as well as join any of Clemson’s hundreds of student organizations.
Curriculum
Popular Minors
- Biochemistry
- Biological Sciences
- Business Administration
- Microbiology
- Modern Languages
- Psychology
EXPERIENCES BEYOND THE CLASSROOM
Outside the classroom, you’ll often find a genetics student in the lab, many times working alongside our nationally recognized faculty whose diverse research interests range from spiders to cancer. You'll also have a chance to participate in internships and study abroad, as well as join any of Clemson’s hundreds of student organizations.
AFTER GRADUATION
Your college decision isn't really about the next four years. We get it. It's about what doors are opened by your degree and whether those opportunities are what you had envisioned for yourself. Here's a snapshot of what life after graduation looks like for some of our most recent students.
WHERE OUR RECENT GRADUATES HAVE GONE
KEY
- 41-100%
- 21-40%
- 11-20%
- 0-10%
RECENT EMPLOYERS
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Research Coordinator
Medical University of South Carolina
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Lab Technician
ArborGen
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Research Associate
Medical University of South Carolina

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Corps Member
Teach for America
RECENT POSTGRADUATE STUDIES
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M.D.
University of South Carolina School of Medicine Greenville
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M.D.
Baylor College of Medicine
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M.S. Physician Assistant Studies
Medical University of South Carolina College of Medicine
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Ph.D.
Emory University
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Ph.D.
Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
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M.S. Genetic Counseling
Virginia Commonwealth University
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DVM
NC State College of Veterinary Medicine
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J.D.
George Washington University
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Ph.D.
Penn State
COMMON CAREER AREAS
- Research
- Basic Research
- Applied Research
- Grant Writing
- Administration
- Teaching
- Elementary
- Secondary
- Post-secondary
- Non-classroom Settings
- Health Care
- Medicine
- Dentistry
- Optometry
- Podiatry
- Pharmacy
- Chiropracty
- Veterinary Medicine
- Genetic Counseling
- Occupational Therapy
- Physical Therapy
- Public Health
- Other Professional Opportunities
- Sales and Marketing
- Technical Writing
- Scientific Journalism
- Scientific Illustration
- Regulatory Affairs
- Administration and Management
- Scientific or Technical Recruiting
- Intellectual Property or Patent Law
- Bioinformatics
Used with permission from the University of Tennessee.
FIND OUT MORE
Have more questions or want more information? Fill out the form below, which goes directly to the following department contact. If you’d also like to receive general University information from Clemson’s admissions office, please follow the link to the right and sign up to join our mailing list.
Sharetta Bufford
Recruiter
864-656-3296
ScienceInfo@clemson.edu