The Department of Genetics and Biochemistry offers the M.S and Ph.D. in both Genetics and Biochemistry & Molecular Biology. Graduate research in both programs includes human, animal, plant, and microbial biochemistry and genetics, as well as molecular and biometrical genetics. Core courses for both programs include advanced discipline specific courses, as well as courses in methods, proteomics and genomics, and professional development. Additional courses are selected from the biochemistry/genetics curriculum, special offerings, and from supporting departments' course offerings to provide the academic and technical competencies needed to enhance the research focus of the student's program.

Students accepted as teaching assistants select an adviser and begin their thesis research after a 1 year, 3 laboratory rotation. Students accepted as research assistants forego the rotation period but must be accepted by a research adviser before admission. An advisory committee, selected by the adviser and the student, determines the student's course work requirements, keeps track of the student's progress in the classroom and laboratory, and administers the final examinations. Although course requirements vary for each division, breadth and depth of preparation are expected of each candidate in his or her chosen discipline. Students are kept abreast of recent developments in Genetics, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology through seminars, colloquia, journal clubs and special courses. Much of their education is received informally through frequent discussions with faculty and other students, both within and outside the department. Students are expected to present research results at regional and national scientific meetings, publish in recognized journals, and submit grant proposals or in collaboration with faculty members. The Department of Genetics and Biochemistry collaborates with several other University departments and colleges in teaching and research. These include Bioengineering, Chemistry, Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics and Textiles in the College of Engineering and Science; and the departments of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, Biological Sciences, Entomology, Soils, and Plant Sciences, Food Science and Human Nutrition, and Horticulture in the College of Agriculture, Forestry & Life Sciences.

Many students are unsure which degree they should apply for. While many factors go into the decision, there are some specifics about the Genetics and Biochemistry & Molecular Biology degree programs that you should consider before you choose.

1) Teaching assistantships in Genetics and Biochemistry & Molecular Biology are almost exclusively reserved for PhD students. The rotation year and two year commitment to a teaching position makes it very difficult to finish the work required for the MS in a reasonable amount of time. Therefore, if you desire an MS, you will be considered for a research assistantship. There are far fewer of these slots available in a given year, so your chances of acceptance are lower. Also, the Greenwood Genetic Center does not train MS students, for the same time constraint reasons stated above.

2) An MS is NOT required to pursue the PhD; especially for US students. It is more time effective to start in the PhD program if that is your end goal, as the time to degree is additive. That is, students with an MS will still require 4- 5 years to complete the PhD, as will students with a BS. Nothing is gained by earning the MS first, unless that is your final goal.

For more information on our graduate programs, please contact Lisa Pape (lpape@clemson.edu) at 864-656-6877 or 1-866-247-8358. Do not contact faculty.