MS in Individualized Genomics & Health - Johns Hopkins University

The Johns Hopkins University (JHU) Krieger School of Arts and Sciences offers an online master of science (MS) in individualized genomics and health that can be completed in 12 to 24 months. The program includes three optional concentrations in laboratory diagnostics, genomics, and regulatory/policy. This program addresses a growing need for personalized medicine.

Using a patient’s DNA, professionals are making medical advancements that work specifically with an individual’s genetic make-up to diagnose and treat the patient more accurately. This growing field has beneficial health implications for the effectiveness of treatments for illness and disease, early detection, and disease mitigation or prevention.

The MS program is designed to prepare graduates to enter this emerging field of individualized health and genomics by exploring legal, ethical, and regulatory topics.

Individualized genomics and health applications may apply to information technology, project management, genetic counseling, higher education, healthcare, biotech start-ups, research, pharmaceuticals, big data, and medical device development.

Related professional duties may include managing scientific and laboratory data, genome research, data analytics, performing clinical phenotyping, running genetic tests, interpreting test results, and creating tools for automation.

What to Expect from the JHU Online MS in Individualized Genomics & Health

Admission Requirements: Applicants to the online MS in individualized genomics & health must have a bachelor’s degree in life sciences or engineering with a GPA of at least 3.0. Prerequisites include one semester each of organic chemistry, biochemistry, cell biology, molecular biology, and biostatistics. No prior work experience is required. Note that meeting the GPA requirement does not guarantee admission to the program.

To be considered for admission, students must submit a resume and a statement of purpose detailing long-term goals and reasons for pursuing the MS in individualized genomics and health and academic and professional strengths. No GMAT or GRE is required.

Study Plan: Students may begin courses in the fall, spring, or summer with part-time and full-time plans available. The program can be completed in 12 to 24 months. Designed to mirror the on-campus version of the program, students can expect the same amount of coursework and course content as the in-person program.

Curriculum: The MS in individualized genomics & health consists of 40 credits. Core courses include epigenetics, gene organization, and expression; human molecular genetics; genes and disease; introduction to bioinformatics; ethical, legal, and regulatory aspects of the biotechnology enterprise; and genomic and personalized medicine. Non-concentration students take four electives from the Biotechnology Center. Concentration students take one elective plus three of the courses listed under the concentrations below.

Laboratory Diagnostics Concentration: Clinical and molecular diagnostics; recombinant DNA laboratory; next-generation DNA sequencing and analysis; gene expression data analysis and visualization

Genomics Concentration: Practical computer concepts for bioinformatics; bioinformatics: tools for genome analysis; next-generation DNA sequencing and analysis; gene expression data analysis and visualization; cancer genomics; practical introduction to metagenomics

Regulatory/Policy Concentration: Food and drug law; biomedical software regulation; medical product reimbursement; in vitro diagnostic regulation

Online Experience: JHU online courses are delivered through Blackboard and Adobe Connect. Classes are asynchronous with opportunities for online discussion forums and live interaction with peers if desired. Faculty keep online office hours and monitor work closely, making comments and suggestions for improvement, ensuring that students feel more connected in the program. Some optional synchronous activities such as exam reviews or sessions with guest speakers may be included. All synchronous activities are recorded to ensure the opportunity for all to view the sessions.

Course content may be delivered through online resources, including streaming video, PowerPoint presentations (student-read and narrated), text notes, web-conferencing, discussion boards, assignments, examinations and quizzes. Online students can access admissions counseling, academic advising, career counseling, emotional support services, online tutoring, and technical support.

On-Site Requirements: There are no onsite requirements as the MS in individualized genomics and health is fully online. Students are welcome to visit campus, participate in campus or group activities, and participate in graduation.

Paying for the JHU Online MS in Individualized Genomics & Health

JHU Online MS in Individualized Genomics & Health program tuition is listed in the tables below. Prospective students should contact the JHU Krieger School of Arts and Sciences admissions department for current costs and payment opportunities.

JHU offers federal grants and loans through FAFSA completion and submission for full-time graduate students enrolled at least half-time which is 4.5 credits per term. Financial aid may also be available through tuition support or monthly stipends from the health academic department. Students may also secure private loans and outside scholarships and grants. Interested professionals may find out more by contacting the JHU Financial Aid Office. Individualized genomics and health students are encouraged to contact their employers about tuition reimbursement programs and discounts.

Johns Hopkins University - Advanced Academic Programs MS Individualized Genomics and Health

  • Prepare to enter a field that works specifically with an individual’s genetic make-up to increase the chances of early detection and the effectiveness of treatments for illness and disease
  • Choose one of three optional concentrations in laboratory diagnostics, genomics, and regulatory/policy
  • Focus on topics such as epigenetics, gene organization, gene expression, genes and disease, ethics and regulatory aspects individualized medicine, and bioinformatics
Program Essentials
Degree Level Master's Degree
Program Start Dates Fall, Spring, Summer
Credits Needed to Graduate 40
Time to Complete? Graduate in 12 to 24 months
100% Online? Yes
Program Accreditation None
Program Admissions
Level of Education Required? Bachelor's degree or higher
GRE or GMAT Required? No GMAT/GRE required
Work Experience Required? No
Program Tuition
Credit Hours 40
Average Cost Per Credit $1,302.50
Estimated Program Tuition * $52,080.00

Johns Hopkins University - Advanced Academic Programs MS Individualized Genomics and Health - Genomics

  • Choose courses covering bioinformatics IT, genome analysis, metagenomics, DNA sequencing and analysis, gene expression data analysis and visualization, and cancer genomics
  • Complete your degree in just 12 to 24 months
  • Work in areas such as areas such as information technology, genetics counseling, healthcare, genetic research, biotech start-ups, and big data
Program Essentials
Degree Level Master's Degree
Program Start Dates Fall, Spring, Summer
Credits Needed to Graduate 40
Time to Complete? Graduate in 12 to 24 months
100% Online? Yes
Program Accreditation None
Program Admissions
Level of Education Required? Bachelor's degree or higher
GRE or GMAT Required? No GMAT/GRE required
Work Experience Required? No work experience required
Program Tuition
Credit Hours 40
Average Cost Per Credit $1,302.50
Estimated Program Tuition * $52,080.00

Johns Hopkins University - Advanced Academic Programs MS Individualized Genomics and Health - Laboratory Diagnostics

  • Complete three concentration courses in laboratory diagnostics plus one elective course
  • Pursue careers as a bioinformatic scientist, geneticist, medical scientist, or clinical research coordinator, among others
  • Courses cover clinical and molecular diagnostics, recombinant DNA, gene expression data analysis and visualization, and DNA sequencing and analysis
Program Essentials
Degree Level Master's Degree
Program Start Dates Fall, Spring, Summer
Credits Needed to Graduate 40
Time to Complete? Graduate in 12 to 24 months
100% Online? Yes
Program Accreditation None
Program Admissions
Level of Education Required? Bachelor's degree or higher
GRE or GMAT Required? No GMAT/GRE required
Work Experience Required? No work experience required
Program Tuition
Credit Hours 40
Average Cost Per Credit $1,302.50
Estimated Program Tuition * $52,080.00

Johns Hopkins University - Advanced Academic Programs MS Individualized Genomics and Health - Regulatory/Policy

  • Focus on the regulatory and ethical aspects of individualized genomics and health
  • Study courses such as biomedical software regulation, food and drug law, genes and disease, ethical, legal, and regulatory aspects of the biotechnology enterprise, and in vitro diagnostic regulation
  • Study completely online with asynchronous courses and access to an array of student support services and faculty/peer online interaction
Program Essentials
Degree Level Master's Degree
Program Start Dates Fall, Spring, Summer
Credits Needed to Graduate 40
Time to Complete? Graduate in 12 to 24 months
100% Online? Yes
Program Accreditation None
Program Admissions
Level of Education Required? Bachelor's degree or higher
GRE or GMAT Required? No GMAT/GRE required
Work Experience Required? No work experience required
Program Tuition
Credit Hours 40
Average Cost Per Credit $1,302.50
Estimated Program Tuition * $52,080.00

Tuition is calculated based on credits, at the published tuition rate. For programs with variable tuition rates, we use the rates for part-time students. Tuition number represents the cost of tuition for the entire program, not per semester or year. Estimated total tuition does not include additional fees, unless otherwise specified. Please check here for any tuition updates.

Sara Navratil
Sara Navratil
Writer

Sara Navratil is a freelance writer and a Certified Canfield Success Principles Trainer. She's the owner of Sara Liza Life, a company dedicated to helping people rewrite their lives. She enjoys researching and writing about healthcare-related topics, including information on online MHA programs. When not working she likes to read, bake, and spend time with her family.