The Genetics Graduate Program is a University wide program. Current faculty are in 14 Departments and four Colleges. The Genetics Program provides a well-balanced program of graduate course work and research training. The faculty conducts basic research in all areas of genetics, including molecular, cellular and developmental genetics, behavioral genetics, biomedical genetics, evolutionary, population and quantitative genetics, statistical genetics, and bioinformatics. Faculty research utilizes both traditional model organisms (fruit flies, mice and Arabidopsis) and non-traditional systems (cats, cockroaches, dairy cattle, dogs, maize, pigs, pine trees and more). Interdisciplinary research is encouraged.<br><br>Master of Science in Genetics is a shorter research degree. Students typically enter this program by direct recruitment from a faculty mentor and begin working on their research project(s) in their first year. MS applicants are strongly encouraged to establish a relationship with a faculty advisor prior to application. MS candidates are required to pass an oral comprehensive examination and thesis defense. This examination is taken during the final semester of graduate study after completion of the thesis. In this exam, the student will be required to defend the scientific methodology, merit and conclusions of the thesis research. Students are also required to complete one semester of supervised teaching experience at some point during their study. MS students generally complete their program within 3 years.