NYU Langone's Vilcek Institute of Graduate Biomedical Sciences and Sarah Lawrence College today announced the launch of a master’s program in genome health analysis (GHA).

Building on the strengths of both institutions, the new program focuses on analyses of patient genomes—the complete sets of genetic information in human cells. New tools have dramatically increased the amount and quality of genomic data available on each patient, but the field is constrained by the small number of experts trained to use and apply personal genomic data to a patient’s healthcare.

With this rationale, the program in GHA seeks to train a new class of genetics professionals to use genomic data to generate guidance that personalizes healthcare and improves health outcomes. GHA trainees will develop skills in data science and hospital care, drawing on knowledge in human genetics and genomics, bioinformatics, and healthcare systems. They will learn to identify and interpret differences in the genetic code of each patient, and they will then use this information in combination with family histories of disease and their electronic health record to quantify disease risks and predict an individual’s response to certain therapies.

“Our program was designed to meet the evolving needs of healthcare systems, healthcare professionals, and patients with respect to genetics,” said Anna Cantor, MA, MS, CGC, co-director of the GHA master’s program at NYU Grossman School of Medicine and program director of genetics education at the Center for Human Genetics and Genomics. “The combined experiences available from our partnering institutions support the development of strong, professional change agents who will be valued members of innovative, genomics-oriented multidisciplinary healthcare teams.”

“We are dedicated to the mission of training future scientists and critical thinkers by fostering an inclusive environment that supports scientific discovery and professional growth,” said Claire Davis, EdD, MS, CGC, who is also co-director of the new master’s program, director of the Joan H. Marks Graduate Program in Human Genetics, and director of curriculum development for the Institute for Genomics at Sarah Lawrence College. “We aim to achieve this by developing the highest-quality academic program in genome health analysis for our student scholars.”

Serving as senior advisors to and administrators of the program will be Aravinda Chakravarti, PhD, director of the Center for Human Genetics and Genomics and the Muriel G. and George W. Singer Professor of Neuroscience and Physiology at NYU Langone Health, and Kelly V. Ruggles, PhD, director of master’s education at the Vilcek Institute of Graduate Biomedical Sciences.

“Students will have opportunities to train in a new genetics area by engaging in cutting-edge research at a world-renowned academic medical center and to learn skills for advising patients,” said Dr. Chakravarti. “We are building an environment in which genome health analysts can hone their skills in critical thinking, problem-solving, ethical training, and oral and written communications.”

The four-semester program is also designed to advance the diversity of graduate education through recruitment, retention, and support of underrepresented groups. Culminating in a degree from NYU Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, the program is set to be typically completed in two years, and it requires 48 credits. It includes coursework, case-based skills labs, and a practicum for immersion in future work environments.

Requirements include a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution (a GPA of 3.0 or higher is encouraged), relevant coursework, a statement of purpose that demonstrates an interest in genetics and healthcare, and two letters of recommendation.

The application process for the 2024–25 academic year is now open. If you plan on applying to enroll in September 2024, please keep in mind these important dates:

• priority application date: January 31, 2024
• notification of acceptance: rolling
• last day to apply: May 31, 2024

Those interested can learn more by calling 212-263-5648 or sending an email to Vilcek-Info@NYULangone.org.

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Greg Williams
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