colleges that has the best major in genetics

[alexmitchell]

what college out there that is very prestigious when it comes to genetics?

[JustOneDad]

This is a strange notion. Genetics as a major is primarily preparation for graduate school and there are many places in which you can do that. Scientists aren’t much on prestigiosity (sorry, Hunt).

[whenhen]

The University of Wisconsin’s genetics phD program claims that they consider some undergraduate course work in genetics helpful (as in 2 classes) along with a variety of other courses and at least some research.

What coursework should I be pursuing as an undergraduate in preparation for graduate studies in genetics?

Students majoring in a variety of different subjects as undergraduates decide to pursue graduate studies in genetics. Regardless of your major, upon entering our program you should have a strong foundation in math and science. We expect you to have completed at least one semester of calculus. Although not required, courses in statistics and computer programming are encouraged. Traditionally, students’ science backgrounds have included one year each of biology, general chemistry, organic chemistry, and physics (including labs), along with additional courses in general genetics and biochemistry. However, the department welcomes applicants from other undergraduate tracks (including statistics, computer science, and engineering) who have had substantial, but more varied, scientific courses. Additional coursework in molecular biology, cell biology, developmental biology, population and evolutionary biology are also very useful. Because communication skills and the ability to think logically and critically are essential for success in science, courses in written and oral communication, philosophy, and logic are helpful. Finally, we expect you to have obtained at least one semester (and preferably more) of research experience by participation in an independent research project. Note that if you are otherwise qualified, but you have not taken all the required courses, you may still be considered for admission and allowed to make up the deficiencies by completing additional courses during the first year.

http://www.genetics.wisc.edu/PHDGradProgram.htm

Given that almost every college with a comprehensive bio program offers the recommended courses and some UG research it hardly seems necessary to choose a college based on the couple of courses a student might take. However if you are that curious about which schools have a good genetics graduate program, here are the [NRC’s rankings](http://chronicle.com/article/NRC-Rankings-Overview-/124733/). Keep in mind that many excellent schools for undergraduate work may be excluded because this mainly ranks research output, something not critical for undergrads.

How much do you already know about genetics? Is this just an interest or have you already done substantial study/ work in the field?

[whenhen]

Here’s what other top phD programs have to say about genetics/ MBB phD admission

From [UC Berkeley](https://mcb.berkeley.edu/grad/prospective-graduates/admissions-and-recruitment)

Strong undergraduate preparation for this program would include at least one year each of calculus, physics, and general biology, two to three semesters of chemistry (general, organic and physical chemistry), and additional advanced coursework in such areas as biochemistry, biophysics, cell biology, genetics, microbiology, molecular biology, immunology and/or neurobiology.

From [Yale[/url].

Appropriate preparation for graduate study in Genetics includes a bachelor’s degree in the natural sciences including course work in biology, chemistry, and mathematics. Almost all successful applicants have undergraduate or postgraduate research experience and have completed courses in genetics, biochemistry, or molecular and cell biology.

From [url=http://www.publichealth.pitt.edu/human-genetics/prospective-students/admissions]University of Pittsburgh](https://medicine.yale.edu/genetics/graduate/admission.aspx)

Introductory courses in genetics and calculus are required; additional coursework in biochemistry and behavioral or social sciences are recommended but not required.

[californiaaa]

Any strong school with Biology major. Please, don’t get fixed on genetics. Specialization comes later, at Ph.D. program. For Genetics, I’ll suggest less classes in Zoology/Botany and additional classes in Statistics and Bioinformatics. Please, start with a good understanding of the basic math, statistics (people tend to forget about math, but it is important).