Precision Medicine
To better prepare our students for the rapidly evolving use of genomic data in healthcare fields, Midwestern University offers an online 2-year Post-Graduate Certificate (PGCert) in Precision Medicine.
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Learn more about the requirements and find quick links to relevant catalog content to guide you in your application process.
Dual Track Program
- Acceptance to a Midwestern University primary degree program.
- Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75.
- Completed Precision Medicine Program application.
- Applicants can transfer their existing MWU healthcare professional degree applications to the Precision Medicine Program for admissions consideration.
- For current Midwestern University students whose primary degree program has already started, an approval letter will be automatically requested from the Dean of your primary program.
Stand-Alone Program
- Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75.
- A graduate level healthcare or biomedical/biological sciences degree or a bachelor's degree (B.A. or B.S.) from an accredited college or university with completion of genetics, molecular and cellular biology, biochemistry, or similar coursework. If degree not already awarded, must be completed prior to matriculation.
- Completed Precision Medicine Program application.
*Subject to change
- The Post-Graduate Certificate is available as either a dual track program (when admitted to or concurrently enrolled in another Midwestern Primary degree program) or as a stand-alone program.
- For dual track student eligibility, see the table below. Eligibility is based on the primary program/year of the student, the meeting of admissions requirements, and their progress in that program.
- Eligibility to apply to the stand-alone Post Graduate Certificate is based on meeting the program admissions requirements, which can be found on the program website and in the course catalog.
- Dual track Post-Graduate Certificate students may transfer later to the Master of Science with the Program Director's approval.
Primary Program | Eligible Years |
|---|---|
Doctor of Osteopathy (DO) | Newly admitted or any year of DO program |
Dental Medicine | Newly admitted or any year of Dental program |
Optometry | Newly admitted or any year of Optometry program |
Veterinary Medicine | Current 1st year or later student |
Podiatry | Current 1st year or later student |
Pharmacy | Current 1st year or later student |
Physician Assistant | Newly admitted or any year of PA program |
All other programs | Newly admitted or any year of primary program |
The Precision Medicine Post-Graduate Certificate is available as a dual track program, completed in conjunction with another Midwestern University healthcare degree or as a stand-alone Post-Graduate Certificate.
Students wishing to complete the dual track program can apply as currently enrolled Midwestern University students or as students who have recently been accepted to another professional program at Midwestern University.
Professionals wishing to the complete the Precision Medicine Post-Graduate Certificate who are not currently admitted to or enrolled in another Midwestern University degree program can apply directly to the stand-alone Post-Graduate Certificate Program.
All applicants will be required to submit a short personal statement indicating how the Post-Graduate Certificate in Precision Medicine fits into their professional goals. You will see the instructions for the personal statement while making your application.
View full requirements in catalog*
*Subject to change
The Post-Graduate Certificate in Precision Medicine offered by the Midwestern University College of Graduate Studies (CGS) is a two-year, online, interdisciplinary, professional certificate program in applied genomic sciences. It can be completed as a dual track in conjunction with another Midwestern University healthcare degree or as a stand-alone Post-Graduate Certificate for those with existing graduate professional degrees. Students enrolled in this program will expand their knowledge of precision medicine, gain a comprehensive understanding of genomic and other ‘omic technologies, and enhance their future career opportunities.
This unique program:
- Covers a variety of topics including, biomarkers, cancer, pharmacogenomics, bioinformatics, genetic counseling, and infectious, inflammatory, cardiovascular, and neurological diseases
- Includes emerging ethical and legal topics associated with precision medicine
- Emphasizes associated ‘omics technologies including transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics
- Provides students with the practical knowledge needed for incorporating advanced technologies into the prevention, prediction, diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of disease
- Features a summer start and evenly spaced coursework, with no more than 3 credits required in any quarter
- Is designed to integrate well with other primary degree programs at Midwestern University or be manageable to complete by working professionals
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When completed as a dual track program, the 22-quarter-credit hour Precision Medicine is designed to dovetail with other Midwestern University healthcare professional programs, which allows students to complete all or most requirements during the didactic years of their programs. When completed as a stand-alone Post-Graduate Certificate, the program is designed to be schedule-friendly and flexible for working professionals. The Post-Graduate Certificate program includes both required core and elective coursework in Precision Medicine topics.
A typical Precision Medicine Post-Graduate Certificate Program curriculum, course credits, and course sequencing can be found in the Midwestern University course catalog. The Post-Graduate Certificate program has a summer start and requires no more than 3 credits per quarter during the 24 months curriculum. The program begins with core courses in basic genetics and genomics and an exploration of monogenic and complex diseases. A bioinformatics/statistics course educates students on the computational underpinnings of genetic and genomic data. This is followed by courses in biomarkers, the molecular pathology of cancer, pharmacogenomics, and microbiome/infectious diseases. Additional courses address legal and ethical issues of genetic technologies and build familiarity with counseling and communications skills to help students place their new knowledge in the complex context of medical care. Precision Medicine Students are also required to complete 2 elective courses that allow students to delve more deeply into specific areas of precision medicine according to their professional interests.
*Subject to change
Tuition for this program is paid per enrolled credit hour.
- For the 2024-2025 academic year the tuition is $921/credit hour. Annual tuition increases are generally 3-4% per year.
- There are 22 required credits for the Post-Graduate Certificate. Typically, students are enrolled in 10 credits in the first year and 12 credits in the second year.
What degree programs does Midwestern University offer in Precision Medicine?
Midwestern University offers a dual degree Master of Science with an applied genomics capstone project as well as a Post-Graduate Certificate, which can be completed as either a dual track or a stand-alone program. All programs teach students to understand genetics and genomics data, describe how it is created and applied, and demonstrate basic bioinformatic analytical methods. Students will learn to determine what those data mean in practical terms for a patient’s physical and mental health, and utilize their knowledge to determine how that data can best be used to meet the medical needs of individual patients or populations.
How do I apply to the dual degree/dual track program?
You can apply for the dual degree/dual track after you have been accepted to your primary professional program. Use the "CGS Dual Application" link, which allows you to transfer your health professions application to the Precision Medicine Program for admissions consideration. Additionally, you will be required to submit a personal statement indicating how the Precision Medicine M.S. (dual degree) or PGCert (dual track) fits into your professional goals. You will see the instructions for the personal statement while making your application.
How do I apply to the stand-alone Post-Graduate Certificate program?
You can apply to the stand-alone Post-Graduate Certificate program by using the Apply button on the Post-Graduate Certificate in Precision Medicine page. Please contact the Midwestern University Glendale, AZ Admissions Office if you have questions or have any difficulty applying, call us at 623-572-3215 or 888-247-9277 or email us at admissaz@midwestern.edu.
I am admitted to a professional program on the Downers Grove, IL campus. Can I apply to a Precision Medicine dual degree/dual track program?
Yes. Precision Medicine is a cross-campus program. Current or admitted Midwestern University students on both the Glendale, AZ and Downers Grove, IL campuses may submit their MWU healthcare professional application to the Precision Medicine Program for admissions consideration.
Can all current or admitted MWU students apply for admission to either the dual degree Master of Science or the dual track Post-Graduate Certificate?
No. The Master of Science requires two summer quarters in which the primary program does not have required courses. Therefore, only students in the Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine, Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, Doctor of Dental Medicine, and Doctor of Optometry programs are able to apply for the Master of Science degree. Some of these programs (D.O., D.M.D., and O.D.) utilize the summer prior to matriculation as one of the necessary summer quarters. Students in any Midwestern graduate healthcare program can apply for the dual track Post-Graduate Certificate.
Is it possible to transfer between the Master of Science and Post-Graduate Certificate programs?
Yes, it is possible for some students to transfer between the Master of Science and Post-Graduate Certificate and vice versa. Interested dual degree or dual track students should contact the Program Director to discuss transferring between the Master of Science and Post-Graduate Certificate or vice versa. In some cases, it may be possible for a student not eligible to initially apply to the Master of Science to later transfer to the Master of Science from the Post-Graduate Certificate with the approval of the Program Director. It is not currently possible for students accepted to the stand-alone Post-Graduate Certificate to transfer to the Master of Science degree because the Master of Science is currently only offered on a dual degree basis.
What is the application deadline?
The application window opens November 1st and admission decisions are made on a rolling basis. Applicants are encouraged to apply early for the best chance of admission. The deadline for dual degree Master of Science or dual track Post-Graduate Certificate applications is May 1st or the first business day thereafter. The deadline for stand-alone applications to the Post-Graduate Certificate is May 1st or the first business day thereafter.
How many credits are the Precision Medicine degrees?
The Master of Science in Precision Medicine degree consists of 46 quarter-credit hours which includes required core and elective coursework, and an applied genomics capstone project. Up to 18 hours of dual credit will be awarded from the students’ primary degree program.
The Post-Graduate Certificate in Precision Medicine is a 22 quarter-credit hour program that includes required core and elective coursework that is very similar to the Master of Science. However, the Post-Graduate Certificate does not require completion of a capstone project and does not include transfer of dual credit courses from the primary program when taken as a dual track.
What does a typical course load look like for a Master of Science (M.S.) student?
Information can be found on the M.S. Precision Medicine Curriculum page*.
What does a typical course load look like for a Post-Graduate Certificate (PGCert) student?
Information can be found on the Post-Graduate Certificate Curriculum page*.
Do courses in my primary program count toward the Master of Science (M.S.) in Precision Medicine degree?
Yes, the M.S. program requires and is designed to allow the transfer of up to 18 credits of approved courses completed in the primary program. For a list of courses eligible for transfer dual-credit in the M.S. program, review the M.S. Precision Medicine Curriculum page*.
Do courses in my primary program count toward the dual track Post-Graduate Certificate (PGCert) in Precision Medicine Program?
No, the PGCert program does not require and does not allow for transfer credits from the primary program.
As a dual degree Master of Science (M.S.) student, will I have to take courses during the primary program academic year?
Yes, although the majority of the M.S. coursework is taken during the summer quarters, students should be enrolled in an elective or one required course during other quarters. Review the M.S. Precision Medicine Curriculum page* for a sample course sequence.
As a dual track student, will I have to take other Post-Graduate Certificate (PGCert) courses during the primary program academic year?
Yes, students will be enrolled in at least one Precision Medicine course during every quarter. Review the Post-Graduate Certificate Curriculum page* for a sample course sequence.
Will I be assigned an advisor?
Students in each cohort will be assigned a faculty advisor to assist them with academic concerns, program completion, and the capstone project (for M.S. students). In addition to the faculty advisor, the Program Director, Associate Program Director, College of Graduate Studies Dean, Associate Dean, and the Dean of Students are also available to assist students. It is the student’s responsibility to initiate contact with the faculty advisor for assistance.
What is the capstone project completed by M.S. students?
The capstone project provides an opportunity for students to demonstrate competence in basic genome analysis and assessment of genetic risk alleles. Students will make a health-focused assessment of an anonymized human genome and identify gene variants associated directly with genetic diseases or with increased risk for diseases, and then evaluate the consequences of those gene variants. The capstone project culminates in a written clinical genetic report of the findings and a formal presentation of the findings to Precision Medicine Program faculty and students.
I have specific questions about the cost of attending with the dual degree/dual track options, where can I find more information?
The Office of Student Financial Services can advise on cost of attendance, financial aid options, and other questions related to attendance. Visit the Paying for College pages for Office of Student Financial Services contact information and other details.
Are students in the Precision Medicine Program eligible for Federal Financial Aid?
Yes, dual degree and dual track students in the program are eligible for Federal Financial Aid as long as they are taking a minimum of 6 credit hours in a quarter (courses in the primary program of study can count for some of the required credit hours). Students in the stand-alone Post-Graduate Certificate program may not be eligible for Federal Financial Aid, as they will only be enrolled in 2-3 credit hours per quarter. These students should contact the Office of Student Financial Services to discuss other options for covering tuition costs.
Where can I find resources and required textbooks?
The Midwestern University Library offers a variety of resources for students including many e-books on the Precision Medicine Library Page. Desk copies of some required textbooks may be available in the reserved section of the libraries on both the Downers Grove, IL and Glendale, AZ campuses. Many of the required textbooks are also available at the library as e-books. Some allow for unlimited users while others are limited to one user at a time. See the Midwestern library website for further details. Course syllabi will indicate if there are required textbooks for a course. Not all courses will have required texts.
What are the computer requirements for the online Master of Science and Post-Graduate Certificate Programs?
Students enrolled in online courses are expected to have consistent access to an updated computer that is connected to reliable internet, installed with a word processing and a presentation program (e.g., Microsoft Office, Mac Pages/Keynote), and equipped with a microphone, speakers, and webcam.
Will I need to purchase my own genomic analysis software?
No. The university will provide access to analysis software and servers that will enable students to perform all of the required data processing and other analysis.
*Subject to change
The National Precision Medicine Initiative was launched in January 2015. The goal of this initiative was to “pioneer a new model of patient-powered research that promises to accelerate biomedical discoveries and provide clinicians with new tools, knowledge, and therapies to select which treatments will work best for which patients”. Precision Medicine enables practitioners to deliver the best possible clinical care by leveraging research and technology. This initiative directs substantial funding to three critical agencies:
- Funding to the National Institutes of Health (NIH) is provided to establish the creation of a voluntary national research cohort. The All of Us Research Program seeks to create a diverse database providing more accurate information on a wide variety of health conditions and to enable patients to receive individualized care that is most appropriate for them.
- A portion of the NIH funding is specifically directed to the National Cancer Institute (NCI) and is intended to increase efforts to identify the genomic drivers of cancer and to develop more effective treatment approaches.
- Funding to the FDA provides for the acquisition of appropriate expertise and curated databases to support the regulatory infrastructure needed to advance findings into the clinic in support of public health.
At the heart of the National Precision Medicine Initiative is the direction to develop policies that empower patients, researchers, and providers to work together toward development of individualized care. Midwestern University has created the Precision Medicine Program to train students in the fundamentals of this rapidly growing field so that they may best utilize new knowledge to provide their patients with the highest possible level of care.
A Post-Graduate Certificate in Precision Medicine can offer many career opportunities, particularly in conjunction with another healthcare professional degree. Addition of this training on top of a primary healthcare degree may increase a student’s competitiveness for desired residencies or positions.
- Precision/Genomic Medicine Clinician (when coupled with a healthcare degree)
- Precision/Genomic Medicine Pharmacist (when coupled with a pharmacy degree)
- Precision/Genomic Medicine Veterinarian (when coupled with veterinary medicine degree)
- Precision/Genomic Medicine Dentist (when coupled with dental medicine degree)
- Genomics or Biomedical Researcher
- Computational Genomics and Data Scientists (Bioinformatics)
- Genetics/Ethics Lawyer (when coupled with a law degree)
- Government Employment Opportunities (ex: NIH Human Genome Research Institute)
- Medical and Diagnostic Research Laboratories
The State of Arizona Board of Private Postsecondary Education has approved all current degree and certificate programs at Midwestern University, Glendale - Arizona Campus. All degrees and certificates are conferred under the authority granted by the Arizona State Board for Private Postsecondary Education and The Higher Learning Commission, A Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
Midwestern University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission/A Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (HLC/NCA), 230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500, Chicago, IL 60604-1413; 312-263-0456.
Open to current students and working professionals, a certificate in Precision Medicine can help you diversify your resume and stand out from the crowd. See the benefits of adding a Precision Medicine dual degree to your education.
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Academic Course Catalog
Explore comprehensive details about our academic programs (subject to change).
Hear Our Stories
Alyssa Bowen, Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine, Class of 2026 & Precision Medicine Program, College of Health Sciences-Downers Grove, Class of 2025
“The program is all asynchronous, done at my own speed, and whatever time I find best fits my schedule. And, it allows me to hone in on the part of applied genomics that I love."
Kolla Kristjansdottir, Ph.D., Associate Program Director, Biomedical Sciences, College of Graduate Studies-Downers Grove
“What we’re teaching is using cutting-edge technology, biomarkers, and information to help students that are already pursuing their primary degree enhance their knowledge and ability to treat their patients or their clients to their best abilities.”
Campus Options
Glendale
Located just 15 minutes from downtown Phoenix. Students can study and live on our sprawling 143-acre campus and practice at our University-owned clinics located just across the street.
Downers Grove
Located just 25 miles west of Chicago. Students can study and live in the comfort and safety of a 105-acre campus in the suburbs and can practice at our University-owned clinics located just 10 minutes away.