Allied Health Sciences, University of Connecticut

Frequently Asked Questions, Diagnostic Genetic Sciences Program

1. Do you accept Freshmen directly into the Diagnostic Genetic Sciences Program?
No. The undergraduate DGS Program is a junior/senior program. Students entering as freshman are admitted as juniors following at least 2 years of full-time prerequisite course work at the University of Connecticut.

2. Is there a guaranteed admission program?
Yes. In order to qualify for guaranteed admission a student must:

Be admitted to the University of Connecticut as a freshman
Complete 3 successive semesters of full-time study of required coursework at the University of Connecticut
Submit a Department of Allied Health Sciences application during the fourth full-time semester
Earn an overall Grade Point Average of 3.2 or better
Meet all other admissions requirements

Students meeting these criteria will be guaranteed admission to the Diagnostic Genetic Sciences Program. Acceptance does not guarantee admission to the preferred concentration (cytogenetics or molecular diagnostics). This is decided on a competitive space available basis. University of Connecticut students who do not meet these criteria will be reviewed for admissions in a competitive process.

3. As a high school senior applying to UConn for the Diagnostic Genetic Sciences Program, how do I apply initially for my first two years?
Freshman application should be made to the University of Connecticut, for the Department of Allied Health Sciences as an undeclared major. Once admitted to the University you will be assigned to an Allied Health Sciences advisor for undeclared students who is knowledgeable about prerequisite requirements for the Diagnostic Genetic Sciences Program as well as the University requirements for graduation.

4. Do you accept transfer students into the Diagnostic Genetic Sciences Program?
Yes. Transfer applications are reviewed on a space available basis once matriculated University of Connecticut students have been reviewed and offers of admission have been confirmed. Transfer students must first be admissible to the University of Connecticut before they can be offered admission to the Diagnostic Genetic Sciences Program.

5. Do you accept second degree students who already hold a Bachelor of higher degree?
Yes, provided they have completed the appropriate prerequisite course work. These students may also consider applying to the post-baccalaureate certificate programs in cytogentics and molecular diagnostics.

6. Are there any post-baccalaureate certificate programs in the Diagnostic Genetic Sciences?
Yes. The Diagnostic Genetic Sciences Program offers two certificate programs, one in cytogenetics and one in molecular diagnostics. These are open to students holding a Bachelors degree in medical technology, biology, or a related discipline and who have met specified prerequisite coursework. The three semester programs include a 6-month clinical practicum component. Upon completion students will receive a certificate from the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources.

7. What is the “Off-Cycle Program?
The “off-cycle” program is designed for students with advanced credit standing (usually completion of 75 credits or more) and who have completed all required prerequisite coursework at the time of matriculation in the Diagnostic Genetic Sciences Program. It allows qualified students the opportunity to complete the upper division program requirements in three semesters instead of the usual four semesters.

Enrollment in more than one summer session may be necessary to complete all upper division program requirements. It is recommended that you meet with the Program Director of one of the DGS faculty members to see if you are eligible for this option.

8. How many students do you accept into the Diagnostic Genetic Science Program?
The usual class size is 18 although we can accommodate as many as 24 students per year. About two-thirds of these are admitted into the cytogenetics concentration, the rest into the molecular diagnostics concentration.

9. How often during the year do you admit students to the Diagnostic Genetic Sciences Program?
Undergraduate students apply by February 1st for matriculation the following Fall semester. Late applications will be reviewed on a space available basis. Application to the certificate programs in cytogentics and molecular diagnostics are on a rolling, space available basis and students may apply for Fall or Spring admission.

10. How many credits do I need to be eligible for admission as a junior?
Although there is no absolute number of credits required for admission to the junior year, students MUST have completed specific prerequisite courses and have earned approximately 60 credits.

11. When must prerequisite course work be completed to be eligible for admission?
Students must have completed the prerequisite requirements prior to the beginning of the Fall semester for which they are applying, unless other arrangements have been made with the Program Director.

12. Is there a requirement for volunteer experience prior to application?
No. However, it is suggested that students acquaint themselves with the field by visiting, volunteering or working in a laboratory.

13. Is a personal interview required?
No. A personal interview with the Program Director or a member of the faculty of the Diagnostic Genetic Sciences Program is not required, but is recommended.

14. What applications need to be filed when applying to the Diagnostic Genetic Sciences Program?
Applicants to the undergraduate program must submit the Allied Health application no later than February 1st for admission the following Fall. These are available on the Department of Allied Health Sciences website. Late applications will be accepted on a space available basis.

Applications to the certificate programs are accepted on a rolling basis on a space available basis.

In addition to the Allied Health application, transfer applicants must also file a University Application for Undergraduate Admission. These are available through the University Admissions Office. Please refer to that application for the deadline for application to the University.

Department of Allied Health Sciences
College of Agriculture & Natural Resources
358 Mansfield Rd U-2101
Storrs, CT 06268-2101
Phone: (860) 486-2834 Fax: (860) 486-5375