Program Objectives
Upon completion of this proposed certificate program, the graduate will be able to:
- Demonstrate advanced knowledge in the clinical applications of genetics and genomic technology to support the workforce demand in the genetics and genomics laboratory industry.
- Effectively utilize genetics and genomics data in clinical care.
- Assess genomics technologies and determine appropriate use in the clinical genomics industry.
- Effectively integrate genomic and clinical knowledge with the legal, regulatory, marketing, and financial aspects of the clinical genomics industry.
- Demonstrate the ability to effectively apply professional guidelines for genetic variant classification for clinical applications.
- Communicate effectively with clinical genomics laboratory personnel and work in teams within the clinical genomics laboratory, serve as a resource to clinicians to improve the utilization of genomics technology in clinical care.
- Apply genomic industry standards within a clinical laboratory setting through direct application.
Curriculum Description
Please visit the UAB Graduate Catalog to see our official, current curriculum and course descriptions. Below you will find our proposed curriculum and descriptions.
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Summer Term (Summer A: First Half-7 Week Session)
IGC 620: Applied Advanced Medical Genetics and Genomics
Medical application of advances in genetics and genomics with a review of current strategy for detection of mutations associated with genetic disorders. Provides a basic understanding of genetic risk assessment and population genetics, genomic approaches to diagnosis and risk stratification. (3 hours)
OR
IGC 624: Genetics and Genomics Diagnostics Regulation
An introduction to the nuances of regulation, certification, and ethical practices in the genetics and genomics industry. (3 hours)
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Fall Term
IGC 621: Clinical Genomic Testing Technologies and Methodologies
Critically compare and contrast genetic and genomic testing methodologies and platforms and the benefits and limitations of their use in diverse clinical scenarios. (3 hours)
IGC 622: Clinical Tools for Genomic Variant Curation and Analysis
A comprehensive review of the key principles of bioinformatics used in the curation of genetic variants for clinical medicine. This course will explore the software and data used in bioinformatics pipelines to curate and analyze variants. (3 hours)
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Spring Term
IGC 623: Genomic Variant Interpretation using Clinical Application
Explore the evolution of current interpretation guidelines used in clinical diagnostic laboratories for genetic variant interpretation. Learn to critically examine functional, computational, and statistical data and how the data may influence variant interpretation. (3 hours)
IGC 625: Implementation of Variant Interpretation Practices in the Genetics and Genomics Industry
Active engagement in variant analysis and interpretation through direct application of variant analysis and interpretation skills in an assigned setting. (3 hours)
Interested in only taking one course? Please contact the program director at
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Will completion of the Industry Genetics and Genomics certificate make me eligible for the American Board of Genetic Counseling (ABGC) certification examination?
No, this certificate will not allow you to take the ABGC genetic counseling board exam. While this certification will provide you with knowledge on the clinical use of genetic variants, the content focuses primarily on molecular genetics and does not include the psychosocial, clinical genetics, and practical skills learned in a genetic counseling program.
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Can I earn CEU credit towards board re-certification from the American Board of Genetic Counseling (ABGC)?
Yes, ABGC board certified genetic counselors can earn category 2 CEU credits towards ABGC re-certification. One 3.0 credit hour course is equivalent to 4.5 Category 2 CEU’s. Please see the National Society of Genetic Counselors website for details related to claiming Category 2 CEU credits.
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Will this certification allow me to use the title “genetic counselor”?
No, this certificate would not allow you to use this title in isolation.
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Will this certification qualify me for state licensure as a genetic counselor?
No, genetic counseling licensure is regulated by state law. The certificate does not meet state licensure education requirements as a genetic counselor.
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I am already enrolled in a degree program at UAB but would like to take the graduate certificate courses as a part of my electives, is this possible?
Yes, as long as the courses are transferable for your degree. Please contact the program director at
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to discuss your specific needs. -
Is the GRE required for enrollment?
No, the GRE is not required for enrollment.
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How much does one certificate class cost?
Tuition costs are based on the School of Health Professions online tuition rates per credit hour. Each class is three credit hours. Click here for the most current tuition scale. Please be aware that students pursuing a graduate certificate are not eligible for financial aid.
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What are the dates for the summer classes?
The summer semester covers 3 credit hours of material but in a condensed, 7 week schedule. The term follows the Summer A& First Half schedule which can be found on the UAB Academics site.
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When should I apply?
Students are eligible to apply to the graduate certificate in the summer or fall semesters. However, the curriculum was developed to provide summative and background information in the summer courses that may help students for the additional courses. If you are unsure where to start, please
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for specific advisement. -
What if I still have questions?
Please contact us
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or by calling 205-934-3209.
Primary Faculty
R. Lynn Holt, MS, LCGC, is the founding program director of the UAB Genetic Counseling program. She has extensive experience in graduate medical genetic and genetic counseling curriculum development and implementation.
Alicia Gomes, MS, LCGC, served as a laboratory genetic counselor in the UAB Medical Genomics laboratory for 11 years. She has expertise in clinical genetic test development, implementation, and interpretation.
Support Faculty
Yulong Fu, PhD, FACMG, is the director of the UAB Medical Genomics Laboratory. He is certified by the American Board of Medical Genetics and Genomics in Laboratory Genetics and Genomics. He has experience in genetic test development, regulation, and clinical applications.
Industry Genetics and Genomics Graduate Certificate
Please click on a link below to open a PDF version of the program handbook that corresponds with the chosen year.
2024 - 2025
2023 - 2024
Application Deadline
Summer Semester
- Degree Seeking Students: April 15
- Non-Degree Seeking Students: May 1
Fall Semester
- Degree Seeking Students: August 1
- Non-Degree Seeking Students: August 14
Application Process
Applications are submitted online through the UAB Graduate School. All admissions documents (test scores, transcripts, immigration documents, WES, etc.) must be sent to the UAB Graduate school.
If you have a special circumstance to take the courses out of sequence, please contact the program director at
Instructions for Completing the Application
Prospective students may apply at any time during the year and begin program courses the following semester. Applications are submitted online through the UAB Graduate School. All admissions documents (test scores, transcripts, immigration documents, WES, etc.) must be sent to the UAB Graduate School.
Official transcripts from each institution where college credit was received can be mailed to:
UAB Graduate School
LHL G03, 1720 2nd Avenue South
Birmingham, AL 35294-0013
Transcripts can be submitted electronically by choosing University of Alabama at Birmingham - Graduate Admission or using the email
Example for Completing Application:
- For which of the following are you applying? Certificate
- Intended program of study: Industry Genetics and Genomics
- Concentration: Not Applicable – Selected program does not offer concentrations
- Term: Fall 202X
Ready to apply now? Click here.
Applicant Requirements
- You must show successful completion of a degree program from an accredited institution in one of the following areas: master’s degree in Genetic Counseling; baccalaureate or graduate degrees in Genetics, Biology, Clinical Laboratory Sciences, or related fields; or a medical degree.
- You must meet all requirements of the UAB Graduate School.
- You must have a minimum GPA of 3.0.
- International students must have TOEFL, IELTS and TWE scores.
Application Review Process
After the application window has opened, applications are reviewed by date of receipt with entry for the next upcoming semester.
Non-Degree Seeking Students
Courses for the certificate can be taken as a UAB Non-Degree Seeking student with permission of the program director. Please contact the program director at
More Information
Learn more about tuition and fees on the UAB Tuition and Fees website.
Genomics technology has changed.
Genomics knowledge has changed.
Have you changed?
Available completely online, the Graduate Certificate in Industry Genetics and Genomics provides you with the technical skills and formal education related to the evolving principles and guidelines utilized in the interpretation and clinical applications of genetic variants, better preparing you for employment in genomic industry settings. Additionally, this curriculum complements the foundational clinical genetics coursework obtained in healthcare and provides an opportunity to delve deeper in understanding your patient’s results.
Advances in the utilization of genetics and genomics technology to support the increased shift towards personalized medicine has created a workforce demand for individuals that can integrate genetics and genomic data with medicine. In addition to the utilization of genetic variants by genetic counselors, many biotechnologists, lab scientists, and other ancillary healthcare specialties have also seen a shift to incorporating genetic testing within their field. It has also created an educational gap for the current workforce in medical genetics and clinical laboratories in advanced analytical interpretation and applications related to genomics related topics. The Industry Genetics and Genomics certificate aims to fill the education gap and provide advanced understanding of the interpretation and applications of genomic variants in clinical care.
Integral Role. Intrinsic Education.
Industry-focused genetic counselors and other appropriately trained individuals often serve an integral role as the liaison between the laboratory and ordering physician and patients. Additional knowledge related to genetic testing and genetic variant science can be helpful in transitioning into opportunities and roles in industry and laboratory genetics. Individuals in these roles may have had limited education opportunities related to integrated genomics care during their graduate training.
This Graduate Certificate in Genetics and Genomics serves as an opportunity receive a uniform and formal education that will ensure an understanding of the basic principles used in genetic variant science but also provide the resources to stay up-to-date with the current guidelines used for interpretation. This certificate also provides an opportunity to learn more about the various molecular genetic methodologies and technologies, while complementing this with tangible skills in variant analysis and interpretation.
Only Online. Only 1 Year.
Earn your graduate certificate without missing work or your family. And you can earn it in only one year! This graduate certificate is offered totally online. Our format allows you to learn at your own pace and around your personal schedule no matter where you live. Your first semester begins in the summer term - typically the beginning of May - and you will finish after the spring semester - typically the end of April.
Just in Time Education
Not sure you want to commit to the whole certificate, but see a course that interests you? Certificate courses can be taken on an ad hoc basis without completing the certificate as a non-degree seeking student.
Did You Know?
- 31% of genetic counselors work in non-clinical roles in testing and variant science.
- U.S. Bureau of Labor predicts 18% industry growth 2021 - 2031.
- There are over 2,000 gene therapies in development worldwide, making this one of the fastest growing areas in healthcare.
- The development of new genetic testing tools has led to rise in new companies seeking knowledgeable employees.
Questions?
Please contact us
Apply Today
Use the online Graduate School application to apply to the Industry Genetics and Genomics Certificate.