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Dec 05, 2025
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2025-2026 Graduate Catalog
Master of Science in Integrative Genomics
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Integrative Genomics is an interdisciplinary graduate program that combines genomics, ecophysiology, cancer biology, molecular biology, and plant biology to fundamental biological questions. The College of Behavioral & Natural Sciences oversees the Master of Science in Integrative Genomics (MSIG). This graduate program is designed to provide M.S. students the necessary skills and concepts to work cooperatively with others in a research area that takes a systems-wide approach and incorporates an organisms history and natural environment to understand the organization and expression of its many genes. Exposure to modern techniques and instrumentation in the laboratory and field will prepare the student for success in both academic and other biotechnology-related pursuits.
It is the intent of the program to admit qualified students into a thesis track. The thesis track requires at least one satisfactory and relevant manuscript from original research for publication in a peer-reviewed journal. This rigorous research experience prepares students for advanced study in Ph.D. and professional programs or in biotechnology businesses.
Support opportunities for MSIG students
Students in the Integrative Genomics Program have the opportunity to apply for support through Graduate Teaching Assistantships and Graduate Research Assistantships.
Graduate Student Outcomes
The students should be able to: 1) Identify appropriate organisms and biological systems for integrative genomics, 2) demonstrate working knowledge of molecular biology techniques, including DNA/RNA extraction, qPCR, cloning, and next generation sequencing, 3) be familiar with, and in some cases have a working knowledge of, the molecular, statistical, and database tools for genomic analyses, and 4) have opportunities to present their research at regional or national scientific conferences, enhancing their professional development and communication skills.
Admission
- Application
- Fee
- Transcript
- Curriculum Vitae (CV) that includes the following:
- Names and contact information of two to three references
- Relevant works and research experiences
- A list of any publications and presentations, awards or honors received
- A brief personal statement (approximately 300 words) describing the faculty mentor they wish to work with and how the mentor’s research area aligns with their academic and career goals.
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Plan of Study
During the first year, the student will select an adviser, form a graduate committee, and submit the Plan of Study to be approved by the committee. The Plan of Study will be written either in the format of a focused review article or a proposal for funding. The committee must include the student’s major adviser, at least one other faculty member from the Integrative Genomics program, and a third member, which could include another faculty from the Integrative Genomics program or another appropriate faculty member from another academic institution, such as South Dakota School of Mines and Technology (SDSMT), or department. Take the following:
- 3 CSC 601 - Introduction to Bioinformatics @ USD
Take 8 credit hours from the following:
Progress and Evaluation
Graduate student success and satisfaction will be evaluated frequently by the major advisor and yearly by the graduate committee who will evaluate minimal B-average course performance and progress in research. Based on the thesis, the thesis defense, and the oral examination, the student’s Graduate Advisory Committee will determine satisfactory mastery by an individual student. Questions in the examination will evaluate the candidate’s understanding of the basic principles of biology and specific aspects of the discipline. Questions on research and thesis may relate to points of clarification, analytical procedures, basic biology and systematics of the species studied, possibilities for future research and publication, and areas where research could be improved. Each committee member will keep notes on all questions asked, record satisfactory or unsatisfactory for the answer, and make a general summary of the student’s performance. A pass or fail vote is recorded by secret ballot before any discussion. A student must obtain at least two-thirds of the votes in favor of passing the oral exam and accepting the thesis. The Chair of the Graduate Advisory Committee (the Faculty Advisor) will report the result of this exam in writing to the Director of Graduate Studies on a designated form, provided in the college office. If the examination is failed it may be repeated only once. The student’s Graduate Advisory Committee will meet to evaluate the student once each year. A student is expected to maintain a grade point average of B or better throughout the course work for the M.S. degree, and to make significant progress in research each semester. No more than 6 credit hours of course work with a grade of C may be used toward the M.S. requirements. Accumulation of more than 6 credit hours of graduate course work with a C grade or below will result in the termination of the student’s M.S. program regardless of the grade point average. A terminated student may petition the Graduate Council for readmission based on their individual circumstances. |
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