Human Genetics Master's Thesis

Capstone Project. In the fall semester of the first academic year, capstone topics are discussed during a series of workshops. During the summer between the academic years, students choose a topic and begin their background research. Before classes start, each student is required to submit their thesis topic statement and/or hypothesis, including background information, outline, and preliminary bibliography. Specialists in the student’s thesis topic serve as mentors to individual students for the duration of the thesis project. Completion of the thesis is required prior to the start of the fourth semester spring break in mid-March. The student’s thesis mentor and two independent readers critique and grade the thesis.

LEND Fellowship: During the spring of the first year, interested students are encouraged to apply for the Leadership Education in Neurodevelopment (LEND) fellowship. This fellowship is offered in partnership with the Westchester Institute of Human Development and the Child Evaluation and Rehabilitation Center of the Albert Einstein College of Medicine. The programs have both didactic and clinical compponents, and are designed to provide the soon-to-be genetic counseling student with an overview of neurodevelopmental disabilities and the allied health professional disciplines involved in the care of children living with disabilities. Two to three students are selected for each of the yearlong programs; a stipend is provided for for participants from the United States.