Emory University

What you'll study

Coursework typically covers the molecular and cellular foundations of genetics alongside specialised topics in mitochondrial biology. Teaching methods include lectures, seminars, hands‑on practicals and supervised research.

• Molecular and Cellular Genetics: DNA replication and repair, transcription and translation, mitochondrial genome organisation and heteroplasmy dynamics.
• Mitochondrial Physiology and Bioenergetics: oxidative phosphorylation, reactive oxygen species, mitochondrial dynamics (fission/fusion) and apoptosis.
• Genomic Technologies and Functional Genomics: next‑generation sequencing approaches applied to mtDNA, single‑cell sequencing, CRISPR/Cas methods for mitochondrial and nuclear gene manipulation where applicable.
• Bioinformatics and Data Analysis: sequence alignment, variant calling for mtDNA, population-level analyses, statistical methods for genetic association and heteroplasmy quantification.
• Proteomics and Metabolomics: approaches to study mitochondrial proteomes and metabolic profiling to link genotype with functional phenotypes.
• Population and Medical Genetics: principles of inheritance, mitochondrial disease genetics, clinical presentation and diagnostic strategies; ethical and counselling considerations.
• Laboratory Rotations and Research Project: multiple laboratory rotations allow exposure to different experimental systems (cell culture, animal models, biochemical assays, high‑resolution respirometry), culminating in a supervised thesis project and written dissertation.

Entry requirements

Applicants should hold a bachelor’s degree in biology, biochemistry, genetics, biomedical sciences or a closely related discipline with substantial coursework in molecular biology and genetics. Recommended preparation includes laboratory experience and training in biochemistry and statistics or quantitative methods. The application package normally includes academic transcripts, a personal statement describing research interests and goals, two or more letters of recommendation, and a curriculum vitae. Admissions decisions also consider research experience and fit with faculty whose laboratories focus on mitochondrial or related genetics research.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for a range of career paths in research, healthcare and industry. Common next steps include:

• Research assistant or associate roles in academic laboratories studying mitochondrial function, neurodegeneration, metabolic disease or ageing.
• Positions in biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies focused on diagnostics, therapeutics or mitochondrial target discovery.
• Clinical laboratory roles (with any required additional certification) in genetic diagnostics and sequencing laboratories.
• Progression to doctoral study (PhD) in genetics, molecular biology or biomedical sciences for those pursuing independent research careers.
• Policy, regulatory or scientific communication roles that benefit from a strong genetics background.

Why study at Emory University

Emory offers access to a large research community with strengths in human genetics, neuroscience and metabolic disease, and collaborative links to clinical centres. Students benefit from core facilities providing sequencing, proteomics and high‑throughput screening, and can take advantage of interdisciplinary collaborations across the School of Medicine and nearby research institutions. The programme’s emphasis on laboratory rotations and a substantial research thesis gives hands‑on experience in contemporary mitochondrial research techniques, helping graduates transition into research roles or further graduate training.