Genetics Undergraduate Program
Discover Your Future in Genetics
Iowa State is one of only a handful of universities in the Midwest offering a dedicated B.S. in Genetics. Here, you'll get more than just a biology degree with some genetics courses, but a comprehensive program designed specifically for students who know they want to focus on this rapidly growing field. With alumni working at leading companies and pursuing advanced degrees at top universities, you'll be joining a network of successful professionals who got their start right here at Iowa State.
Study Genetics
The beauty of a Genetics degree is its versatility. With a strong foundation in mathematics, chemistry, physics, and biological sciences, you'll leave our program prepared for whichever career path you choose.
Research Experience
Faculty in three different departments (BBMB, EEOB, and GDCB) administer the undergraduate Genetics major. These faculty provide undergraduates with a multidisciplinary perspective on genetics and a broad range of possibilities to become involved in cutting edge genetics research.
Students can begin working in research labs as early as their freshman year! In addition, the Genetics Program offers freshmen the unique opportunity to participate in state-of-the-art research by enrolling in a developmental biology lab utilizing the CRISPR/Cas 9 system to perform gene editing in a model organism, the zebrafish.
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Student Spotlights
Hometown: Oregon, Wisconsin
Major: Genetics
Minor: Spanish
Next Steps: Indiana University School of Optometry, I am expected to graduate in the spring of 2028.
Hometown: Fishers, Indiana
Major: Genetics
Next Steps: MS in Biostatistics at the University of Iowa College of Public Health. After that, I hope to become a data analyst in some kind of health-related field.
Hometown: Twin Cities, MN
Major: Genetics, Psychology
Next Steps: Pursue masters in genetic counseling