The field of genetics has taken on broader importance in clinical and other professional settings. For example, personal genomics has become well established in oncology and will likely be widely available in clinical settings soon. The broad application of genetic technologies will likely spur the need for workers with advanced skills in this field. The department recognizes the growing importance of these opportunities and believe there is unmet demand for the kind of training that will prepare our students to pursue these new career paths. Therefore, there exist expanding opportunities for students with the additional training possible with an M.S. degree. We anticipate that an M.S. will expand opportunities for students who wish to enter such a clinical or professional career. A thesis provides increased opportunities for further graduate study. One year of additional coursework at the graduate-level and a thesis will make those students better prepared to bridge to an additional graduate degree.