AGRADE Overview

The AGRADE program enables qualified juniors and seniors to enroll simultaneously in undergraduate and MGG Master’s graduate courses. Up to 16 credits can count for both degrees. This can reduce the time spent in the MS program and lower the total cost. Upon admission to this accelerated track, undergraduate students complete between 3 and 16 credits of approved AGRADE-MGG graduate level courses. These courses can be used to complete baccalaureate degree requirements and fulfill the initial phase of study toward the MGG MS degree, provided students perform well in these courses (B grade or higher) and apply to MGG MS program upon graduation with their baccalaureate degree. 

The MGG AGRADE and MS program is comprised of foundational (core) courses and additional concentration (elective) courses in molecular medicine, genetics and genomics. Students obtain academic and applied training in addition to capstone research experiences that integrate learning across their courses. In addition to coursework, this is a research-intensive track that includes research in CMMG faculty laboratories performing laboratory experiments and/or computational projects as a starting point for a thesis project in year 2 of the program. In contrast to regular MGG MS students, who can choose between Plans A and B, only Plan A is available for AGRADE-MGG students. The final thesis will be graded by a thesis committee, which will include an oral thesis defense to the committee.

MGG AGRADE Requirements:

  • Students who are currently enrolled WSU undergraduates with minimum overall 3.3 overall GPA and 3.6 major GPA.
  • Completion of undergraduate prerequisite courses as outlined below and in the WSU Graduate Bulletin.
  • The earliest date by which a student may apply for the AGRADE program is during the semester in which they complete 90 credits toward the undergraduate degree.
  • A maximum of 16 credits may be applied towards both undergraduate and graduate degrees
  • Courses listed on a student's undergraduate transcript at the time of application to the AGRADE-MGG program cannot be used for credit transfer into the AGRADE-MGG curriculum. 

To Apply:

  • Meet with your undergraduate advisor to discuss the suitability of the MGG AGRADE program 
  • Submit the AGRADE Application form along with a one-page statement of purpose outlining your motivation for entering the MGG AGRADE program and short-term and long-term academic goals.
  • Meet with the MGG AGRADE advisor* to develop an AGRADE Plan of Work (POW) that will specify the courses you will take as an undergraduate (AGRADE course) and as an MS student that combined will fulfil the requirements for the MGG MS degree.
  • Have the completed POW signed by your undergraduate Academic Advisor and MGG Graduate Program Officer verifying student eligibility.

AGRADE curriculum:

Upon acceptance into the MGG AGRADE, students will be notified and will receive overrides to register for AGRADE courses. Students may take any of the required or recommended courses in the MGG MS curriculum, provided they have the necessary prerequisites. Students may also take research credits or directed study to gain hands-on experience in a Center laboratory.  Before the semester beginning the MS program, students will submit a complete online Application for Graduate Admission at https://gradslate.wayne.edu/apply/.

*MGG AGRADE Advisor:

For more information contact the MGG AGRADE Advisor.

Alexander Gow, PhD, Professor and Associate Director
Center for Molecular Medicine and Genetics
Elliman Building, Rm 2148
421 E. Canfield Avenue
Detroit, MI 48201
313-577-9401
agow@med.wayne.edu

MGG AGRADE undergraduate course prerequisites:

  • MAT 2010
  • CHM 1100/1130 OR CHM 1125
  • CHM 1140/1150 
  • CHM 1240 OR BME 4010
  • (PHY 2130/2131 AND PHY 2140/2141) OR (PHY 2170/2171 AND PHY 2180/2181) OR (PHY 2175 AND PHY 2185)
  • BIO 3100 OR BME 2050 OR CHM 5600