Genetics: The Fundamentals

Applications close Anytime. Tuition is $120 USD.

Genetics: The Fundamentals is a non-degree program that introduces students to the basics of genetics. This 1-week online program is taught in English at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and is available to students with a pre-high school education level.

The program covers fundamental genetics concepts, including inheritance patterns and DNA structure. Students will develop skills in data analysis and critical thinking through online discussions and activities.

Students who complete this program can pursue careers as genetic counselors, biomedical researchers, or science writers. They can work in industries like healthcare, agriculture, or biotechnology, and potential employers include research institutions, hospitals, or pharmaceutical companies.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology in Cambridge, Massachusetts, founded in 1861, is a world-leading private research university with about 13,253 students, including roughly 3,718 international members. Offering 148 programs across engineering, science, management, the humanities, architecture, and computing, MIT combines deep disciplinary training with broad interdisciplinary options on a compact, collaborative campus. Its mission emphasizes advancing knowledge and serving the world through rigorous scholarship and innovation.

Academically, MIT emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration, hands-on research, and entrepreneurial thinking. Students participate in laboratory research, design studios, and startup incubators, working on challenges in artificial intelligence, climate mitigation, biotechnology, urban systems, and more. Facilities such as makerspaces, supercomputing centers, and industry partnerships support rapid prototyping and applied discovery while close faculty mentoring bridges classroom learning and real-world impact.

Campus life balances rigorous academics with a vibrant culture of student clubs, performance groups, athletics, and service. International students find dedicated support through orientation, visa advising, language resources, and cultural organizations, and career services connect learners with internships and employers worldwide. Prospective applicants should highlight collaborative projects, research experience, and a clear plan for contributing to innovation and public good when applying.