What is PATH-GDS?

PATH-GDS is a two-year program to introduce and train MS Statistics and MS Applied Mathematics students in genomics research. Our goal is to introduce and train scholars in genomic data science to meet the increasing demands of a computationally and data driven genomics workforce by:

  • Training scholars through coursework and rotations in genomics research.
    • Although scholars can take courses and complete rotations at both campuses, most coursework will be at CU Denver’s Downtown Campus and most rotations are offered at the CU Anschutz Medical Campus.
    • Scholars will get to be part of the campus communities at both CU Denver and CU Anshutz!
  • Immersing scholars in a 17-month laboratory experience.
  • Exposing scholars to professional development through didactic seminars, panels, and workshops.
  • Preparing scholars for future careers through soft skills training (e.g., research communication, guidance for application in doctoral programs and industry positions).
  • Providing a strong community to help retain scholars’ as genomic data scientists (including industry as well as academia).

What you will gain by being a PATH-GDS scholar?

PATH-GDS offers resources to support its scholars throughout the pathway program:

  • In-state and WICHE tuition and student fees are covered by the program.

    • Non-Colorado/WICHE students can still participate in the program but must pay the difference between in-state and out-of-state tuition. With proper planning, out-of-state students can become Colorado residents before their second year with program.
    • The Statistics and Applied Mathematics MS programs are part of the Western Regional Graduate Program (WRGP), which allows students from many western states and territories to receive in-state tuition even if they aren’t Colorado residents. Currently, this includes residents of Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington, Wyoming, & U.S. Pacific Territories and Freely Associated States. See the WRGP website for more details.

  • The program offers a $1,350 health insurance stipend for the Fall and Spring semesters.

  • Successful students will earn an MS in Statistics or Applied Mathematics in two years.

  • Coursework through the program includes 3 genomics electives (including a course on ethics in biomedical research).

  • Students will attend seminars and workshops in genomics, research, and professional skills

  • Funding provided: $25/hour for 15 hours of research during the academic year and 40 hrs/week during the summer.

  • Students will have the opportunity to attend a local or national conference.

  • Students will participate in rotations and research experiences in wet (laboratory based) and dry (computational) genomics labs.

  • Students will gain mentoring experience as both the mentee and mentor.

2025-2026 Program Timeline

Date Event
February 22, 2026 Applications Due
Mid March 2026 Acceptance into the program
May 2026 PATH-GDS Retreat
Beginning August 2026 Orientation week
Mid August 2026 - MS classes start (Year 1)
- First 8-week lab rotation
Mid October 2026 Second 8-week lab rotation
Beginning January 2027 Third 8-week lab rotation
Mid February 2027 Start of 17-month lab experience
Mid May 2027 End of MS Year 1