PATH-GDS Overview
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 Anschutz!
- Giving scholars the opportunity to explore research through three short-term lab rotations with different mentors.
- Immersing scholars in a year-long laboratory research 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: $1,800 stipend per month during the academic year (prorated in August and May due to start/end dates) and $4,000 per month for full-time research lab employment during the summer between the first and second year of the program.
- 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.
2027-2028 Program Timeline
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| February 22, 2027 | Applications Due |
| Mid March 2027 | Acceptance into the program |
| May 2027 | PATH-GDS Symposium |
| Mid August 2027 | Orientation week |
| Mid August 2027 | - MS classes start (Year 1) |
| - First lab rotation | |
| Late October 2027 | Second lab rotation |
| Beginning January 2028 | Third lab rotation |
| Late April 2028 | Start long-term lab experience |
| Mid May 2028 | End of MS Year 1 |