Message from the President

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Whether a KGI graduate helps millions of patients with a biotech breakthrough or radically improves their community as a healthcare professional, those achievements are constant reminders that innovators start at KGI. 

We remain, 25 years after our founding, dedicated to our mission to provide pathways for students to become leaders in healthcare and the applied life sciences. Yet, what truly distinguishes the KGI students, faculty, and staff is our relentless focus on impact: a commitment to scientific innovation capable of strengthening communities and improving lives. 

Our unique programs blaze an extraordinary trail. 

  • Students in our Master of Business and Science program develop the tools they will need to take discoveries from the laboratory to the marketplace, integrating bioengineering with management, finance, and bioethics. 
  • Our Doctor of Pharmacy program provides students a platform for active learning through hands-on, team-based classes and key access to industry stakeholders, in addition to our unique certificate programs, which allow students to specialize in a particular area. 
  • KGI Doctor of Philosophy in Applied Life Sciences candidates hone their expertise in research areas relevant to applied bioscience, empowering them to advance exciting new applications with broad social benefits. 
  • Graduates of the Master of Science in Applied Life Sciences program excel in a variety of careers addressing managerial needs in research and development at biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies, as well as clinical and academic laboratories. 
  • Our Postbaccalaureate Premedical Certificate program continues to solidify its exceptional track record for graduate placement. 
  • Through the Master of Engineering in Biopharmaceutical Processing program, students deepen their understanding of molecular biology, biotechnology, and chemistry and combine these subjects with creative, application-centered engineering. 

In 2018-2019, we introduced new academic programs that embrace a fuller spectrum of healthcare professions and needs. 

  • The Postbaccalaureate Pre-PA Certificate Program prepares students for admission to physician assistant programs. 
  • The Master of Science in Translational Medicine program offers an in-depth understanding of how scientific research is transformed into commercial products that benefit society. 
  • We also welcomed students to our new Master of Science in Human Genetics and Genetic Counseling and one-of-a-kind Master of Science in Human Genetics and Genomic Data Analytics programs. 

In the fall of 2019, we welcomed the first cohort for the Master of Science in Medical Device Engineering program while, at the same time, opening KGI’s first housing complex—the Oasis KGI Commons. In fall 2021, a second joint master’s program with City of Hope enrolled its first cohort: the Master of Science in Regulatory Affairs. Additionally, a brand-new program within our School of Community Medicine, the Master of Science in Community Medicine, welcomed 22 students in its inaugural class that fall. 

A Certificate in Applied Genomics was launched in the summer of 2021; this program is geared toward working professionals to gain expertise in the growing field of applied human genomics. Finally, we continue to respond to industry needs. A pair of new programs that matriculate students started in 2022: a Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies and Occupational Therapy Doctorate. 

To all our KGI students, we look forward to guiding you on your journeys and witnessing all the innovations you bring to KGI and your career pathways! 

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Sheldon M. Schuster, PhD
KGI President

About this Handbook

This Student Handbook is effective as of July 1, 2023, and provides information about Keck Graduate Institute (KGI) policies and procedures, as well as resources available to students. The School, Institute, and The Claremont Colleges Services (TCCS) have student rules, regulations, and guidelines pertaining to all students. 

It is the responsibility of every student to fully read this Student Handbook,  abide with th regulations, and famliarize themselves with them. Every student is responsible for utilizinge the resources available. In addition to this handbook, please review this website that outlines safety guidelines and regulations regarding the current state of a health pandemic affecting us this academic year. KGI will continuously update this website. Every student is responsible for fully reading the  information and protocols that students will be responsible for upholding. The expectation is for all students to maintain 

standards of personal conduct that are in harmony with the educational and professional ideals of KGI and The Claremont Colleges Services, in addition to conducting themselves in a manner that reflects positively on the Institute. We hope you take advantage of the co-curricular learning opportunities available on- and off campus. 

The handbook content and its policies are subject to change. Amendments may be published.