Course work, which is usually completed during the first year, provides scientific, medical, family, and philosophical perspectives on medical genetics and genetic counseling. Counseling skills are developed through specialized courses and through the clinical rotations at genetic counseling centers during the second year. A clinical research study project is assigned to each student. A minimum of 240 hours of clinical genetics laboratory experience must be completed during the first year, and a minimum of 800 hours of clinical genetic counseling experience completed in the second. A final oral examination and a research paper are required for graduation.
Graduates are eligible to apply for board certification in genetic counseling.
Students are chosen according to academic performance, life experiences and interpersonal communications skills. Requirements for acceptance are a bachelor's degree in a relevant field and courses in genetics, organic chemistry, biochemistry, statistics, psychology or social science. Candidates must also submit scores from the general Graduate Record Examination. The Subject test is recommended but not required. This is a full time, two year Master of Science program.