All students will need to meet the following degree requirements in order to successfully earn the MSGC degree:
Achieve a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher for all required courses
Complete the core curriculum
Attain the minimum clinical competencies defined and documented by each clinical training area
Complete a minimum of 50 participatory cases as required by the Accreditation Council for Genetic Counseling
Complete, present, and deposit an in-depth thesis project of a selected genetic counseling issue or topic
March 15st
Send a brief summary of proposed research to designated Program Leadership
Designated program Leadership will provide feedback regarding feasibility and potential advisors
March 31st
Advisor(s) secured May 15th
Complete first draft of proposal
Include hypothesis, summary, background and proposed methodology
June 30th
Final Deadline to Submit project proposal to relevant regulatory bodies
Mid-March
Presentation of Research to clinical faculty/staff/students April 15
Final date for deposit* of thesis for May graduation**
*Deposit instructions can found on the .
** If a thesis project cannot be completed by April 15th students cannot receive their diploma in May. Students should discuss alternative deposit deadlines with Program leadership.
This section covers the following program requirements:
MS in Genetic Counseling students maintain satisfactory progress by:
Matriculating on a full-time basis
Maintaining a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0.
Completing at least 30 credits by the end of the 1st year.
Earning no more than two incomplete grades, unless they resulted from an approved leave of absence which occurred before a final grade could be assigned.
Meeting with the Program Leadership at least twice each year.
Actively participating in journal club, case conferences, and seminars.
Achieving basic genetic counseling and clinical skills in each of the required clinical rotations as determined by the clinical supervisor.
Achieving clinical research project goals in accordance with the MSGC thesis timeline, unless otherwise approved by Program Leadership
Completing the core curricula for the Master of Science in Genetic Counseling
Completing at least 50 distinct supervised participatory genetic counseling cases as defined by the Accreditation Council of Genetic Counseling
Completing all requirements for the Master of Science degree in Genetic Counseling including presenting and depositing the clinical research project (thesis) within the parameters of the Program
The core curriculum of the Master of Science in Genetic Counseling is provided by the faculty of the Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, including the Master of Public Health and Clinical Research programs, and the School of Medicine. Courses include:
Structures for Genetic Counselors
Molecules, Cells & Genomics
Biostatistics
Clinical Research Ethics in Genetic Counseling
Topics in Genetic Counseling I, II, III
Introduction to Interviewing and Counseling Methodology
Medicine, Social Justice, and Public Health
Medical Genetics
Culture, Illness and Community Health
Impact of Illness on Patients and Families
Practical Analysis of a Personal Genome
Practical Skills in Genetic Counseling
The program begins in early August. All courses are not concurrent. Students are expected to be in residence throughout the summer except as designated by the Program Director.