Prerequisites for Admission

There are several prerequisites that must be completed or close to completion in order to apply to the Master's in Genetic Counseling Program. For those prerequisites that are in progress, please note the status in your application so your application may be evaluated with the most current information.

List of Prerequisites:

• BS or BA from an accredited undergraduate institution.
• A minimum G.P.A. of 3.0 or equivalent.
  • For those candidates whose undergraduate institution does not grade on a 4.0 scale, please provide documentation explaining the grading system (typically available through the registrar’s office).
• (Optional) General GRE scores taken within the last 5 years (Institution 5848/0210) sent directly to the MGC Program from ETS
  • Most successful applicants to the MGC Program report scores greater than the 50% in all three content areas (Verbal, Quantitative, and Analytical).
  • A specific subject test is not required.
• A minimum of one semester of each of the following: human genetics, biochemistry, and statistics.
  • Additional coursework in embryology, genetics, microbiology, molecular and cellular biology, anatomy and physiology, counseling, and psychology are encouraged but not required. 
  • All required coursework must be completed or in progress at the time of application submission. If in progress, please send documentation of course progress to date.
• Crisis counseling experience is required. This may be paid or volunteer. Many successful applicants obtain this experience through a crisis hotline or pregnancy/reproductive service organization.
• Exposure or shadowing with a genetic counselor or geneticist is required. This shadowing should allow the applicant to gain an appreciation and understanding of the genetic counseling profession and the skills necessary to be successful.
• Laboratory and or research experience is suggested, however not mandatory.