HMN GEN-MS - Human Genetics and Genetic Counseling (MS)

The University requirements for the M.S. are described in the "Graduate Degrees" section of this bulletin.

The Department of Genetics offers an M.S. in Human Genetics and Genetic Counseling, which is accredited by the American Board of Genetic Counseling. This program prepares students to practice in the healthcare profession of genetic counseling. The program is a full time two-year program, and accepts students to begin the program only in Autumn Quarter. Students must be admitted directly into this program, and cannot automatically transfer from the Ph.D. programs within the department, or vice versa. While courses are oriented primarily towards genetic counseling students, they may also be taken by medical students, other graduate students, residents or post-doctoral fellows, and (with permission) undergraduates.

This program does not accept transfer or other external credit.

The Department of Genetics is committed to providing academic advising in support of graduate student scholarly and professional development. When most effective, this advising relationship entails collaborative and sustained engagement by both the advisor and the advisee. As a best practice, advising expectations should be periodically discussed and reviewed to ensure mutual understanding. Both the advisor and the advisee are expected to maintain professionalism and integrity.

Faculty advisors guide students in key areas such as selecting courses, designing and conducting research, developing of teaching pedagogy, navigating policies and degree requirements, and exploring academic opportunities and professional pathways.

Graduate students are active contributors to the advising relationship, proactively seeking academic and professional guidance and taking responsibility for informing themselves of policies and degree requirements for their graduate program.

For a statement of University policy on graduate advising, see the Graduate Advising section of this bulletin.

• Provide students with the appropriate knowledge and experience to become discerning, empathic, independent, openminded, adaptable, strategic, and inclusive genetic counselors.

• Utilize a cutting-edge curriculum that

  • includes a balance of psychosocial, medical, scientific, and research components

  • evolves dynamically with the students, faculty, and with the profession

  • allows students to develop personalized areas of interest and expertise.

• Prepare students to

  • counsel effectively with all populations and cultures in a variety of clinical settings, including multilingual practice whenever possible

  • critically evaluate information and conduct clinical research

  • develop proficiency in inter- and intra-disciplinary teamwork, personal evaluation, goal-setting, and professional ethics

  • establish strong oral and written communication skills

  • demonstrate each of the ACGC Practice-Based competencies

  • achieve ABGC certification, obtain licensure (in states where it is available), and sustain continuing education and self-reflective practices

  • promote the field of genetic counseling through clinical care, teaching, research, advocacy, and leadership