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easiest genetic counseling programs to get into
Genetic counselors, or specially trained healthcare professionals who advise patients on their risk of inheriting a disease or condition, are on the rise in the United States. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports a much-faster-than-average 26% increase in genetic counseling jobs from 2020-2030.
Professionals need a master’s in genetic counseling to qualify for certification and licensure to practice in their state. Candidates must earn a master’s degree and pass an exam to become certified. More than half of all states require subsequent licensure through the American Board of Genetic Counseling (ABGC). Genetic counselors earned more than $80,000 in 2021, according to the BLS.
Schools offer a variety of in-person and online master’s in genetic counseling programs. While true program costs vary, students paid nearly $20,000 for graduate tuition on average in 2019-2020, according to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). Online programs may offer significant discounts including set or in-state tuition rates and accelerated completion times.
The following represent the best master’s in genetic counseling programs.
Northwestern University – Evanston, Illinois
Why It’s #1: Northwestern University is the number one ranked school on our 2022 Best Genetic Counseling Programs list. Northwestern boasts the highest graduation rate on our list (94%) and one of the lowest student-teacher ratios of only six students per class. Northwestern is highly competitive, with the lowest admission rate (7%) of all of the schools on our list. While the graduate tuition is not the cheapest on our list, Northwestern offers the same tuition rate to in- and out-of-state graduate students.
2022 Best Accredited Master’s in Genetic Counseling Programs
Rankings compiled by the BestColleges Ranking TeamADVERTISEMENT
#1 Best Master’s in Genetic Counseling Programs of 2022
Northwestern University
Evanston, IL
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
On Campus | Scheduled Classes
Avg. Cost per Quarter
In State | $20,020
Out of State | $20,020
Units to Graduate
20
Program Information
Program Accreditation | Accreditation Council for Genetic Counseling
Northwestern’s master’s in genetic counseling stresses multi-dimensional training in prenatal, cancer, adult, and pediatric healthcare environments. The curriculum covers scientific, medical, counseling, and psychosocial aspects of genetic counseling. The 18-month program culminates in a written thesis and oral defense.
Applicants must hold a regionally accredited bachelor’s degree and a minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA. Prerequisites include biology, organic chemistry, human genetics, and biochemistry. Other prerequisites include psychology, statistics, and molecular or cell biology. Northwestern does not require GRE scores for admission.
Average Tuition
In-state
$56,232
Out-of-state
$56,232
Retention Rate
98%
Admission Rate
9%
Students Enrolled
22,448
#2 Best Master’s in Genetic Counseling Programs of 2022
Johns Hopkins University
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
On Campus | Scheduled Classes
Avg. Cost per Term
In State | $15,240
Out of State | $15,240
Credits to Graduate
149
Program Information
Program Accreditation | Accreditation Council for Genetic Counseling
Johns Hopkins’ master’s in genetic counseling emphasizes clinical genomics and precision health. The program combines coursework in topics like human genetics, health education, and genetic counseling with at least 600 supervised clinical hours. To graduate, students complete a thesis requirement.
Johns Hopkins reviews genetic counseling master’s candidates holistically. Application requirements include official transcripts and prior counseling experience with distressed populations. Johns Hopkins strongly recommends prerequisites in genetics, biochemistry, statistics, and psychology. Students may opt to submit GRE scores.
Average Tuition
In-state
$55,350
Out-of-state
$55,350
Retention Rate
97%
Admission Rate
11%
Students Enrolled
27,079
#3 Best Master’s in Genetic Counseling Programs of 2022
Boston University
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
On Campus | Scheduled Classes
Avg. Program Cost
In State | $85,000
Out of State | $85,000
Credits to Graduate
48
Program Information
Program Accreditation | Accreditation Council for Genetic Counseling
BU offers the only master’s in genetic counseling of its kind in New England, delivering this academic program with a teaching hospital on campus. Students can customize their curriculum to include coursework in mental health counseling and behavioral health, and public health.
BU graduates reported a 90% pass rate on the genetic counseling certification exam. Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree and complete prerequisites in genetics, psychology, biology. Other prerequisites include biochemistry, chemistry, and statistics. In addition, students must register through the Genetics Counseling Admissions Match program and sit for an admissions interview.
Average Tuition
In-state
$54,720
Out-of-state
$54,720
Retention Rate
94%
Admission Rate
19%
Students Enrolled
33,720
#4 Best Master’s in Genetic Counseling Programs of 2022
University of California-Irvine
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
On Campus | Scheduled Classes
Avg. Cost per Semester
In State | $3,814
Out of State | $7,896
Quarter-Credits to Graduate
89
Program Information
Program Accreditation | Accreditation Council for Genetic Counseling
UCI offers its master’s in genetic counseling through its School of Medicine and the Department of Pediatrics. The curriculum covers topics including medical and quantitative genetics, cytogenetics, and hereditary cancer counseling. UCI reports a 91% pass rate for graduates taking the genetic counseling certification exam for the first time.
Applicants need a bachelor’s degree and prerequisite knowledge of subjects including genetics, molecular biology, and human anatomy. UCI prefers candidates with extracurricular or employment experience relevant to genetic counseling. In addition, candidates must sit for an entrance interview. UCI does not require GRE scores for admission.
Average Tuition
In-state
$11,442
Out-of-state
$41,196
Retention Rate
94%
Admission Rate
27%
Students Enrolled
36,908
#5 Best Master’s in Genetic Counseling Programs of 2022
Case Western Reserve University
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
On Campus | Scheduled Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $2,057
Out of State | $2,057
Credits to Graduate
40
Program Information
Program Accreditation | Accreditation Council for Genetic Counseling
CWRU’s MS in genetic counseling combines didactic coursework, research, and clinical rotations, which include lab work. Students complete their practicums at Cleveland-area hospitals and healthcare facilities. The curriculum covers specializations including prenatal diagnosis and cancer genetics.
Applicants must register through the Genetics Counseling Admissions Match program and participate in a personal interview. In addition, candidates need an undergraduate 3.0 GPA and completed prerequisites, including biology, genetics, and biochemistry. CWRU prefers candidates with advocacy experience relevant to genetics.
Average Tuition
In-state
$50,450
Out-of-state
$50,450
Retention Rate
93%
Admission Rate
27%
Students Enrolled
11,874
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#6 Best Master’s in Genetic Counseling Programs of 2022
Ohio State University-Main Campus
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
On Campus | Scheduled Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $1,196
Out of State | $2,064
Credits to Graduate
77-79
Program Information
Program Accreditation | Accreditation Council for Genetic Counseling
Ohio State’s master’s in genetic counseling accepts an annual average of 10 students into its cohort. Students receive clinical training opportunities at 50 hospitals and healthcare facilities throughout Ohio and the Midwest. Clinical specializations include geriatric and pediatric genetic counseling.
Applicants must register through the Genetics Counseling Admissions Match program and participate in a personal admission interview via teleconference. They also need a bachelor’s degree in biology, organic chemistry, chemistry, genetics, biochemistry, or a related major. Ohio State also requires prerequisites in statistics, genetics, psychology, and biochemistry.
Average Tuition
In-state
$10,197
Out-of-state
$31,174
Retention Rate
94%
Admission Rate
54%
Students Enrolled
61,391
#7 Best Master’s in Genetic Counseling Programs of 2022
Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
- 4 years
- Campus
On Campus | Scheduled Classes
Avg. Program Cost
In State | $55,000
Out of State | $55,000
Credits to Graduate
50
Program Information
Program Accreditation | Accreditation Council for Genetic Counseling
Graduates of ISMMS’s MS in genetic counseling boast a 100% job placement rate and a first-time certification exam pass rate of 87%. The full-time, 21-month master’s in genetic counseling offers clinical training opportunities in New York City’s Mount Sinai Health System.
Specialized areas of study include reproductive, pediatric, cardiovascular, and cancer genetics. Applicants must register through the Genetic Counseling Admissions Match program and complete prerequisites including genetics, psychology, biochemistry, biology, and statistics. ISMMS maintains a GRE-optional admission policy.
Average Tuition
In-state
Not provided
Out-of-state
Not provided
Retention Rate
Not provided
Admission Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
1,233
#8 Best Master’s in Genetic Counseling Programs of 2022
University of Oklahoma-Health Sciences Center
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
On Campus | Scheduled Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $213
Out of State | $824
Credits to Graduate
48
Program Information
Program Accreditation | Accreditation Council for Genetic Counseling
OU’s MS in genetic counseling prepares students for professional certification as genetic counselors. The two-year, full-time program explores topics including medical genetics, counseling techniques, and cytogenetics. Students must complete a thesis to graduate.
OU offers clinical experience in focus areas including prenatal diagnostics counseling, cancer genetics counseling, and clinical metabolics genetics counseling. Applicants need a bachelor’s in sociology, biology, psychology, or a related field. They must also have taken prerequisites, including biology, chemistry, genetics, and abnormal psychology.
Average Tuition
In-state
$4,788
Out-of-state
$20,169
Retention Rate
Not provided
Admission Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
3,187
#9 Best Master’s in Genetic Counseling Programs of 2022
Augustana University
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
On Campus | Scheduled Classes
Avg. Cost per Academic Year
In State | $27,865
Out of State | $27,865
Credits to Graduate
62
Program Information
Program Accreditation | Accreditation Council for Genetic Counseling
Augustana’s master’s in genetic counseling is the only ACGC-accredited program of its kind in South Dakota. The full-time, 21-month program includes traditional coursework, experiential learning opportunities, and clinical rotations. Students may choose to complete their second-year practicum in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, or San Diego, California.
Applicants must register with the Genetic Counseling Admissions Match program and Slate to submit materials to Augustana’s graduate education office. Admission requires a bachelor’s degree, disclosure of cumulative GPA, and GRE scores.
Average Tuition
In-state
$33,430
Out-of-state
$33,430
Retention Rate
82%
Admission Rate
67%
Students Enrolled
2,113
#10 Best Master’s in Genetic Counseling Programs of 2022
University of Alabama at Birmingham
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
On Campus | Scheduled Classes
Avg. Cost per Quarter
In State | $595
Out of State | $1,418
Credits to Graduate
57
Program Information
Program Accreditation | Accreditation Council for Genetic Counseling
UAB’s master’s in genetic counseling features an emphasis in genomic medicine, the only program of its kind in Alabama. The curriculum combines academic coursework and clinical experience, including through UAB’s own professional simulation center. Graduates are prepared to seek professional certification as genetic counselors.
Students may complete some courses remotely in their second year. The 21-month MS In genetic counseling culminates in a final graduate project. The program includes prerequisites in biology, biochemistry, genetics, statistics, and psychology. GRE scores are not required.
Average Tuition
In-state
$8,568
Out-of-state
$20,400
Retention Rate
83%
Admission Rate
74%
Students Enrolled
How We Rank Schools
Each year, the BestColleges Ranking Team evaluates hundreds of programs to produce our annual Best Master’s in Genetic Counseling ranking. In 2022, the team sourced the most recent data available from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System and College Navigator, both of which are hosted by the National Center for Education Statistics. We identified 10 schools that qualify for our ranking list based on the following criteria.
- Each school must be an accredited public or private, nonprofit institution.
- Must offer a master’s degree program in the given subject.
- Must submit an annual report to the National Center for Education Statistics.
To ensure the accuracy and quality of our final ranked list, the ranking team reviewed each qualifying school to ensure it met the criteria for our ranking, and then applied our proprietary ranking methodology to identify the best schools offering this program in the nation. Each school is ranked based on a formula measuring academic factors (60%) and affordability (40%).
The BestColleges Ranking Team is made up of contributors from our data science and product management teams. These contributors operate independently from the editorial team. All BestColleges school rankings are produced by the ranking team and are free of editorial influence. Read our Editorial Policy and Standards to learn more.
master’s in genetic counseling
This course is designed for healthcare professionals, clinicians, biomedical research scientists, and anyone curious about genetic counselling.
Although not required, a basic knowledge of genetics, genetic testing technologies, and inheritance patterns would help support your learning on this course.
“This introductory course provides an excellent overview of the practice of genetic counselling. We recommend the course as a useful resource for all Year 1 STP students on the MSc Genomic Counselling Programme at the University of Manchester.
The course is also highly relevant to any clinician or scientist wanting to know more about the role of a genetic counsellor. The interactive style provides an opportunity to connect with course members and genetic counsellors around the world
What topics will you cover?
- Why people would see a genetic counsellor
- Some of a genetic counsellor’s key tasks
- A genetic counsellor’s key skills and knowledge: counselling skills, medical and scientific knowledge
- Ethical issues in genetic counselling
- What the future might hold for genetic counsellors
What will you achieve?
By the end of the course, you‘ll be able to…
- Identify why people have genetic counselling and the different contexts in which people receive genetic counselling
- Describe the different skills and knowledge needed by genetic counsellors
- Compare genetic counselling in different contexts and different countries
- Reflect on some ethical issues that arise in genetic counselling
- Discuss the role of genetic counselling in healthcare as we enter the ‘genomic era’
Certificate in Genetic Counseling acquaints doctors with the core concepts of Human Genetics and understanding of the psychological basis of counseling; so that they can continue their practice with comprehensive knowledge of Genetics; duly prescribing Genetic Tests and interpreting related reports or practice as Genetic Counselors.
Course At A Glance
- Course: Certificate Course in Genetic Counselling
- Total Duration: 24 weeks
- Hours per week: 3 – 4 hours per week
- Medium of instruction: English
About the Course
The last few decades have witnessed an exponential growth in knowledge, catapulting genetics from obscurity to a pre eminent place in health-care. New information about causative genes, disease diagnosis and available treatment options for several single gene and complex genetic disorders as well as several birth defects, are now known making disease diagnosis and treatment easier. It is critical that clinicians learn about these developments and incorporate this knowledge into their practice.
Each and every patient should be able to benefit from individualized therapy based on their unique genetic makeup; however, this can become a reality only when clinicians are able to comprehend the genetics behind the diseases and syndromes. More importantly the implications of these must be explained to the patients and relatives in a professional and compassionate manner. Such education and counseling accompanying genetic testing is provided by Genetic Counselors in all developed countries; this kind of professional training is being given for the first time in India for clinicians.
Career Prospects
The doctors could practice as genetic counselors or continue their practice with comprehensive knowledge of genetics, duly prescribing genetic tests and interpreting related reports. The course will also give them an understanding of the psychological basis of counseling.
Recommended Background / Entry Requirements
- M.B.B.S
- MSC Genetics, MSC -sciences , BSc -Sciences, Micro-biology , Genetics.
- Aspiration to pursue higher education in this speciality
The field of Genetic Counseling is a growing field offering support services to people of all ages. For students interested in this area of study, there are numerous programs offered that are flexible and will well prepare you for a career in this field. Several colleges in the United States offer accredited degree programs and knowledgeable faculty in convenient online settings.
Online programs in this field are able to prepare you in advanced approaches for DNA research, assisting pregnant women, and offering counseling to clients with genetic disorders. Online programs offer convenience and flexible hours for adults who work and have families.
Genetic counselors can provide expert knowledge with guidance and emotional support to patients diagnosed with genetic disorders. This career path offers the opportunity for you to be able to work with pregnant women whose babies have been diagnosed with diseases, children and adults recently diagnosed with hereditary disease, and careers in research concerning DNA and genetic disorders.
A typical work day consists of you offering advice, counseling, therapy and support to patients and clients dealing with decisions and acceptance of genetic disorders. Genetic Counselors fill different roles on a day-to-day basis depending on their job settings and client base. Counselors can work with families that have a history of hereditary disease, patients that need advice on labs and testing, or planning and medical advice for pregnant women. Genetic Counseling allows students who are interested in a medical profession to pursue a career in a field that involves counseling and helping others.
The field of Genetic Counseling is growing, offering students a lot of opportunities to pursue a higher education in this area. In order to pursue a career in this field, students must start at the undergraduate level, and then enter a graduate program, earning the minimum requirements for licensure in this field.
A graduate degree in Genetic Counseling and an internship or field work will help prepare you for licensure. Information is listed below that gives insight into these program options. Students should consider what degree program best works for their schedule and future professional plans.
- Masters: The required degree program for potential Genetic Counselors to be eligible for licensure is acquired at a Masters level. Higher education programs specializing in Genetic Counseling sometimes require 2-3 years of graduate school after completing a bachelors degree. Upon completion of your program, some colleges require you to complete field work or an internship in order to gain hands-on experience in your career field. Online Masters programs offer options for students who work full time or need flexibility while pursuing a degree in Genetic Counseling.
- Doctoral: Upon completion of a Masters degree in Genetic Counseling for a closely related field, students have the option to enroll in an online doctoral program that can help advance their careers and enhance their knowledge in this field. Doctoral programs can assist professionals who want to focus on research and development in Genetic Counseling, which could lead to career advancements and more choices in this field.
- Certificate Programs: After earning a Bachelors degree, but before pursuing a Masters or Doctorate, students have the option to enroll in programs and pursue certifications that prepare students to apply to graduate school and obtain experience necessary to advance their degree. This certificate does not replace a Masters degree, but it better prepares students to continue their education in this field.
Online Master’s of Genetic Counseling Programs
Many colleges offer a Masters degree in Genetic Counseling through an online format. For students who work full-time or have children, online programs are considered a better choice with more flexible options to fit their schedule. A career in Gentic Counseling can be obtained through completing an online Masters in Genetic Counseling program. Below are online programs for Genetic Counseling that are currently accepting applications for new students:
- Boise State – Online Masters in Genetic Counseling: Boise State’s online Masters in Genetic Counseling program provides a flexible option for students interested in a specialized program that can prepare for licensure in Genetic Counseling. This 56 credit hour program can train you to begin working with clients in a hospital setting, or prepare students for positions in a counseling role in a doctor’s office, or help you start researching in labs.
- Bay Path University – Online Masters in Genetic Counseling: Bay Path University currently offers an interactive online Masters in Genetic Counseling degree program that can provide you with educational training on the latest trends to use in this specialized field. This 59 credit hour program can be completed in 21 months for students attending full time.
Sample Courses for the Online Master’s of Genetic Counseling
Students who are interested in the type of courses available for Genetic Counselors can look at the list below to get a sample of what type of coursework is expected. The courses offered in these degree programs were developed to prepare and inform students about genetics, hereditary disease, and counseling methods to assist patients and clients. Completing a Bachelors degree will give you a knowledge base and reference to genetic disorders, while graduate courses will better prepare you to be a professional in this field. There are many areas you can specialize in when becoming a Genetic Counselor.
The courses offered in the Genetic Counseling program focus on instilling information that can empower students to be successful in their career choices. Graduate Genetic Counseling coursework offers students the opportunity to be trained specialists in the field of hereditary diseases and disorders. Students interested in a Masters in Genetic Counseling program, should read below:
- Foundations of Genetics: Genetic Counselors entering the field of genetic disorders and hereditary disease will be taught a knowledge base of molecular and cellular genetics, epigenetics, the difference in DNA, RNA, and protein. This course will provide educational information to students by studying real life case studies and families. Human variations and disease susceptibility will be studied as well as how to calculate probability using the latest equations in the field.
- Pathophysiology: One area to study in Genetic Counseling is helping patients identify genetic disorders and teaching patients how to cope with them. This course offers information concerning the latest techniques on how to identify signs and symptoms of hereditary disease. Diagnosis and treatments, as well as the lifespan of the disease, and how it affects body systems are some areas that may be covered in this course, which are needed in this line of work.
- Developmental Anatomy and Emryology: Students enrolled in this course will be offered information on human embryology. The focus as a Genetic Counselor will be pre/post natal diagnoses as well as the differences in normal versus abnormal human development. In this course, you can learn more about the origins of genetic disease and how to diagnose.
Path to a Career in Genetic Counseling
The information pertaining to degree programs in Genetic Counseling will help you decide which route is best for you. Now might be a good time for you to start a new degree to pursue a career in this field. If you already have a Bachelors degree, there are numerous online programs that offer a Masters degree in Genetic Counseling. If you have not started a Bachelors degree, and are interested in the field of Genetic Counseling, many undergraduate degrees can prepare you for graduate school such as a Bachelors in Psychology, Sociology, Genetics, and Biology. Upon earning a Masters degree in Genetic Counseling, you will be able to take the licensure exam to practice as a Genetics Counselor.
In order to work directly with clients in the field, the American Board of Genetic Counseling requires licensure in your practicing state to ensure that all certified counselors are competent in their careers. In order to apply for licensure, most states require that you old at least a Masters degree in Genetic Counseling. A licensing examination ensures you have the knowledge to safely practice in a public health capacity.
Genetic Counseling Organizations to Know
Genetic Counseling requires licensing through The American Board of Genetic Counselors which provides guidance for testing in each state for exams. Professionals stay up to date on the latest techniques by joining organizations, like this one, that specialize in their field of expertise. The National Society of Genetic Counseling is an organization in this field that offers support to professionals in this career, as well as opportunities to interact with others that hold similar jobs, and learn more about the latest trends in Genetic Counseling.
If you are interested in pursuing a career in this field, you should review over the information concerning these two organizations: The American Board of Genetic Counseling and the National Society of Genetic Counselors. Both organizations can provide you with helpful insights regarding projections in your field and provide support to you throughout your career.
Careers to Consider
The field of genetics is a rewarding field that is rapidly growing in the United States thanks to innovative studies in genetics. Focuses on genetics, paired with counseling, results in a career that combines medical interest and helping others in a therapy type setting. With a degree in Genetic Counseling, you can work in private practice, public health facilities such as hospitals and clinics, or in research labs. Professionals in this field can work in a variety of settings using their expertise in genetics and counseling to help others.
A Genetic Counseling degree will allow you to provide counseling, support, testing and consultation services to potential clients and patients. Genetic Counselors can be helpful professionals during pregnancy, diagnosing of genetic disease or even when evaluating the future potential and options for hereditary disorders.
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