Best Master’s in Genetic Counseling Programs
A master’s degree in genetic counseling can open up career paths in a growing field. Find the best programs and fees in our guide.
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Genetic counselors have the opportunity to educate patients, families, and other professionals about genetic diseases and testing options. Genetic research has grown substantially as a field in recent years, opening additional career opportunities for genetic counselors.
As a genetic counselor, you can advise patients on the social and ethical issues related to genetic disorders and testing, help patients cope with genetic disease diagnoses, and provide patient education.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), genetic counselor jobs are growing much faster than the average, with a projected growth of 16% from 2023-2033. The reported median pay is also higher than the national average.
If you’re interested in launching a career in a growing field where you can make a difference in the lives of your patients, you can find the details about some of the best genetic counseling programs below.
Top Genetic Counseling Master’s Programs
How We Rank Schools
Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
- New York, NY
- 4 year
- Campus
- Accredited
Programmatic Accreditation: Accreditation Council for Genetic Counseling
Cost per Term:
In-State | $16,250
Out-of-State | $16,250
Credits to Graduate: 50
Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai has the top spot on the list, with a 100% job placement rate for graduates seeking positions within genetic counseling and an 85% first-time board certification pass rate.
The Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences at the Icahn School of Medicine is affiliated with one of the world's largest genetics and genomics departments, providing students with unique experiences in basic sciences, medical genetics, medical ethics, and counseling theory.
Choose from immersive clinical experiences in reproductive genetics, cancer genetics,
clinical genetics, inborn errors of metabolism, lysosomal genetics and porphyrias, cardiovascular genetics, cystic fibrosis, or laboratory genetic counseling.
1%
$29,866
N/A
$29,866
- Acceptance Rate
- N/A
- Students Enrolled
- 1,249
- Institution Type
- Private
University of Pennsylvania
- Philadelphia, PA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Programmatic Accreditation: Accreditation Council for Genetic Counseling
Cost per Course Unit:
In-State | $5,120
Out-of-State | $5,120
Course Units to Graduate: 14
University of Pennsylvania's master's in genetic counseling includes 14 course units along with extensive practical experience. You'll have the chance to participate in clinical internships, genetic counseling rounds, a year-long professional development seminar, and advocacy experiences. You'll also complete a research-based master's thesis.
Coursework includes topics such as advanced genetics, genetic testing technologies, clinical medicine and genetics, counseling techniques, case management, psychosocial assessment, principles of medical ethics and public health, patient advocacy, research design, and professional development.
20%
$38,732
98%
$38,732
- Acceptance Rate
- 7%
- Students Enrolled
- 23,374
- Institution Type
- Private
University of Nebraska Medical Center
- Omaha, NE
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Programmatic Accreditation: Accreditation Council for Genetic Counseling
Cost per Term:
In-State | $6,750
Out-of-State | $11,870
Credits to Graduate: 62
The University of Nebraska Medical Center's master's in genetic counseling aims to train professionals adept at empowering patients and navigating genetic health and precision medicines. The two-year program currently enrolls just eight students, with the goal to expand to 10.
Courses are taught by expert faculty members, including the program leadership and practicing genetic counselors. The curriculum encompasses genetic counseling skills, genetics knowledge, clinical application, clinical rotations, and research.
Graduation requirements include the successful completion of all coursework, with an average of 80% or above on all didactic and clinical courses. You'll need to have 50 logbook cases as defined by ACGC Standards and must complete a capstone project.
16%
$ 9,207
N/A
$26,379
- Acceptance Rate
- N/A
- Students Enrolled
- 3,750
- Institution Type
- Public
Northwestern University
- Evanston, IL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Programmatic Accreditation: Accreditation Council for Genetic Counseling
Cost per Quarter:
In-State | $21,550
Out-of-State | $21,550
Courses to Graduate: 24
Northwestern University's 18-month master's in genetic counseling emphasizes the scientific, medical, counseling, and psychosocial aspects of the profession. Within the first year, you'll begin clinical rotations along with extensive coursework. Early clinical placements help you to quickly apply and reinforce the concepts you learn in the classroom.
The program follows a synchronous cohort model to prepare you for the ABGC certification examination through coursework, a thesis, and clinical experiences. You'll be supervised by certified genetic counselors and clinical geneticists. You must submit a written thesis and oral defense before graduation.
You have the option to earn a dual degree: an MA in medical humanities and bioethics with the MS in genetic counseling.
7%
$56,067
99%
$56,067
- Acceptance Rate
- 7%
- Students Enrolled
- 23,409
- Institution Type
- Private
University of Oklahoma, Health Sciences Center
- Oklahoma City, OK
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Programmatic Accreditation: Accreditation Council for Genetic Counselors
Cost per Credit Hour:
In-State | $213
Out-of-State | $611
Credits to Graduate: 48
The University of Oklahoma-Health Sciences Center (OUHSC) offers a full-time, two-year master of science degree in genetic counseling. All coursework and clinical rotations are held at OUHSC's 300-acre campus in Oklahoma City.
The curriculum combines coursework with clinical and laboratory experiences, research, and community opportunities. Our graduates work in diverse clinical settings, from prenatal genetics and pediatric genetics to hereditary cancer.
As part of the graduation requirements, you must complete an original investigation, a written thesis, and an oral defense. Clinical practicums include prenatal diagnosis counseling, cancer genetics counseling, clinical metabolic genetics, and laboratory techniques in cytogenetics, and molecular genetics.
After graduation, you'll be eligible to apply for active candidate status through the ABGC and to sit for the board certification exam.
59%
$ 5,119
N/A
$19,778
- Acceptance Rate
- N/A
- Students Enrolled
- 3,235
- Institution Type
- Public
University of California, Irvine
- Irvine, CA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Programmatic Accreditation: Accreditation Council for Genetic Counselors
Cost per Term:
In-State | $4,088
Out-of-State | $8,170
Quarter Units to Graduate: 87
The University of California, Irvine's master's in genetic counseling is an intensive, full-time, two-year program and consists of didactic coursework, supervised clinical experience, and the completion of a required research project (thesis). The program admits between six and eight students each year and has had a 0% attrition rate for the past three years.
You'll have the opportunity to learn at the Division of Genetic and Genomic Medicine at UCI Medical Center in Orange. There, the program integrates within an active clinical genetics unit, where 20 faculty genetic counselors and medical geneticists provide services to patients and families.
Successful completion of the program fulfills the curricular and clinical training requirements for eligibility to sit for examination by the American Board of Genetic Counseling.
81%
$11,700
91%
$26,802
- Acceptance Rate
- 21%
- Students Enrolled
- 35,936
- Institution Type
- Public
Columbia University
- New York, NY
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Programmatic Accreditation: Accreditation Council for Genetic Counselors
Cost per Year:
In-State | $46,380
Out-of-State | $46,380
Credits to Graduate: 78
Columbia University offers a 21-month MS in genetic counseling that prepares students to take the American Board of Genetic Counseling Certification Examination. The program emphasizes the skills genetic counselors need in practice and explores the social implications of advancing genetic technologies.
The program combines genetic and genomic sciences with humanism and ethical inquiry. You can choose a customized experience that combines research endeavors, university-wide electives, fellowships, and diverse clubs. The program usually enrolls 12 students per year, and you can only join in the fall.
23%
$50,496
98%
$52,016
- Acceptance Rate
- 4%
- Students Enrolled
- 29,661
- Institution Type
- Private
MGH Institute of Health Professions
- Boston, MA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Programmatic Accreditation: Accreditation Council for Genetic Counseling
Cost per Term:
In-State | $18,900
Out-of-State | $18,900
Credits to Graduate: 66
MGH Institute of Health Professions offers an MS in genetic counseling with outstanding clinical and non-clinical fieldwork experiences. The curriculum aims to equip genetic counseling students with the skills for advanced genomics research and exemplary patient care. You can benefit from extensive research opportunities, dedicated faculty, and an active learning curriculum.
The program is a five-semester cohort model. The first year primarily focused on didactic and team-based education, observational fieldwork, and simulated patient sessions. The second year focuses on didactic work, clinical and non-clinical fieldwork experiences, and completion of the Capstone project started in year one.
100%
$67,680
N/A
$67,680
- Acceptance Rate
- N/A
- Students Enrolled
- 1,339
- Institution Type
- Private
Keck Graduate Institute
- Claremont, CA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Programmatic Accreditation: Accreditation Council for Genetic Counseling
Cost per Term:
In-State | $21,950
Out-of-State | $21,950
Credits to Graduate: 71.5
Keck Graduate Institute's master's in genetic counseling aims to prepare graduates who are leaders among healthcare professionals dedicated to the delivery of advanced, personally optimized patient care. You'll learn to translate applied and clinical science breakthroughs to improve patients' quality of life.
The curriculum comprises 36.5 credits from didactic courses, 26 from clinical fieldwork, and nine from a research capstone project. The five-semester, 21-month program is divided into two years.
Year one consists of coursework completed at KGI in Claremont, CA. Year two includes experiential education, a capstone project, and psychosocial/professional development. The location varies based on your chosen track.
8%
$40,710
N/A
$40,710
- Acceptance Rate
- N/A
- Students Enrolled
- 573
- Institution Type
- Private
University of Alabama at Birmingham
- Birmingham, AL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Programmatic Accreditation: Accreditation Council for Genetic Counseling
Cost per Semester Hour:
In-State | $595
Out-of-State | $1,461
Credits to Graduate: 57
The University of Alabama at Birmingham's on-campus master's in genetic counseling aims to foster an environment that enables students to become forward-thinking and compassionate genomics professionals.
The UAB genetic counseling program is designed to prepare you for professional certification through the American Board of Genetic Counseling (ABGC). As part of the curriculum, you will complete a project in which you will design and implement a genetic counseling-related research project
The curriculum includes genetic counseling fundamentals, advanced medical genetics, and counseling skills. You'll also get access to on-site and off-site rotations and lab experiences and can join unique clinical and research opportunities in specialty clinics including cancer, pediatric, and prenatal genetics.
66%
$ 8,424
82%
$34,260
- Acceptance Rate
- 87%
- Students Enrolled
- 21,639
- Institution Type
- Public
Reasons to Get a Master’s in Genetic Counseling
Genetic counseling is a specialty within counseling with similar requirements. However, because of improved genetic diagnostic tests and interest in genetics, genetic counseling has emerged as its own unique field.
As a genetic counselor, you’ll use your understanding of biology and counseling to educate, provide insight, and support patients and their families. Genetic counselors are in demand and make higher-than-average salaries.
Consider becoming a genetic counselor if you want to:
Work as part of a healthcare team- Analyze family health history for inherited health risks
- Educate patients about inheriting genetic diseases
- Guide and support individuals through the medical, psychological, and familial effects of genetic diseases
- Advocate on behalf of a patient
What Is the Cost of a Master’s in Genetic Counseling?
According to the National Center for Education Statistics, the average cost of a graduate degree during the 2020 to 2021 academic year was $20,513. The average for private institutions in the same year was $29,931.
However, the cost of a master’s in genetic counseling depends on the university and program you choose, as well as the program structure. You have the option of online or on-campus degree programs, as well as synchronous vs. asynchronous courses.
An accelerated degree program can help you earn a master’s degree in as little as a year, potentially leading to cost savings.
How to Choose a Genetic Counseling Master’s Program
When choosing a master’s program in genetic counseling, consider the program costs, structure, time to completion, and courses offered. Specifically, you should look at:
Costs
Consider the total program cost, including room and board for on-campus programs. You’ll also want to explore financial aid opportunities, including scholarships and grants. Consider whether you’ll need to take out student loans and what your return on investment will be depending on the average salary for genetic counselors in your area.Course Structure
You can choose between on-campus or online master’s degrees and synchronous or asynchronous courses to meet your schedule and needs. You’ll also want to consider whether the program offers the option for accelerated degrees or summer courses.Courses Offered
Does the degree program you’re considering offer the electives or specialized courses you’re interested in? Can you complete all coursework within your desired timeframe? You may also want to consider any internships, research projects, or other opportunities you’d like to complete as part of your degree.
Frequently Asked Questions About Master’s in Genetic Counseling
To earn a master’s degree in genetic counseling, you must first earn a bachelor’s degree. The most common majors for undergrads interested in continuing their studies to pursue careers in genetic counseling are biology, social sciences, or a related field. While a bachelor’s degree in one of these subjects might be beneficial, it is not necessarily a prerequisite, depending on the master’s program you choose.
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