Best Master’s in Genetic Counseling Programs

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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.