Program Overview

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Introduction to the University of Texas Genetic Counseling Program

The University of Texas Genetic Counseling Program (UTGCP) is a two-year specialized Master of Science training program accredited by the Accreditation Council for Genetic Counseling. The program is administered through the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center UTHealth Houston Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences in association with the Division of Medical Genetics in the Department of Pediatrics at the McGovern Medical School.

Program Overview

The UTGCP excels in the training of versatile genetic counselors by facilitating competency-based learning, supporting personalized growth, and immersing students in the depth and breadth of genetic counseling practice. The program's vision is to be the leader in the education of genetic counseling students who support and advance genetics in healthcare.

Curriculum

Genetic counseling students take didactic classes in the areas of human genetics, prenatal genetics, cancer genetics, statistics and research methodology, developmental biology, and ethics. There are also several courses that focus on the psychosocial aspects of genetic counseling, making for a well-balanced curriculum. The majority of coursework is completed in the first year.

Academic Course Work

The following courses are part of the curriculum:

• Topics in Medical Genetics I
• Introduction to Genetic Counseling
• Embryology
• Prenatal Genetic Counseling
• Psychosocial Issues in Genetic Counseling
• Biomedical Ethics for the Genetic Counselor
• Cancer Genetic Counseling
• Approaches to Research I
• Topics in Medical Genetics II
• Psychosocial Issues in Genetic Counseling II
• Introductory Clinical Rotation
• Advanced Clinical Rotation
• Research in Biomedical Science
• Masters Thesis Research
• Contemporary Issues in Genetic Counseling
• Approaches to Research II
• Psychosocial Practicum

Clinical Rotations

At the UTGCP, students pride themselves on the breadth and depth of their exposures in the genetic counseling arena. Patients come to the Texas Medical Center from all over the world for treatment, representing a wide variety of different genetic conditions and diverse cultural, religious, linguistic, and socioeconomic backgrounds.

Rotation Format

• Introductory Rotations: Students begin seeing patients in January of the first year, rotating for 6 weeks each through the prenatal, cancer, and medical genetics blocks.
• Summer Rotation: A five-week, full-time rotation that may occur either in Houston or away from the city.
• Advanced Rotations: During the second year, students rotate again through prenatal, cancer, and medical genetics for 6 weeks each.
• Supplemental Rotation: In the spring of the second year, students have two 3-week experiences that may be used to supplement their training in an area of interest.

Thesis Projects

Students are expected to propose and complete a clinically-oriented or laboratory-based research question that includes study design, collection of data, data analysis, and a written thesis. A written thesis in publication-ready format and an oral defense of the thesis are required for graduation.

Mission, Vision, and Strategic Plan Objectives

UTGCP Strategic Plan, Mission, and Vision

• Vision: The UTGCP is the leader in the education of genetic counseling students who support and advance genetics in healthcare.
• Mission: The UTGCP excels in the training of versatile genetic counselors by facilitating competency-based learning, supporting personalized growth, and immersing students in the depth and breadth of genetic counseling practice.
• Strategic Plan:
  1. Ensure graduates are prepared for the multitude of roles in the constantly evolving genetic counseling field.
  2. Graduate a student body that consistently represents unique perspectives specific to the genetic counseling field.
  3. Evaluate opportunities for acquiring new sources of revenue to support faculty and students.

Admissions

Application Requirements

• Application Deadline: December 1st
• Interview Notifications: By early February
• Virtual Interviews: March-April
• Match Notifications: April 15
• Required and Recommended Components:
  • GPA: A GPA of 3.0 or greater is strongly recommended.
  • Coursework: Undergraduate or graduate coursework in genetics, psychology, biology, chemistry, biochemistry, calculus, and statistics is recommended.
  • Three letters of recommendation are required.
  • Genetic counseling exposure is required via an internship, shadowing, or interviews.
  • Client advocacy experience, crisis work, and volunteer work are all strongly recommended.

Tuition, Fees, and Financial Aid

New: Tuition and Fees

• In-state Tuition: The total cost of tuition for the entirety of the program across the 5 semesters is approximately $15,086.
• Out-of-state Tuition: The total cost of tuition for the entirety of the program across the 5 semesters is approximately $33,311.

Scholarships

Up to 6 scholarships are available to incoming students, each worth $1000. The scholarships are renewed in the second year of study for students in good standing.

Financial Aid

Financial aid is offered to students through the UTHealth Office of Student Financial Aid. It is strongly recommended that applications for financial aid be submitted by March 1 of the year for which you are applying.