Program Overview

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Genetic Counseling, MS

The Master of Science program in genetic counseling prepares students for a successful career as a genetic counselor. Graduates can apply their knowledge and unique skill set to advance the understanding of genetics and genomic-related conditions in the communities where they work and live.

Program Description

The two-year, full-time program is taught by genetic counselors and medical geneticists. Students participate in fieldwork experiences throughout Phoenix and engage in a comprehensive curriculum covering:

• advanced genetic counseling techniques
• clinical genetics and genomics
• cultural competencies in genetics
• fundamentals of genetic counseling
• the role of genetic counselors in laboratories and research
• social and ethical dimensions of genetic counseling and decision-making

At a Glance

• College/school: College of Health Solutions
• Location: Downtown Phoenix
• STEM-OPT extension eligible: No

Degree Requirements

71 credit hours and a thesis, or
71 credit hours including the required applied project course (GCO 593)

Required Core (46 credit hours)

• BMD 562 Bioethical Issues in Applied Biomedicine (3)
• GCO 510 Fieldwork Preparatory (1)
• GCO 530 Genetic Counseling Fundamentals (3)
• GCO 540 Foundations of Medical Genetics (3)
• GCO 560 Practice of Genetic Counseling (3)
• GCO 570 Clinical Genetics I (3)
• GCO 571 Clinical Genetics II (3)
• GCO 610 Laboratory Fundamentals and Population Screening (3)
• GCO 620 Genetic Counseling Techniques (3)
• GCO 625 Cultural, Ethical and Legal Aspects of Genetics (3)
• GCO 630 Advanced Genetic Counseling Techniques (3)
• GCO 650 Cancer, Cardiac Genomics and Precision Medicine (3)
• GCO 659 Embryology and Genetics (3)
• GCO 660 Professional Issues for Genetic Counselors (3)
• HCD 501 Population Health Data Management and Analysis (3)
• HCD 520 Population Health (3)

Fieldwork (15 credit hours)

• GCO 583 or GCO 683 Fieldwork (15)

Other Requirements (4 credit hours)

• GCO 691 Topic: Journal Club I (1)
• GCO 691 Topic: Journal Club II (1)
• GCO 691 Topic: Journal Club III (1)
• GCO 691 Topic: Journal Club IV (1)

Culminating Experience (6 credit hours)

• GCO 593 Applied Project (6) or
• GCO 599 Thesis (6)

Admission Requirements

• General university admission requirements: All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.
• Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and the College of Health Solutions.
• Applicants are eligible to apply to the program if they have earned a bachelor's or master's degree in a related field from a regionally accredited institution.
• Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor's degree program or a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable master's degree program.
• Applicants are required to submit:
  • graduate admission application and application fee
  • official transcripts
  • letter of intent
  • resume or curriculum vitae
  • three references (academic or professional)
  • proof of English proficiency

Tuition Information

When it comes to paying for higher education, everyone’s situation is different. Students can learn about ASU tuition and financial aid options to find out which will work best for them.

Application Deadlines

• Fall:
  • Session A/C: In Person, Deadline: 01/15, Type: Final

Program Learning Outcomes

Program learning outcomes identify what a student will learn or be able to do upon completion of their program. This program’s learning outcomes include the following:

• Apply knowledge of genetics, including genomics principles, genetic conditions, and testing technologies to the practice of genetic counseling.
• Evaluate personalized genetic risk through a comprehensive analysis of multiple factors.
• Apply understanding of psychosocial needs and client-centered decision-making to genetic counseling interactions.
• Communicate genetics and genomics information to clients, colleagues, and other community partners.
• Illustrate how genetic counselors fit within the larger healthcare system.
• Synthesize the evidence-based literature relevant to genetic counseling.

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the program are prepared for a position as a genetic counselor in a clinical care, research or laboratory setting or as an industry-based genetic counselor. Genetic counselors are uniquely trained with a skill set that allows them to work in a variety of medical, scientific or research-based settings, as well as in private practice and academia.

Professional Licensure

ASU programs that may lead to professional licensure or certification are intended to prepare students for potential licensure or certification in Arizona. Completion of an ASU program may not meet educational requirements for licensure or certification in another state.