Program Overview

Genetic Counseling (MS)

The Genetic Counseling Program is a full-time, 21-month program of study leading to a Master of Science in Genetic Counseling. This is a program for those who wish to be at the forefront of the genetic counseling profession and harness the potential of genomic medicine to advance healthcare.

Program Description

The training program consists of three major components: foundational didactic education, clinical training, and research. The didactic curriculum integrates the latest advances in contemporary genetics while maintaining deep roots in humanistic counseling theory and a strong commitment to the ethical application of genomic medicine. Clinical training experiences are available in a variety of campus genetics clinics and laboratories, offering students exposure to the Bay Area's diverse ethnocultural and socioeconomic communities. Partnerships with Bay Area genetics clinics provide students additional clinical training opportunities beyond the campus boundaries. Close proximity to Silicon Valley and a hub of biotechnology companies also provides students opportunities to train at some of the nation's most renowned genetics organizations in the private sector. The research experience is showcased through a scholarly capstone project of the student’s own design. The capstone project provides an opportunity to gain a deep understanding of the research process while contributing to advancements in the field of genetic counseling.

Program Leadership

• Adrienne Wakeling, MS, CGC, Program Director
• Julie Harris-Wai, PhD, MPH, Research Director
• Allyson Scott, MS, CGC, Associate Director
• Jason Carmichael, MS, CGC, Assistant Director, Fresno

Faculty

The Genetic Counseling Program faculty is composed of a diverse group of experienced genetics educators from across the UCSF campus. With a strong history of involvement in San Francisco-area genetic counseling programs since the 1970s, UCSF brings decades of expertise to every aspect of the program. From seasoned educators to knowledgeable research mentors and skilled clinical training supervisors, our faculty is dedicated to providing comprehensive training for future genetic counselors.

Career Outcomes

Graduates from the Genetic Counseling Program are prepared to pursue numerous career paths after graduation, including clinical care, private industry, research, advocacy, and others. Successful completion of the program will confer eligibility to sit for the American Board of Genetic Counseling (ABGC) certification examination.

Admission Requirements

Individuals from all academic backgrounds may apply for admission to the Genetic Counseling Program. The program values diversity and recognizes that students from a broad range of perspectives improve both the practice of science and the educational experience for everyone. Applicants to the program will need to demonstrate successful completion of the following college-level courses (minimum of one quarter or semester) or their equivalents to ensure adequate foundational knowledge for our curriculum:

• Introductory Genetics (for Science majors)
• Organic Chemistry or Biochemistry
  • Must include content on structure and function of biomolecules (e.g., nucleic and ribonucleic acids, proteins, lipids)
• Biology (2 quarters/semesters)
• Introductory Statistics or Biostatistics
• Introductory Psychology or Counseling
• Biochemistry is highly recommended
• Cellular and/or Molecular Biology are highly recommended
• Anatomy and/or physiology are highly recommended

Applicants competitive for admission will also be able to demonstrate a good beginning knowledge of the genetic counseling profession and can clearly articulate how this career path aligns with their personal and professional goals. This type of knowledge is often obtained from direct experience(s) with the genetic counseling profession, experiences in fields that complement genetic counseling, and/or research about the field.

Learning Outcomes

The learning outcomes for our program are based on attainment of the Practice-Based Competencies (PBCs) established by the Accreditation Council for Genetic Counseling (ACGC). The PBCs describe 7 practice-based competencies and 25 sub-competencies necessary for practice as an entry-level genetic counselor. The competencies are categorized in the following distinct domains: Genetics and Genomics Expertise, Risk Assessment, Counseling, Communication, Research, Healthcare Systems, and Professional Identity.

Degree Requirements

The Genetic Counseling Program maintains academic standards that are in compliance with the UCSF Division of Graduate Education and Postdoctoral Affairs. To successfully complete the program, students must fulfill the following degree requirements:

1. Complete all required coursework with a C grade or higher; or successfully complete a remediation plan in the event of a course grade below a C.
2. Maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher.
3. Pass clinical placements while demonstrating progress in achieving the Practice-Based Competencies established by the Accreditation Council for Genetic Counseling (ACGC).
4. Successfully complete a capstone research project.
5. Successfully complete all Supplemental Experiences with associated requirements.
6. By the end of the program, demonstrate attainment of the Practice-Based Competencies established by the Accreditation Council for Genetic Counseling (ACGC).
7. Attend all classes, participate actively in all courses, and maintain the highest standards of academic integrity, professionalism, and cultural humility in all facets of the academic program.

Core Courses

The following is a list of required courses for the Genetic Counseling Program:

• GENCOUNSEL 201: Human Genetics
• GENCOUNSEL 202: Clinical Cytogenetics
• GENCOUNSEL 203: Research Methods for Genetic Counselors I
• GENCOUNSEL 204: Principles of Counseling & the Lived Experience of Illness
• GENCOUNSEL 205: Advanced Medical Genetics I
• GENCOUNSEL 207: Clinical Embryology for Genetics Clinicians
• GENCOUNSEL 208: Research Methods for Genetic Counselors II
• GENCOUNSEL 209: The Genetic Counseling Session: From Theory to Practice
• GENCOUNSEL 210: Reproductive Genetics
• GENCOUNSEL 211: Advanced Medical Genetics II
• GENCOUNSEL 212: Graduate Seminar in Genetics I
• GENCOUNSEL 213: Precision Medicine and Variant Interpretation
• GENCOUNSEL 214: Externship I
• GENCOUNSEL 215: Hereditary Cancer Genomics
• GENCOUNSEL 216: Social, Ethical & Legal Issues in Genetics
• GENCOUNSEL 217: Graduate Seminar in Genetics II
• GENCOUNSEL 218: Advanced Medical Genetics III
• GENCOUNSEL 219: Foundational Counseling Skills
• GENCOUNSEL 220: Externship II
• GENCOUNSEL 224: Capstone Research Project
• GENCOUNSEL 232: Reimbursement Fundamentals in Genomic Medicine

Program Structure

The program is structured over two years, with a combination of didactic education, clinical training, and research. The first year focuses on foundational knowledge and skills, while the second year emphasizes clinical training and the capstone research project. The program is designed to provide students with a comprehensive education in genetic counseling, preparing them for a career in this field.