Program Overview

Genetic Counseling, MS

The Genetic Counseling, MS program is offered by the School of Medicine at Loma Linda University.

Program Description

Genetic counseling is a process of communicating medical and scientific information to an individual or family with a genetic condition or birth defect. The main objective is to assist families and individuals in understanding complex genetic and medical information in a simple way. Genetic counselors are health professionals with specialized training and experience in medical genetics and counseling.

Program Length

The program is a two-year program leading to a Master of Science in Genetic Counseling.

Possible Careers

Genetic counselors work in many settings as integral members of the healthcare team. They help translate genomic science to improve the lives of people with common and rare genetic conditions. Some genetic counselors work in research, teaching, policy-making, or with genetic testing companies.

Admissions Requirements

Applicants to the MSGC Program must have an undergraduate degree and be able to balance high academic achievement with excellent written and verbal communication skills, adequate advocacy experiences, and insight into their choice of genetic counseling as a career.

• Transcripts:
  • Bachelors degree from a U.S. institutionally accredited college or university or equivalent
  • Required: At least one quarter or semester of college-level coursework in genetics
  • Recommended: At least one quarter or semester of college-level biochemistry, psychology, sociology, and statistics or biostatistics
  • Unofficial transcripts should be submitted from all post-secondary colleges or universities attended
• International students can access information regarding LLU requirements for International students
• Minimum overall GPA of 3.00
• Curriculum Vita
• Personal Statement and Values Essay (1000 words)
• Advocacy Experience: Compensated or volunteer advocacy experience in a counseling or support role in healthcare
• Shadowing experiences and internships: Shadowing or interning with a genetic counselor is ideal, but not required
• Three Letters of Recommendation: Letters must be from individuals who can address the readiness of the applicant for graduate school and for the profession
• National Matching Services (NMS): All applicants must register with the Genetic Counseling Admissions Match through National Matching Services (NMS)
• GRE: The GRE is not required for admission
• Interviews: Personal interviews with the LLU MSGC Program Admissions Committee will be scheduled between February and early April

Prerequisites

Program Requirements

• Coursework: All students in the MSGC program are required to complete the coursework listed
• Fieldwork experience: Students will have placements for fieldwork observation in each quarter of the first year and will start fieldwork rotations in the summer after the first year
• Capstone project: Students are required to complete a Capstone research project individually under the guidance of a Capstone Committee
• Comprehensive exams: A comprehensive exam will be administered at the end of the first year and at the end of the second year of the program

Expected Cost of Attendance

The estimated cost of attendance is based on full-time attendance for the number of months enrolled per academic year.

Required Program Costs

• Academic Year:
  • Year 1: $39,013 (tuition and fees) + $1,500 (books, materials, supplies, and equipment allowance)
  • Year 2: $50,354 (tuition and fees)

Other Educational Costs

• Living Expense (Food & Housing Allowance)
  • On Campus Dorm: $12,447 (Year 1), $16,596 (Year 2)
  • LLU Owned Rental Property: $21,942 (Year 1), $29,256 (Year 2)
  • LLU Owned Rental w/ Dependents: $22,437 (Year 1), $29,916 (Year 2)
  • Undergraduate Dependent w/ Parents: $7,650 (Year 1), $10,200 (Year 2)
  • Off Campus: $21,942 (Year 1), $29,256 (Year 2)
• Transportation Allowance: $3,150 (Year 1), $4,200 (Year 2)
• Miscellaneous Personal Expenses: $3,285 (Year 1), $4,380 (Year 2)
• Federal Student Loan Fees: $218 (Year 1), $218 (Year 2)
• Cost of Obtaining Professional License: $0 (Year 1), $0 (Year 2)
• Dependent Care: Available upon request
• Disability-Related Expenses: Available upon request

Notes

• Estimated amounts are for the academic year specified only and are based on full-time attendance for the number of months enrolled per academic year.
• International students need to calculate 12 months of living expenses based on these amounts.
• Amounts are expected to increase each year consistent with inflation in the professional education sector.
• To qualify for financial aid, most students must be enrolled at least half-time in an aid-eligible program and be taking degree requirements. Half-time is 6 units in a quarter for undergraduate programs and 4 units in a quarter for graduate programs.