Program Overview

Genetic Counseling, M.S. Program

The Graduate Program in Genetic Counseling at UCI School of Medicine's Department of Pediatrics is committed to providing education and professional training in counseling and medical genetics, leading to a Master of Science in genetic counseling. The program aims to train genetic counseling professionals who have developed the practice-based competencies that an entry-level provider must demonstrate to successfully practice as a genetic counselor, in a culturally responsive and respectful manner across practice settings and with all clients.

Program Overview

The program is based in the clinical Division of Genetic and Genomic Medicine at UCI Medical Center in Orange, about 15 miles from the main university campus in Irvine. A distinguishing characteristic of the program is its integration within an active clinical genetics unit, where faculty genetic counselors and medical geneticists provide service to a wide variety of patients and families. From their first quarter of graduate study, students participate in a wide range of clinics where they learn to apply the skills and knowledge learned through academic coursework.

Program Structure

The program is a two-year, full-time graduate program that operates on a quarter system. We typically admit and graduate between six and eight students each year. The class size is intentionally small to maximize the opportunity for trainees to closely interact with our faculty members in and out of the classroom and clinic.

Accreditation

The graduate program is fully accredited by the Accreditation Council for Genetic Counseling (ACGC). Graduates of the program are eligible to apply for certification by the American Board of Genetic Counseling (ABGC), and also may apply for a license in those states that have implemented licensure.

Faculty

The program faculty includes:

• Maureen E. Bocian, M.D.
• Elizabeth C. Chao, M.D.
• Pamela L. Flodman, M.S.
• Kathryn Steinhaus French, M.S.
• Natalie M. Gallant, M.D.
• John Jay Gargus, M.D. Ph.D.
• June-Anne Gold, M.B.B.S., D.C.H., M.R.C.P.
• Virginia E. Kimonis, M.D.
• Angela Myers, M.C.H., M.D.
• Deepika Nathan, M.S.
• Leslie J. Raffel, M.D.
• Kathryn E. Singh, M.P.H., M.S.
• Moyra Smith, M.D., Ph.D., M.F.A.
• Michael V. Zaragoza, M.D., Ph.D.

Courses

The program includes a range of courses, such as:

• PED GEN 200A: Introduction to Medical Genetics and Genomics
• PED GEN 200B: Genetic Screening, Prenatal Development, and Human Teratology
• PED GEN 200C: Human Genetic Disorders
• PED GEN 200D: Disorders due to Inborn Errors of Metabolism
• PED GEN 200E: Molecular Genetics, Gene Mapping, and Genetic Linkage
• PED GEN 200F: Quantitative Genetics
• PED GEN 200G: Hereditary Cancer Counseling
• PED GEN 200H: Genetic Counseling Research Design
• PED GEN 200L: Laboratory Fundamentals in Genetic Counseling
• PED GEN 200M: Embryology for Medical Genetics
• PED GEN 201A: Introduction to Genetic Counseling
• PED GEN 201B: Clinical Rotation I
• PED GEN 201C: Clinical Rotation II
• PED GEN 202A: Counseling in Human Genetics: Theory and Methods
• PED GEN 202B: Community Resources
• PED GEN 202C: Ethical Issues in Human Genetics
• PED GEN 203A: Counseling in Human Genetics: Putting Thought to Practice
• PED GEN 204: Professional Skills Development
• PED GEN 295: Master's Thesis and Research Writing

Admission Requirements

Recommended undergraduate preparation includes course work in the biological and behavioral sciencesparticularly in genetics, biochemistry, molecular biology, cell biology, psychology, statistics, and human anatomy or embryology. Fluency in Spanish or a Southeast Asian language allows for additional opportunities working with these populations during clinical rotations but is not required. Extracurricular or employment experiences that provide evidence of the students maturity, interpersonal skills, and promise as a genetic counselor figure prominently in the admissions decision. References should speak to these qualities as well as to the academic qualifications of the applicant. Experience providing crisis counseling is also recommended.

Application Process

Applications are accepted for the fall quarter only and must be complete by December 18. Applications undergo a holistic review process and interviews for selected applicants are conducted during February through early April. All interviews will be conducted as virtual interviews by Zoom. We participate in the Genetic Counseling Admissions Match program which was established to place applicants into programs based on a fair process taking into account both the applicants and programs preferences.

Degree Requirements

Degree requirements include a minimum of 87 quarter units, completion of a research thesis, and demonstration of the practice-based competencies of an entry-level genetic counselor. The program director serves as faculty advisor to students. Teaching and supervision of professional experiential training are shared by all Division faculty and staff, who frequently review student progress. Successful completion of the program (together with an assessment that the student has achieved the practice-based competency of an entry-level genetic counselor) fulfills the curricular and clinical training requirements for eligibility to sit for examination by the American Board of Genetic Counseling.