MS Genetic Counseling at University of Rochester

Programme overview

The MSGC is a full-time, 21-month programme accredited by the Accreditation Council for Genetic Counseling. It combines didactic courses, fieldwork in the medical center's genetics clinics and a master's thesis.

Faculty: School of Medicine and Dentistry | Department: Genetic Counseling | Duration: 21 months, 5 semesters (Fall, Spring, Summer, Fall, Spring), full-time | Intake: Fall | Study mode: full-time | Location: Rochester, NY, United States

What you will study

Didactic courses, clinical fieldwork in pediatric, cancer and prenatal genetics plus specialty areas such as ocular, neurogenetics and cardiogenetics, and a master's thesis.

Career pathways

Prepares students for a range of genetic counseling roles.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Programme: US bachelor's degree or equivalent. Prerequisites of at least one semester or quarter each of biochemistry, biology, genetics, psychology and statistics, completed by the January 3, 2027 deadline (embryology and anatomy/physiology recommended). GPA of 3.0 or above strongly recommended, no hard cutoff. Statement of purpose up to 3 single-spaced pages, exactly 3 recommendation letters (Interfolio not accepted), and a resume or CV documenting exposure to the profession. GRE not required and not reviewed. TOEFL iBT, IELTS or Duolingo within 2 years for non-native English speakers. Applicants must register with the Genetic Counseling Admissions Match (NMS, $100); application fee $60. Interviews held virtually in mid-February.

USD 92,000 for the whole programme (Fall 2027 entry). Approximate total tuition for the 21-month programme after a tuition scholarship worth over $30,000 per student; scholarship does not apply to University of Rochester employees or students fully funded elsewhere. Source

Tuition is charged per credit, so the total depends on the modules you register for each year. Current fees are listed in the official fee schedule.

Intake: Fall

Duration: 21 months, 5 semesters (Fall, Spring, Summer, Fall, Spring), full-time

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