The Departments of Genetics & Genome Sciences and Bioethics offers a dual degree program between the Masters in Genetic Counseling and the Masters in Bioethics and Medical Humanities Programs. The dual degree program provides a comprehensive curriculum integrating foundational principles of genetics, bioethics, and medical humanities. The goal of the program is to train Genetic Counselors who wish to apply additional Bioethics and Medical Humanities expertise into their clinical practice and/or research.
The dual degree program allows graduates to engage in both contemplative analysis and application of knowledge in the counseling of patients and should allow graduates to be more prepared to participate in the ongoing national dialogue about the ethical, legal, and social implications of advances in genomic technology as well as research within their home institutions and with other counselors nationwide regarding issues of new genomic testing technology, concerns about genetic services, and issues related to genetic discrimination, privacy, and the return of genetic and genomic results.
In addition to both a written and oral comprehensive examination as part of the Genetic Counseling Training Program, the dual degree requires a research project to be carried out for the completion of both degrees. For the dual degree, students will be required to choose a research project that includes ethical, legal, or social issues of genetic counseling practice, clinical genetics or genomics, or genetic research. Students will also be required to include at least one Bioethics Faculty member on their Research Project Committee.
Application Requirements
Students who would like to enroll in the dual degree program will apply and be admitted into each program separately. Only current MS in Genetic Counseling students should apply for the dual degree MA program. While admissions committees for each program will communicate with each other regarding applicants, each admissions committee will decide independently about the suitability of the applicant to their program.
Explore the MA in Bioethics and Medical Humanities program Application Requirements
Learn more about the MS in Genetic Counseling Program.
Course Requirements
| MA Degree | Credits | MS Degree | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Foundations in Bioethics I and II (BETH 401 and BETH 402) |
12 | ||
| “Pure” Genetic Counseling Courses | 28 | ||
| Clinical Ethics Rotation (BETH 405)* | 3 | Clinical Ethics Rotation (BETH 405)* | 3 |
| Ethical Issues in Genetics/Genomics (BETH 412)* | 3 | Ethical Issues in Genetics/Genomics (BETH 412)* | 3 |
| Capstone in Bioethics and Medical Humanities (BETH 402C) | 1.5 | ||
| Genetic Counseling Credits in Bioethics and Medical Humanities relevant courses* | 6 | Genetic Counseling Credits in Bioethics and Medical Humanities relevant courses* | 6 |
| Electives in Bioethics and Medical Humanities outside Genetic Counseling | 3 | ||
| Mini elective in Bioethics and Medical Humanities | 1.5 | ||
| MA Total Credits | 30 | MS Total Credits | 40 |
*Double count 12 credits between the programs.