Genetic Counseling

A double helix illustration
Master of Science

About the Program

In our two-year Master of Science in Genetic Counseling program, you’ll gain lab exposure, research experience and clinical training at the top-ranked Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine. This program prepares you to interface with patients, clinicians, and molecular and human geneticists as you progress in your career as a highly capable, empathetic genetic counselor. 

You’ll put coursework into practice, exploring gene expression and development as well as the ethical, legal and social issues attached to the Human Genome Project. Because of this breadth of experience, you’ll thrive in many different facets of the field—from cancer genetics to prenatal diagnoses to commercial genetics laboratories.
 

What to Expect

Throughout your two years, you’ll work alongside our esteemed faculty, your peers and postdoctoral trainees in a department known for its clinical expertise as well as innovative research in human genetics. The collaboration you experience at this early stage of your career allows you to become a well-rounded professional. 

In your first year, you’ll learn how to work in an interprofessional setting through a collaborative practice class. The experience of completing community-based projects alongside nursing, medicine, psychology, and social work students—among others—gives you a taste of what working in the field will look like in practice.

You’ll take part in four, eight-week clinical rotations, a two-week lab rotation, and a six-week summer clinical at renowned medical centers. Plus, you can supplement your clinical skills with knowledge from related areas across campus—such as bioethics, applied social sciences and the Law-Medicine Center—as you pursue your 40 credit hours.
 

Beyond the Classrooms

Begin your rotations at Cleveland Clinic before pursuing your specialty in general genetics, cancer genetics and more at top medical institutions—opportunities that can turn into internships.

You’ll have the chance to present your research projects at Case Western Reserve’s Research Showcase, give educational talks to Northeast Ohio schools and participate in DNA Day, among many other hands-on experiences. Plus, you can round out your skillset and knowledge through the department’s annual retreat, seminars and journal club.


By the Numbers

100%

employment rate within four months of graduation

98.8%

pass rate on the American Board of Genetic Counseling certification exam

40

semester-hour program, including coursework and research 

1

two-week laboratory rotation in the Cleveland Clinic Pathology & Laboratory Medicine Institute

Admissions Details

Our program thrives when we have students with diverse perspectives and a range of educational, professional and life experiences. We look forward to learning more about you!

  • The application process requires:
  • Online application, including a personal statement
  • $50 application fee
  • Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution (either already complete, or will be complete before you enroll)
  • Unofficial transcripts
  • Current resume/CV
  • Test scores for GRE (optional)
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • International applicants: Results of TOEFL exam
  • Interview prior to admission

Please note: This program has prerequisite courses. We also recommend advocacy experience(s) prior to the program. 

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