Genetic Counseling

A double helix illustration
Master of Science

About the Program

In our 21-month or 33-month 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 that arise in clinical genetics. Because of this breadth of experience, you’ll thrive in many different facets of the field—from cancer genetics to prenatal and preconception genetics to industry positions in commercial genetics laboratories or insurance companies.
 

What to Expect

Throughout your training, 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.

During your second year, you’ll take part in three, eight-week clinical rotations, two elective rotations, a two-week lab rotation, and a six-week summer immersive 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 43 credit hours.
 

Beyond the Classrooms

Clinical fieldwork rotations occur across Northeast Ohio at institutions such as the Cleveland Clinic, University Hospitals, MetroHealth Medical Center, Akron Children's Hospital and Promedica.

You’ll have the chance to present your research projects at the Department of Genetics and Genome Science's annual department retreat, 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 many seminars, case conferences and grand rounds.


By the Numbers

99.5%

employment rate within four months of graduation

97%

pass rate on the American Board of Genetic Counseling certification exam

43

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
  • 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. 

Contact Us

Michelle Merrill
Michelle Merrill
Program Co-Director, Assistant Professor
Department of Genetics and Genome Sciences
Telephone