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Genetic Counseling

About the Program

Brandeis University's Master of Science (M.S.) in Genetic Counseling is a two-year course of study integrating coursework with clinical experience in an environment that encourages close student/faculty interaction. Ordinarily the program is completed in two academic years and the intervening summer. The program places a strong emphasis on human molecular genetics, while providing in-depth course work in counseling theory and technique as well as extensive clinical training.

Fieldwork and clinical internships are an integral part of the program. First-year students carry out a clinical genetics laboratory rotation during one semester and a community-based rotation during the other semester. Starting in the summer following the first year and continuing through the second year, students participate in three intensive clinical internships at prenatal, pediatric, general, or specialty genetics clinics. Satisfactory completion of the three clinical internships is required for graduation from the program (read more about fieldwork and clinical training).

The program is accredited by the American Board of Genetic Counseling and prepares graduates for the certification examination in genetic counseling and employment as genetic counselors.

Degree Options

M.S. in Genetic Counseling (two years of full-time study)

Courses and Completion Requirements

For the most updated course listing, course descriptions, and degree requirements, please click here.

Faculty

We encourage you to explore one of the department’s greatest assets through our faculty pages. Learn more about the people who will help guide you along your graduate school path here.

Additional Resources

Consortium: Our membership in the Boston consortium allows you to take courses at Tufts University, Boston University, and Boston College, thus enhancing your Brandeis experience and the spirit of collaboration which Brandeis embodies.
Student Services: At Brandeis, you will become part of a community that is strengthened by life both within and outside of the classroom and laboratory walls. Please visit Student Services to see the array of University resources, events, and programming for graduate students, including our Graduate Student Services Center, Off-Campus Housing, Health Insurance, English as a Second Language (ESL) program, Disability Resources, Counseling Center, Career Services, and the Graduate Student Association.

Admission Information

Prerequisites:

In addition to a Bachelor's degree, applicants should have completed the following courses:

• one year of general chemistry;
• one year of biology;
• one semester of genetics (course should include both Mendelian and molecular); and
• one semester each of organic chemistry, biochemistry, psychology, and statistics. 

Applicants lacking one or more of these courses are invited to consult the program's director on how to fulfill these requirements. Volunteer or work experience in an area related to counseling, developmental disabilities, or genetics is also recommended.

After initial review of applications, potential candidates will be invited to Brandeis for a personal interview.

Admission Semester:

Fall only

Application Deadlines:

Fall semester (starts in late August): Jan. 15

Admission Requirements:

To apply for the M.A. in Genetic Counseling, you need to submit:

• An application to the graduate school, which can be electronically submitted here;
• An application fee (please click here for instructions);
• Official transcripts from all universities and colleges attended; applicants must provide a final transcript indicating successful completion of an undergraduate degree program before registration;
• Three letters of recommendation, which the admissions committee prefers to be submitted online (please click here for more information);
• A curriculum vitae (CV) or resumé;
• A statement of purpose/personal statement describing your interest in the field of Genetic Counseling;
• Graduate Record Exam (GRE) required, our ETS institution code is 3092.

International students:  For additional requirements for international applicants (non-U.S. citizens or non-permanent residents), minimum TOEFL and IELTS scores, and important information regarding visas, please click here.

After initial review of applications, potential candidates will be invited to Brandeis for a interview.

For a more comprehensive description of application requirements, please click here.

Financial Aid

Generous financial aid is available; for more information please click here.