University Bulletin (2022-2023)

• Master of Science

Graduate Program in Genetic Counseling

The Master’s Program in Genetic Counseling is a two-year course of study integrating didactic course work with experiential learning in an environment that encourages close student/faculty interaction. The program places a strong emphasis on disability awareness and the lived experience of individuals and families with a disability or genetic condition, provides in-depth coursework on human, molecular and clinical genetics as well as counseling theory and technique and offers students extensive fieldwork experience and clinical training.

Graduates of the program are expected to have:

• a clear understanding of human and medical genetics, developmental biology, molecular biotechnology, gene mapping, sequencing and variant analysis;
• a solid foundation of knowledge on the major genetic diseases, cancer predisposition syndromes and birth defects and the methods used to diagnose and/or manage them;
• familiarity with a variety of counseling theories and techniques that are employed in short-term counseling settings;
• the ability to present relevant genetic information to individuals and families from diverse backgrounds in a compassionate manner, facilitate informed decision-making and help families obtain the medical and social services they need;
• sensitivity to the needs of, and entitlements for, children and adults (including parents and potential parents) with intellectual disabilities, developmental disabilities, and other genetic disorders;
• an awareness of the legal, ethical, and public policy issues raised as a result of evolving DNA and reproductive technologies;
• experience in the application of research methodology, the design and execution of research projects involving human subjects and the preparation of completed projects for professional publication and presentation;
• the skills to review relevant scientific literature and utilize computer-based tools and websites; and
• an appreciation of how genetic counselors function in a variety of work settings and their roles and responsibilities within a clinical, research or laboratory team.

The Program requirements are typically completed in two academic years and the intervening summer. The Program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Genetic Counseling and prepares graduates for the certification examination administered by the American Board of Genetic Counseling.

Graduate Program in Genetic Counseling

Brandeis University's Master of Science (MS) in Genetic Counseling is a two-year course of study, fully accredited by the Accreditation Council for Genetic Counseling (ACGC), that integrates coursework with clinical experience in an environment that encourages close student/faculty interaction. Through teaching and supportive mentoring, our Program provides students with the clinical, counseling and research skills that will enable them to effectively work with individuals and families with disabilities, couples who are pregnant or hoping to become pregnant and patients who have, or may be at risk for, hereditary forms of cancer in a profession that continues to evolve.

Students who successfully complete the requirements for a Master’s Degree in Genetic Counseling will have a strong knowledge base in:

1. Human genetics and genomics, molecular biotechnology and developmental and reproductive biology
2. The clinical features, natural history, inheritance and treatment of a variety of birth defects and genetic conditions
3. Laboratory testing methods utilized in the prenatal, pediatric and cancer settings
4. Counseling theory and the techniques employed during short term counseling
5. The social, legal and ethical issues surrounding genetic testing and counseling
6. The methodology used to design and implement a research project
7. How genetic counselors function in a variety of work settings and their roles and responsibilities within a medical team

Through education in both the classroom and their internships, students will acquire essential core skills used by genetic counselors and be well prepared to:

1. Gather and document medical and family history information
2. Assess patient risk and determine appropriate testing options
3. Explain complex information in a way that is understood by patients
4. Give bad news in a sensitive and compassionate manner
5. Counsel patients from diverse backgrounds for a variety of indications
6. Initiate, or participate in, clinical research
7. Work as an integral part of a healthcare team

Disability awareness and education have been a part of the curriculum since the program’s inception. Students spend time with families and individuals who have a disability or genetic condition in their classes as well as through home visits and in educational settings providing services for these individuals. These activities will:

1. Provide students with exposure to both individuals with a variety of disabilities and the services that are available to them
2. Add to students' comfort level in working with individuals and families who have disabilities or genetic conditions
3. Increase sensitivity to the many issues faced by children and adults with disabilities

Students who complete the program have demonstrated mastery of all the required content areas within the 24 ACGC Practice Based Competencies. This should allow students to:

1. Work as a genetic counselor in a variety of clinical and non-clinical settings
2. Successfully sit for the American Board of Genetic Counseling’s Certification exam

In addition to a Bachelor's degree, applicants should have completed the following courses: one year of general chemistry; one year of biology with lab; 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 Director on how to fulfill these requirements.

Crisis counseling experience, volunteer or work with individuals who have disabilities and shadowing of/exposure to genetic counselors working in the field are strongly recommended.

All applicants must submit a personal statement and three letters of recommendation and forward transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate work.

Gretchen Schneider, Chair and Graduate Advising Head
(Genetic Counseling)

Cassie Buck
(Genetic Counseling)

Judith Jackson
(Genetic Counseling)

Alice Noble
(Genetic Counseling and Heller School)

Program of Study

Academic Coursework

The academic component of the curriculum consists of graduate-level courses in: molecular biotechnology, human genetics, human reproductive biology, genetic counseling, clinical genetics, counseling theory, research methodology, and biomedical law and ethics. These courses allow for the acquisition of a strong scientific knowledge base and solid counseling skills with integration of these throughout the curriculum.

First Year

Fall Semester

BIOL 128a Human Genetics
BIOL 160b Human Reproductive and Developmental Biology
BIOL 202d Introduction to Genetic Counseling 
BIOL 211a Disability Awareness and Genetic Counseling

Spring Semester

BIOL 202d Introduction to Cancer Genetic Counseling
BIOL 203a  Laboratory Testing: Application in Clinical Practice
BIOL 204b Clinical Genetics I
BIOL 205b Counseling Theory and Technique
BIOL 211b Introduction to Genetic Counseling Research
BIOL 216b Clinical Skills

Summer Semester

BIOL 212a Genetic Counseling Internship I
BIOL 213a Genetic Counseling Research I

Second Year

Fall Semester

BIOL 206d Genetic Counseling Journal Club
BIOL 207a Application of Counseling Theory to Genetic COunseling Practice BIOL 212b Genetic Counseling Internship II
BIOL 213b Genetic Counseling Research II
BIOL 214c Professional Development
BIOL 220a Clinical Genetics II

Spring Semester

BIOL 206d Genetic Counseling Journal Club
BIOL 212b Genetic Counseling Internship II
BIOL 213b Genetic Counseling Research II
BIOL 214c Professional Development
BIOL 216b Peer Supervision Group
BIOL 236b Genetics, Law, and Social Policy

Experiential Learning

First-year students typically have a community fieldwork placement at a site that provides services to individuals with a wide variety of disabilities and spend time with a family raising a child with a genetic disorder or other disability. These experiences deepen the students' understanding of issues faced by individuals and families with disabilities as well as the services available to them.

Clinical Training

Students begin their clinical training by observing both clinical and non-clinical genetic counselors in their first two semesters. In the summer before their second year students start their internships with a 30-contact day rotation in one of the three major practice areas: prenatal, pediatrics, or cancer. During the second year, students do two 7-week rotations during each semester. These include one each in the two remaining practice areas, one in a clinical genetic testing laboratory, and one in an area of interest to each student. In each clinic, students work directly with patients and families, under the supervision of genetic counselors or clinical geneticists, and develop their counseling and communication skills in a variety of settings. These experiences illustrate how the genetic counselor fits into the health care continuum, and expose the various roles genetic counselors can have. Satisfactory completion of all internships is required for graduation from the program.

Professional Development

Students develop their professional skills throughout the two years by discussing and analyzing clinical cases, critically reviewing scientific literature and doing formal presentations. Second year students are required to attend two professional meetings and students in both years are encouraged to attend local meetings of interest whenever possible. A two semester professional development class for second year students includes sessions on preparing for your career, developing your own professional identity, resume building, initiating the job search, interviewing and negotiating job offers, preparing to take the certification exam and working as a student supervisor. These activities allow students to become comfortable functioning as a member of the genetic counseling profession.

Master's Thesis

All students design and carry out an independent qualitative or quantitative research project related to the field of genetic counseling. Students must electronically deposit their thesis to ProQuest ETD. For instructions on how to do this, visit the Thesis and Dissertation Guide. 

Students are also required to present their thesis findings to students and faculty at the conclusion of their second year and submit their work for either publication or presentation.

Residence Requirement

There is no foreign language requirement for the Master's degree.

Language Requirement

There is no foreign language requirement for the Master's degree.

Summer Registration

Master's students in the Genetic Counseling program are required to participate in a clinical internship and should register for BIOL 212a and BIOL 213a through Workday self-service. Registration for Graduate Summer Term does not count toward the residency requirement. The summer registration fee will be waived.

BIOL 101a Molecular Biotechnology
[ oc sn ]

Prerequisite: BIOL 14a.

Develops knowledge and skills to research, choose and interpret the bext experimental approaches for answering research questions in molecular biology. Studies molecular biology techniques such as PCR, DNA sequencing, genomics, cloning, microarrays, and CRISPR, and their research applications. Usually offered every year.
Rachel Woodruff

BIOL 128a Human Genetics
[ sn ]

Prerequisites: BIOL 14a and BIOL 15b.

Survey of topics, including: overview of the human genome; variation; mutation and polymorphism; reproductive genetics; single-gene inheritance and complexities thereof; multifactorial conditions;risk assessment including Bayesian analysis; gene mapping including linkage analysis and genome wide association studies (GWAS); molecular methodology in genetics and genomics; cytogenetics; hemoglobinopathies; population genetics; cancer genetics; genetics of development;biochemistry of selected genetic diseases; treatment including pharmacogenetics and gene therapy; ethical considerations in genetics and genomics. Usually offered every year.
Nikkola Carmichael

BIOL 160b Human Reproductive and Developmental Biology
[ sn ]

Prerequisites: BIOL 14a and BIOL 15b.

Course deals with hormonal, cellular, and molecular aspects of gametogenesis, fertilization, pregnancy, and birth. Pathological and abnormal variations that occur and the available medical technologies for intervention, correction, and facilitation of these processes are discussed. Usually offered every year.
Judith Jackson

BIOL 202b Introduction to Cancer Genetic Counseling

Provides the historical and theoretical foundations for the practice of genetic counseling and the role of genetic services within the health care delivery system. Introduces students to some of the practical aspects of genetic counseling, including case preparation, pedigree construction/interpretation, risk assessment, psychological assessment and support, patient education and medical documentation. Usually offered every year.
Hetal Vig

BIOL 202d Introduction to Genetic Counseling

A two-semester sequence that provides the historical and theoretical foundations for the practice of genetic counseling and the role of genetic services within the health care delivery system. Introduces students to some of the practical aspects of genetic counseling, including case preparation, pedigree construction/interpretation, risk assessment, psychological assessment and support, patient education and medical documentation. Usually offered every year.
Hetal Vig

BIOL 203a Lab Testing: Applications in Clinical Practice

Provides students with the opportunity to learn about the various types of laboratory testing and their application in clinical patient care. Content will be presented by a wide variety of individuals from both the clinical and laboratory settings who have expertise in the field. Usually offered every year.
Hetal Vig

BIOL 204b Clinical Genetics I

Introduces students to the elements of a pediatric/general genetic evaluation and counseling, the approach patients referred for a variety of reasons, and the features, natural history, management and genetics of a subset of conditions commonly seen in clinical practice. The course includes didactic lectures, case discussions and additional group activities that enhance student learning. Usually offered every year.
Gretchen Schneider

BIOL 205b Counseling Theory and Technique

A comprehensive overview of counseling theory and practice. Topics include listening, observation, and interview skills and strategies; family dynamics and development; coping and adaptation processes; referral and consultation procedures; and ethical principles. Students are provided an opportunity to integrate clinical experiences with the coverage of topics. Usually offered every year.
Terri Queler

BIOL 206d Genetic Counseling Journal Club

Noncredit.

Weekly meeting at which second year students formally present papers from the recent genetics and genomics scientific literature to their peers and faculty. Usually offered every year.
Gretchen Schneider

BIOL 207a Application of Counseling Theory in Genetic Counseling Practice

Examines case studies providing the basis for discussion of a variety of genetic disorders and the application of counseling modalities. Students have an opportunity to share experiences gained during clinical internships. Discussions emphasize the interplay of medical, psychological, ethical, legal, social, and cultural factors in genetic counseling. Usually offered every year.
Terri Queler

BIOL 211a Disability Awareness and Genetic Counseling

Students will gain knowledge on the history of disability in America, disability rights and special education law, learn about typical human development and listen to and reflect upon stories written or told by individuals or families who have a disability or genetic condition. Students will also spend one day per week in an organization, school or clinic to further increase awareness of disability-related issues and the variety of community-based services for individuals with special needs. Finally students will be assigned a family pal to delve deeper into understanding the impact of a genetic condition on all members of a family. Usually offered every year.
Gretchen Schneider

BIOL 211b Introduction to Genetic Counseling Research

Students will learn about the research process, hear from genetic counselors who have done research and begin to explore their own interests and ideas that will culminate in their Master's thesis topic. Usually offered every year.
Cassandra Buck

BIOL 212a Genetic Counseling Internship I

Students complete a 30 contact day clinical genetic fieldwork rotation under the supervision of a genetic counselor or other qualified clinician. Students will utilize and increase their genetics knowledge and master genetic counseling skills by offering genetic counseling services in a prenatal, pediatric, or cancer clinic setting. Usually offered every summer.
Hetal Vig

BIOL 212b Genetic Counseling Internship II

Students complete 2 14 day fieldwork rotations per semester under the supervision of a genetic counselor or other qualified clinician. Students will utilize and increase their genetic knowledge and master genetic counseling skills by offering genetic counseling services in a prenatal, pediatric, cancer, general, adult, or specialty clinic or rotating through a laboratory, research, advocacy or other industry setting. Usually offered every year.
Hetal Vig

BIOL 213a Genetic Counseling Research I

In the summer semester students chose a research project, do a review of the literature and summarize key findings, and write a research proposal for a thesis project (to be done in the following fall/spring semesters). Usually offered in the summer.
Cassandra Buck

BIOL 213b Genetic Counseling Research II

Prerequisite: BIOL 213a.

Students are introduced to the principles and basic techniques of social science research in a series of seminars while they implement their thesis research projects. Usually offered fall and spring.
Cassandra Buck

BIOL 214c Professional Development

Students will prepare for their genetic counseling careers by examining their aspirations and identifying goals for their career path, exploring the job market and applying to and interviewing for open positions, learning how to get involved in the profession and creating a framework for studying for and passing the certification exam. Usually offered every year.
Gretchen Schneider

BIOL 216b Peer Supervision Group

This is a noncredit seminar required for all genetic counseling students.

Students meet once a week for discussions facilitated by a local genetic counselor involved in a peer supervision group. Student will utilize a group setting to process difficult cases, discuss personal and professional challenges and provide support to each other in a safe space. Usually offered every year.
Gretchen Schneider

BIOL 220a Clinical Genetics II

Prerequisite: BIOL 204b.

Continuation of BIOL 204b with emphasis on the genetic and developmental disorders categorized by major organ systems or other grouping. Learning will involve didactic lectures, case discussion and other group activities.
Gretchen Schneider

BIOL 221a Clinical Skills in Genetic Counseling

Prerequisite: BIOL 202d

In this course, you will apply core genetic counseling principles as it relates to the different practice areas of genetic counseling. This course involves hands-on practical clinical skills required in each of the three main practice areas of genetic counseling: prenatal, pediatrics, and cancer. Usually offered every year.
Hetal Vig

BIOL 236b Genetics, Law, and Social Policy

Explores legal doctrines, developing skills in analyzing legal and policy issues arising in professional practice and preparing students to actively participate in the development of institutional and public policies. Topics covered include confidentiality, patient autonomy, regulation of genetic, reproductive rights, and genetic discrimination. Usually offered every second year.
Alice Noble