Genetic Counseling, M.S.
For information regarding deadlines and requirements for admission, please see https://grs.uncg.edu/programs/.
Degree Program Requirements
Required: 69-71 credit hours
| Year One | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credit Hours | |
| GEN 601 | Principles of Genetic Counseling | 3 |
| GEN 603 | Introduction to Fieldwork in Genetic Counseling I | 1 |
| GEN 610 | Genetic Counseling and the Community | 2 |
| GEN 615 | Introduction to Oncology and Genetic Counseling | 1 |
| GEN 618 | Genetic Counseling Seminar | 1 |
| GEN 625 | Introduction to Research Methods and Genetic Counseling Literature | 2 |
| GEN 658 | Molecular Diagnostics | 3 |
| GEN 614 | Prenatal Development: Embryology and Teratology | 2 |
| Credit Hours | 15 | |
| Spring | ||
| GEN 602 | Principles of Genetic Counseling II | 3 |
| GEN 604 | Introduction to Fieldwork in Genetic Counseling II | 1 |
| GEN 617 | Advanced Topics in Oncology and Genetic Counseling | 2 |
| GEN 618 | Genetic Counseling Seminar | 1 |
| GEN 630 | Medical/Clinical Genetics and Genomics I | 3 |
| GEN 648 | Capstone Preparation Seminar | 1 |
| GEN 668 | Introduction to Clinical Encounters | 2 |
| Professional Development Elective | 1-3 | |
| Credit Hours | 14-16 | |
| Summer Session I | ||
| GEN 649 | Independent Research Study | 1 |
| GEN 697 | Clinical Intensive in Genetic Counseling | 1 |
| Credit Hours | 2 | |
| Summer Session II | ||
| GEN 620 | Introduction to Peer Supervision and Professional Development in Fieldwork | 1 |
| GEN 698 | Summer Fieldwork Rotations | 3 |
| Credit Hours | 4 | |
| Year Two | ||
| Fall | ||
| GEN 618 | Genetic Counseling Seminar | 1 |
| GEN 701 | Principles of Genetic Counseling III | 3 |
| GEN 718 | Fieldwork Rotations I | 6 |
| GEN 720 | Peer Supervision in Genetic Counseling | 1 |
| GEN 730 | Medical/Clinical Genetics and Genomics II | 3 |
| GEN 748 | Research Project ** | 2 |
| Credit Hours | 16 | |
| Spring | ||
| GEN 618 | Genetic Counseling Seminar | 1 |
| GEN 702 | Professional Issues in Genetic Counseling: ELSI and Beyond | 3 |
| GEN 719 | Fieldwork Rotations II | 6 |
| GEN 720 | Peer Supervision in Genetic Counseling | 1 |
| GEN 749 | Research Project ** | 3 |
| GEN 780 | Board Certification Exam Prep | 1 |
| CED 645 | Mental Health Issues for Genetic Counselors | 3 |
| Optional Elective (0-2 credits) | 0-2 | |
| Credit Hours | 18 | |
| Total Credit Hours | 69-71 | |
- *
Select a graduate level research course (1-3 credits) tailored to the student's capstone project or research interest with approval of the Program Director.
- **
Comprises the Capstone Experience.
Elective Courses
An elective relevant to the student’s professional goals will be selected during the second semester of the program. Electives must be approved by the program director. With approval of the program director, students may select an additional (optional) elective in the fourth semester of the program.
Fieldwork Internships
The fieldwork rotations are an integral part of the program and serve to provide students with opportunities to increase their general professional knowledge, gain experience with genetic counseling for a variety of indications, and develop the necessary skills and competencies required for the practice of genetic counseling. Under the supervision of on-site, board-certified genetic counselors, students will progress from observation to participation in various aspects of genetic counseling services. Evaluation/feedback of the student’s activities and progress will be an ongoing component of the rotations. At the end of each rotation, a formal written evaluation will be conducted by the Clinical Supervisor and reviewed with the student. Students will be required to keep an accurate logbook of clinical cases according to guidelines provided by the Accreditation Council for Genetic Counseling. Students will complete a summer clinical rotation (GEN 698 Summer Fieldwork Rotations) during Summer Session II of the program. Summer clinical rotations may be available at the following sites: Advocate Health (Atrium), Duke University Medical Center, Fullerton Genetics Clinic, Cone Health System, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Wake Forest Baptist, Novant, and Women’s Health Specialties in Wilmington. Students may also make arrangements for a summer clinical rotation at another site with permission of the program director. Non-clinical rotations may also be available and part of a student’s rotation sequence. These may include but are not limited to industry, laboratory, research, advocacy, leadership, public health and education.
During the second year of the program, students will be assigned to four fieldwork rotations (GEN 718 Fieldwork Rotations I/GEN 719 Fieldwork Rotations II). Second year clinical rotations may be available at the following sites: Advocate Health (Atrium), Duke University Medical Center, Cone Health System, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Wake Forest Baptist, Novant, and Fullerton Genetics Clinic.
Research Project
The culminating experience for students in the genetic counseling program will be a formal research project (GEN 748 Research Project/GEN 749 Research Project). The research project may consist of a detailed case study and library synthesis, a clinical application, or an original clinical or laboratory research project. Students must select a project during the second semester of the program. All projects must be approved by the program director. Projects will be completed under the guidance of a research project committee, which will consist of a chair and two other members. Adjunct clinical faculty may serve on research project committees. Students will be required to submit a detailed written report of their project and to make an oral presentation about their project to their classmates and the faculty.