MS in Genetic Counseling

Boston University

MS in Genetic Counseling

This program is provided through Graduate Medical Sciences and maintains full program accreditation status from the Accreditation Council for Genetic Counseling (ACGC). Applications are available at the BU Graduate Medical Sciences site. For additional information on the genetic counseling profession, please visit the website for the National Society of Genetic Counselors. For questions regarding the genetic counseling program, please email gcprog@bu.edu. A number of informational webinars are offered throughout the summer and fall months, in addition to open house events. Please visit the program website for sign-up information and dates.

Mission Statement

The BU Genetic Counseling program is committed to providing high-quality training through dynamic coursework, dedicated mentoring, diverse fieldwork, and innovative research to develop motivated genetic counselors to meet the needs of an expanding landscape in genetics and genomics.

Program Overview

The primary objective of the Master of Science Program in Genetic Counseling is to educate graduate students in the core concepts of human genetics and counseling. Our focus is to provide students with the appropriate knowledge, experience, and mentoring to become competent, sensitive, and motivated genetic counselors. This is accomplished through a variety of educational experiences including coursework, clinical training, research project preparation, and supplementary activities such as case conferences, grand rounds, journal clubs, and seminars. Located in the heart of Boston, the Genetic Counseling program at Boston University provides a dynamic and enriching environment for genetic counseling students.

Boston University's medical school and teaching hospital offer access to tremendous resources for clinical experience with a diverse patient population and specialized patient services. The BU Genetic Counseling Program also has the unique appeal of including coursework in the Mental Health Counseling & Behavioral Medicine Program, Graduate Medical Sciences, and the School of Public Health.

A dual degree MPH program is also available to all students who matriculate into the genetic counseling program. Admission to the genetic counseling program is required to enroll in the dual degree program established with the School of Public Health and is contingent on successful admission to the BU School of Public Health.

Additionally, a dual degree PhD program is available to enrolled PhD students in Graduate Medical Sciences who are focused on the Graduate Program in Genetics & Genomics track and meet appropriate admissions requirements for the MS in Genetic Counseling program as outlined on the program page. Candidates interested in applying to the dual PhD/MS program will be required to enter the Genetic Counseling Match and adhere to the published Match guidelines accordingly.

Program Requirements

Year 1

The first year of study focuses primarily on coursework in general genetics and counseling skills. Clinical, laboratory, research, and advocacy experiences complement the didactic curriculum. In addition, students will select a Capstone Project topic and begin their research during the second term.

Term 1

GMS GC 601 Professional Issues in Genetic Counseling (3 units)

GMS GC 603 Embryology, Teratology, and Prenatal Genetics (3 units)

GMS GC 605 Clinical Applications in Human Genetics (4 units)

GMS GC 606 Genetic Counseling Seminar (2 units)

GMS GC 608 Fundamentals of Counseling in Genetics (3 units)

GMS GC 700 Genetic Counseling Fieldwork I (2 units)

Term 2

GMS GC 600 Genetic Diagnosis and Laboratory Methods (3 units) (this class will be waived for PhD students due to previous completion of FC 712)