Overview

Master of Science in Genetic Counseling

The program's goal is to train genetic counseling professionals who have developed the practice-based competencies that an entry-level provider must demonstrate to successfully practice as a genetic counselor, in a culturally responsive and respectful manner across practice settings and with all clients.

The Genetic Counseling program at University of California, Irvine (UCI) is based in the clinical Division of Genetic and Genomic Medicine at the Medical Center in Orange, about 15 miles from the main university campus in Irvine. A distinguishing characteristic of the program is its integration within an active clinical genetics unit, where 17 faculty genetic counselors and medical geneticists provide service to a wide variety of patients and families. From their first quarter of graduate study, students participate in a wide range of clinics where they learn to apply the skills and knowledge learned through academic coursework.

Our program is a two-year, full-time graduate program that operates on a quarter system. We typically admit and graduate between six and eight students each year. Our attrition rate for the past three years is 4%. The class size is intentionally small to maximize the opportunity for trainees to closely interact with our faculty members in and out of the classroom and clinic.

Most classes, clinics and rounds are held at the UCI Medical Center in Orange or the nearby CHOC Children's Hospital of Orange County (see map) and Miller Children's Hospital in Long Beach. Some courses and clinics also take place on the main campus in Irvine. Additional opportunities exist at various affiliated clinics and laboratory sites throughout Southern California, including St. Jude Medical Center in Fullerton, the Cancer Genetics Program at St. Joseph Hospital in Orange, Kaiser Permanente, City of Hope in Duarte, and others. Students also have the opportunity to tailor internships and summer placements that enhance their training experience.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Medical Genetics and Cytogenetics

Genetic Screening, Prenatal Development, and Human Teratology

Human Genetic Disorders

Disorders due to Inborn Errors of Metabolism

Molecular Genetics, Gene Mapping, and Genetic Linkage

Quantitative Genetics

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 24 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-09-26 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-12-18 00:00:00

Language

English

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Credits

89 alternative credits

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Irvine, United States

Disciplines

Genetics Counselling Psychology View 203 other Masters in Genetics in United States

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Academic requirements

GPA

English requirements

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Other requirements

General requirements

Recommended undergraduate preparation includes course work in the biological and behavioral sciences—particularly in genetics, biochemistry, molecular biology, cell biology, psychology, statistics and human anatomy or embryology.
Fluency in Spanish or a Southeast Asian language confers an advantage, but is not required.
Extracurricular or employment experiences that provide evidence of the student’s maturity, interpersonal skills and promise as a genetic counselor figure prominently in the admissions decision.
Letters of recommendation should speak to these qualities as well as to the academic qualifications of the applicant
Experience providing crisis counseling is also recommended.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

25007 USD / year

≈ 25007 USD / year
Out-of-State

25007 USD / year

≈ 25007 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

12762 USD / year

≈ 12762 USD / year

Living costs

Irvine

United States

1560 - 2585 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Financing

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Funding

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Master's scholarship opportunities for Genetic Counseling.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

On this page

About

Overview

Master of Science in Genetic Counseling

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Living costs

Irvine

Financing

Funding

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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