Genetic Counseling M.S.

Janey Youngblom, Ph.D., Associate Program Director

Office: Naraghi Hall of Science - N265
Phone: (209) 667-3487

View information for the Department of Biological Sciences .

A Master of Science in Genetic Counseling is offered for students interested in pursuing a career in healthcare services that combines medical genetics knowledge and counseling skills.  Career opportunities are diverse and include positions in university medical centers, health maintenance organizations, private medical clinics, public healthcare clinics, biopharmaceutical companies, diagnostic laboratories, and biotechnology companies.  In addition to completion of the course work, clinical internship requirements, and a research project, candidates must also complete at least the required minimal number of approved cases for their Logbook of Supervised Clinical Experience.  To become a certified genetic counselor, the graduate must take and pass the American Board of Genetic Counseling Certification Examination.

Admissions Requirements

1. Baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution with a grade point average of at least 3.0 out of a possible 4.0
2. Successful completion of the following courses or their equivalents:

• BIOL 3350 - Introductory Genetics
    (for science majors)
• MATH 1600 - Statistics
   , or
  MATH 1620 - Probability and Statistics
   , and
• CHEM 3010 - Organic Chemistry I
   , and
• CHEM 3012 - Organic Chemistry Laboratory I
    
• CHEM 4400 - Biochemistry I
    (recommended)

3. Successful completion of at least one course, or their equivalents, from one of the following areas: Psychology, Counseling, Special Education, or Social Work.  Some examples of appropriate courses include:

• PSYC 2010 - Introduction to Psychology
    
• PSYC 3790 - Introduction to Counseling Theory
    
• PSYC 4770 - Introduction to Counseling Techniques
    
• PSYC 4820 - Group Dynamics: Theory and Application
    
• SW 5013 - Social Work Practice with Death, Grief, and Loss
    
• SW 5059 - Social Work Practice with Groups and Families 

4. The Graduate Record Exam (General exam) - no minimum score requirement
5. At least six months experience in a volunteer or work related position that involves counseling, e.g., working in a crisis intervention center, student health center, family planning clinic, or serving as a resident advisor or peer counselor.
6. Three letters of recommendations.  The recommendation letters should be from professors, employers, supervisors, or others who know the candidate well and can speak to the applicant’s academic ability, interpersonal skills, maturity, and promise as a genetic counselor.
7. Transcripts of all post-secondary colleges or universities attended.
8. Resume.
9. A personal statement describing why the candidate is attracted to this profession and an elaboration of his/her career aspirations.
10. Candidates lacking one or more of the prerequisites may be admitted on a conditional basis.  However, these applications may be less competitive than complete applications.
11. Approval for admission by the Genetic Counseling Program Admissions Committee and Stanislaus State Graduate School.

Application Procedure

1. Complete California State University, Stanislaus’ University Graduate/Postbaccalaureate Admissions Application form.  Forms are available at the Graduate School Office, MSR 160, or apply online at http://www.csustan.edu/graduate_school
2. Go to the Master of Science in Genetic Counseling Program website and follow the instructions for specific additional steps required for the application process

Requirements

1. Complete and pass all required courses for the program
2. Complete at least four different clinical internships, preferably at different institutions to be exposed to a diversity of clinical cases and workplace settings
3. Complete an approved research project
4. Maintain a minimum academic grade point average of 3.0
5. Complete at least the minimum number of approved cases for the Logbook of Supervised Clinical Experience