Graduate Program: Genetic Counseling (MS)

General Information

Admissions Information

Admissions Requirements

Listed below are items that are required to complete this application for admission to UA Genetic Counseling Graduate Program:

• Match number from National Matching Services (NMS) https://natmatch.com/gcadmissions/
• Personal statement (500 words maximum)
• CV/resume
• Unofficial transcripts for each college/institution attended
• GRE's: Given the uncertainties around COVID-19, it is currently unclear if the GRE will be administered this year.  For applicants applying to our program in the fall of 2020, we will not require or record GRE scores. 
• TOEFL or other English Proficiency Exam score (for international students only)
• Email addresses of 3 contacts to submit letters of recommendation on your behalf (3 letters of recommendation are required, 4 is the maximum allowed.) Competitive students will have at least one letter from a professor and preferably one from a practicing genetics provider or advocacy supervisor.

Admission Requirements:

• 3.0 GPA in undergraduate or graduate coursework
• Completion of BS or BA
• Completion of prerequisite coursework: In addition to the requirements from the UA Graduate College, the UAGCGP requires applicants to have the following prerequisites to ensure that they are adequately prepared for the program. All prerequisites need to be completed by the end of fall semester of the year applications are submitted. Please forward grades from these courses as soon as they are available. Required Classes:
• 2 Semesters of Biology
• 1 Semester of Chemistry
• 1 Semester of Biochemistry
• 1 Semester of Genetics
• 1 Semester of Statistics
• A total of 2 Semesters from ANY of the following areas: Psychology, Sociology, Anthropology, or Public Health
• Please note: AP classes are not acceptable for these prerequisites. 
• Competitive applicants will show a demonstrated interest in the field of genetic counseling. This can include shadowing genetic counselors, participating in genetic counseling internship programs, or meeting and speaking with local genetic counselors. Individuals having experience working in other counseling settings, such as a crisis or suicide hotline, pregnancy counseling center, or other similar settings will also be considered as strong applicants for the program.

• For questions, please contact Kathy Ben at kben@email.arizona.edu or (520) 626-2713 or (520) 626-7406.

 

Standardized Tests

Required test: GRE - test WAIVED for this application cycle due to COVID19 - for applicants applying to our program in the fall of 2020, we will not require or record GRE scores. 

For international applicants only: Minimum TOEFL: 79 (internet based test).  Please note, however, that the University of Arizona accepts a number of English Proficiency tests.  More information can be found at the Graduate College website: https://grad.arizona.edu/admissions/requirements/international-applicants#english-proficiency

 

Funding Opportunities

Tuition and fees for each academic year will be announced the previous spring by the Arizona Board of Regents. 

Please note that a $3,000 program fee will be added to the cost of tuition each semester.  There is no difference in the rate of the program fee for in state and out of state students. 

The Genetic Counseling Graduate Program does not provide financial aid, however students may contact the Financial Aid office for assistance (https://financialaid.arizona.edu/graduate-students). The student is responsible for all expenses related to completion of the degree requirements.

The Graduate College has Graduate Access Fellowships (https://grad.arizona.edu/gaf/), to which interested students can apply.

 

Admissions Deadlines

The application period for Fall of ’21 admissions (class of 2023) will open on September 1st, 2020. The application deadline is close of business on December 18, 2020.

 

International Conditional Admission

International applicants will not be considered for conditional admission by this program.

Other Information

The GRE Institution Code for The University of Arizona is 4832

Completion Requirements

Minimum Credit Units

0 

Core Coursework Requirements

The Genetic Counseling Graduate Program requires the completion of 66 units with a grade of "C" or better.  Cumulative graduate GPA must be at least 3.0 to complete this program. 

Students in the program will take a clinical practicum course every semester throughout the program as well as in the summer to gain clinical experience. 

Students will also complete a research project culminating in a publishable thesis. 
 

 

Elective Coursework

The Academic Unit has not provided this information. 

Additional Requirements

The Academic Unit has not provided this information. 

Student Handbook

Please refer to the Graduate Student Handbook for students who are pursuing this program of study.