Graduate Program: Genetic Counseling (MS)

General Information

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Program/Degree
Genetic Counseling (MS) 
Program Description

The Genetic Counseling Graduate Program at the University of Arizona is a new and exciting graduate program offered through the Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine and the Center for Applied Genetics and Genomic Medicine.  Graduates of this two year long program will graduate from the University of Arizona with a Master of Science degree in Genetic Counseling, preparing them for a career in this rapidly growing field.  Our program combines classroom-based coursework with real-world experience working with practicing genetic counselors and physicians in the clinic. 

Our students will benefit from UA's rich biomedical research and clinical training programs in both Tucson and Phoenix.  With campuses and medical schools in both cities, students will have the opportunity to train with clinicians, researchers, and experts in the field of genetics and genomic medicine. 

https://gcgp.uahs.arizona.edu/

 

 
Department/Academic Unit(s)

Cellular & Molecular Medicine -

The Department of Cellular & Molecular Medicine is one of the five basic science departments of the University of Arizona College of Medicine located on the Northeast side of the University of Arizona Campus in Tucson, AZ.  The mission of the Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine (CMM) is to provide pre- and post-doctoral, medical and graduate education in an interdisplinary environment through research activities to advance knowledge of biological structure as related to function and disease from the molecular level to the whole organism.

CMM faculty run active research programs in modern molecular and cellular biology which include areas of developmental biology, neuroscience, parasitology, immunology, cancer biology, and cellular structure and function. Our graduate program attracts outstanding students from all parts of the US and the world. Graduate students from the interdisciplinary programs of cancer biology, genetics, molecular & cellular biology and biochemistry, neuroscience, and physiological sciences also receive training in CMM faculty laboratories.

CMM Mailing address:

PO Box 245044, 1501 N. Campbell Ave. 

Life Sciences North, Room 450, Tucson, AZ  85724-5044

 
College
College of Medicine, Tucson  
Campus where offered
Main Campus - Tucson  
Contacts
Admissions Contact
Kathy R Ben
520-626-2713
Graduate Program Coordinator
Kathy R Ben
520-626-2713
Director of Graduate Studies
Dorothy Lynn Quinn
520-626-4382
Graduate College Degree Counselor
Kristi R Davenport
520-626-1930
 
Tuition and Fees
Please refer to the UA Bursar's Office Tuition and Fees Calculator for up-to-date information about tuition and fees. 
Please refer to the UA Registrar's's Office Special Course Fees for up-to-date information about special course fees. 

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 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
 

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

 
Financial Aid

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 the class commencing in the Fall of 2020 (class of 2022) will be open from Tuesday, September 3 to Monday, December 16, 2019. 

The application deadline is close of business on December 16, 2019.

 
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

Degree Requirements

The Genetic Counseling Graduate Program requires the completion of 63 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. 
 

 
Minor Requirements
The Academic Unit has not provided this information. 
Student Handbook
http://cmm.arizona.edu/education/graduate-student-handbook  
Persistent link:
Last revised 30 Sep 2019