Genetic Counseling MS
The Genetic Counseling Program is a 21-month program of study leading to a Master of Science in Genetic Counseling. This is program for those who wish to be at the forefront of the genetic counseling profession and harness the potential of genomic medicine to advance healthcare.
The training program consists of three major components: foundational didactic education, clinical training, and research. The didactic curriculum embraces the latest advances in contemporary genetics while maintaining deep roots in humanistic counseling theory, and a commitment to the ethical application of genomic medicine. Clinical training experiences are available in a variety of campus genetics clinics and laboratories and expose students to the rich ethnocultural and socioeconomic diversity of the Bay Area. Partnerships with Bay Area genetics clinics provide students additional clinical training opportunities beyond the campus boundaries. Close proximity to Silicon Valley and the high concentration of biotechnology companies also allows for students to train in some of the nation’s most recognized genetics private industry organizations. The research experience is highlighted through a scholarly capstone project of the student’s own design, allowing students to develop a deep understanding of the research process while advancing the field of genetic counseling.
The Genetic Counseling Program provides a unique opportunity for one student, with a special interest in community practice, to spend their entire second year of clinical training in the Fresno region. UCSF maintains a branch training campus in Fresno, California at Community Regional Medical Center (CRMC). CRMC is a large tertiary care medical center providing complex care to residents of the central San Joaquin Valley. Fresno is a rural agricultural region located half way between San Francisco and Los Angeles.
Faculty
The Genetic Counseling Program faculty consists of a diverse mix of veteran genetics educators from throughout the UCSF campus. As a strong partner in San Francisco area genetic counseling programs since the 1970s, UCSF brings decades of experience training genetic counselors to all facets of the program, from veteran educators, to knowledgeable research mentors and skilled clinical training supervisors.
Career Outcomes
Graduates from the Genetic Counseling Program are prepared to pursue numerous career paths after graduation, including clinical care, industry, research, advocacy and others. Successful completion of the program will confer eligibility to sit for the American Board of Genetic Counseling certification examination.
The Genetic Counseling Program is primarily based at the Mission Bay campus. Visit the program website for more information.
The Genetic Counseling program is offered by the UCSF Graduate Division. The Program is jointly administered by the Institute for Human Genetics and UCSF School of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Division of Medical Genetics. It is delivered by faculty and staff members in the UCSF School of Medicine.
