Genetic Counseling MS
The Genetic Counseling Program is a full-time, 21-month program of study leading to a Master of Science in Genetic Counseling. This is a 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 integrates the latest advances in contemporary genetics while maintaining deep roots in humanistic counseling theory and a strong commitment to the ethical application of genomic medicine. Clinical training experiences are available in a variety of campus genetics clinics and laboratories, offering students exposure to the Bay Area's diverse ethnocultural and socioeconomic communities. Partnerships with Bay Area genetics clinics provide students additional clinical training opportunities beyond the campus boundaries. Close proximity to Silicon Valley and a hub of biotechnology companies also provides students opportunities to train at some of the nation's most renowned genetics organizations in the private sector. The research experience is showcased through a scholarly capstone project of the student’s own design. The capstone project provides an opportunity to gain a deep understanding of the research process while contributing to advancements in the field of genetic counseling.
The Genetic Counseling Program also provides a unique and exciting opportunity for one student with a strong passion for community practice to spend their entire second year of clinical training in the Fresno region. UCSF extends its training reach to a branch campus at Community Regional Medical Center (CRMC) in Fresno. CRMC is a major tertiary care center providing complex care to the diverse residents of the central San Joaquin Valley. This unique setting provides hands-on experience to an underserved region where genetics services are especially impactful. Nestled half way between San Francisco and Los Angeles, Fresno is a vibrant and rural agricultural hub, offering a distinctive blend of rural healthcare and cutting-edge medical practice.
Faculty
The Genetic Counseling Program faculty is composed of a diverse group of experienced genetics educators from across the UCSF campus. With a strong history of involvement in San Francisco-area genetic counseling programs since the 1970s, UCSF brings decades of expertise to every aspect of the program. From seasoned educators to knowledgeable research mentors and skilled clinical training supervisors, our faculty is dedicated to providing comprehensive training for future genetic counselors. Find a list of current course instructors on the program website.
Career Outcomes
Graduates from the Genetic Counseling Program are prepared to pursue numerous career paths after graduation, including clinical care, private industry, research, advocacy and others. Successful completion of the program will confer eligibility to sit for the American Board of Genetic Counseling (ABGC) 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.
