The Institute for Systems Genomics under the authority of The Graduate School at the University of Connecticut offers a Master’s Degree in Genetic Counseling. The mission of the Genetic Counseling Professional Science Master’s degree program is to prepare the next generation of diverse genetic counseling professionals who can foster innovation, advocacy, and leadership in a technologically dynamic discipline for improved health care outcomes and lifelong learning. The program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Genetic Counseling, not offered on a part-time basis, and includes required summer components. The program is delivered in a hybrid model wherein the didactic classes are offered in an asynchronous online format and the fieldwork/practical training requires travel to external affiliated hospitals, centers, and clinics. The Genetic Counseling curriculum meets the Accreditation Council for Genetic Counseling (ACGC) requirements in that student training supports the 22 practice‐based competencies within four domains: Genetics Expertise and Analysis; Interpersonal, Psychosocial and Counseling Skills; Education; and Professional Development and Practice. Programmatic student learning outcomes are designed to meet the genetic counseling Professional Based Competencies and the American Board of Genetic Counseling National Certification Examination.

The Genetic Counseling Program is an Affiliate of the National Professional Science Master’s (PSM) Association. PSM programs are those which provide interdisciplinary scientific learning, with an emphasis on professional development training and supervised internships, in addition to other standards. Graduates of the Genetic Counseling Professional Science Master’s Degree Program will receive a Master’s Degree in Genetic Counseling and a National Professional Science Master’s Association Certificate of completion.

Program Requirements. Except in special cases, genetic counseling students will complete 43 credits of required didactic coursework and clinical rotations within 24 months. In addition, the student will complete three pre-approved courses; statistics, research methods, and an elective. The successful graduate student under the supervision of a three-faculty member Advisory Committee will complete the requisite number of academic credits inclusive of course work, professional development, clinical rotations, comprehensive examinations, and a capstone project as outlined in an approved plan of study.

Didactic Coursework: ISG 5100, 5102, 5103, 5140, 5141, 5142, 5200, 5203, 5601, 5715, 5730 (three credits), and as pre-approved by Program Director one course in statistics, research methods, and one elective.

Clinical Rotations: ISG 5091 (five credits)

Capstone: ISG 5099 (three credits)

The program is offered by the Institute for Systems Genomics.