Applicants to a master’s genetic counseling program must have a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university. Most graduate programs do not indicate a specific field of study, but most applicants have bachelor’s degrees in genetics, biology or psychology.
Although the type of bachelor’s degree typically does not matter, applicants must take certain prerequisite courses that pertain to medical genetics. These usually include biology, statistics, biochemistry, psychology and upper division genetics.
Since genetic counseling graduate programs confer master’s degrees, applicants must take the Graduate Record Examination for entrance. Minimum scores vary from program to program, and some programs waive this requirement if the applicant has a higher grade point average.
Most programs require or highly recommend a minimum amount of counseling experience. Suggested roles include a peer counselor, residential advisor for college students or an advisor for a crisis hotline service. Shadowing a certified genetic counselor also counts as experience as long as all patient privacy guidelines were followed.
All programs require a personal statement explaining the intent to be a genetic counselor. For letters of recommendation, applicants should choose professors, supervisors and genetic counselor mentors who can accurately describe their desire and ability to study and practice as a genetic counselor. Letters should enhance and expound on the personal statement.