Genetic Counseling About Us Admissions Curriculum Contact Us Frequently Asked Questions Master of Science in Genetic Counseling This intensive, full-time, two-year program involves didactic coursework, supervised clinical experience and the completion of a required research project (thesis). The program is fully accredited by the Accreditation Council for Genetic Counseling. Home Education Genetic Counseling: Home About The Program The Graduate Program in Genetic Counseling at UCI School of Medicine's Department of Pediatrics is committed to providing education and professional training in counseling and medical genetics, leading to a Master of Science in genetic counseling. Our goal is to train genetic counseling professionals who have developed the practice-based competencies that an entry-level provider must demonstrate to successfully practice as a genetic counselor, in a culturally responsive and respectful manner across practice settings and with all clients. The program is based in the clinical Division of Genetic and Genomic Medicine at UCI Medical Center in Orange, about 15 miles from the main university campus in Irvine. A distinguishing characteristic of the program is its integration within an active clinical genetics unit, where 20 faculty genetic counselors and medical geneticists provide service to a wide variety of patients and families. From their first quarter of graduate study, students participate in a wide range of clinics where they learn to apply the skills and knowledge learned through academic coursework. Our program is a two-year, full-time graduate program that operates on a quarter system. We typically admit and graduate between six and eight students each year. Our attrition rate for the past three years is 0%. The class size is intentionally small to maximize the opportunity for trainees to closely interact with our faculty members in and out of the classroom and clinic. The graduate program is fully accredited by the Accreditation Council for Genetic Counseling (ACGC). Graduates of the program are eligible to apply for certification by the American Board of Genetic Counseling (ABGC), and also may apply for a license in those states that have implemented licensure. For the three most recent classes, the pass rate for first-time test takers has been 75% and 90% have passed on either the first or a subsequent attempt. Information for University of California students regarding licensure and certification is available on the UCOP Institutional Research and Academic Planning page. More general information about genetic counseling can be obtained from the National Society of Genetic Counselors' website. Many applicants find it helpful to get in touch with genetic counselors who practice in their area to become more familiar with the career. An open house will be hosted on November 2nd, 2023 from 11am to 1pm. If you are interested in attending, please contact Nancy Oropeza at noropeza@hs.uci.edu to RSVP and obtain the Zoom link. Learn more about us Admissions We typically admit and graduate between six and eight students each year. Our attrition rate for the past three years is 0%. The class size is intentionally small to maximize the opportunity for trainees to interact closely with our faculty members in and out of the classroom and clinic. Learn More Curriculum Most classes, clinics and rounds are held at the UCI Medical Center in Orange or the nearby Children's Hospital of Orange County (CHOC) and Miller Children's Hospital in Long Beach. Some courses and clinics also take place on the main campus in Irvine. Additional opportunities exist at various affiliated clinics and laboratory sites throughout Southern California. Learn More Our Alumni One of the pioneers in genetic counselor education, our program began in 1973, at a time when only five other institutions in the nation offered a master's degree in genetic counseling. UCI's first class of three students graduated in 1975. We now have more than 200 graduates. Many graduates of the program join academic or hospital-based genetics teams with a focus on clinical service, teaching, and research. Others work for commercial genetics laboratories, public health programs including newborn screening, or advocacy organizations, among others. For the three most recent graduating classes, 95% of our graduates have taken a job in a genetic counseling or related position.