Genetic Counseling (MS)

About

The Genetic Counseling Graduate Program at the University of Arizona is a new and exciting graduate program offered through the Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine and the Center for Applied Genetics and Genomic Medicine. Graduates of this two year long program will graduate from the University of Arizona with a Master of Science degree in Genetic Counseling, preparing them for a career in this rapidly growing field. Our program combines classroom-based coursework with real-world experience working with practicing genetic counselors and physicians in the clinic.

Our students will benefit from UA's rich biomedical research and clinical training programs in both Tucson and Phoenix. With campuses and medical schools in both cities, students will have the opportunity to train with clinicians, researchers, and experts in the field of genetics and genomic medicine.

https://gcgp.uahs.arizona.edu/

Requirements

Entry Requirements

Admissions Requirements

Listed below are items that are required to complete this application for admission to UA Genetic Counseling Graduate Program:

Match number from National Matching Services (NMS) https://natmatch.com/gcadmissions/
Statement of Purpose (500 words maximum)
CV/resume
Unofficial transcripts for each college/institution attended
GRE's: The UAGCGP has decided to discontinue the GRE requirement for applicants applying to our program - as with the fall of 2020, going forward, from Fall of 2021 on, we will not require or record GRE scores.
TOEFL or other English Proficiency Exam score (for international students only)
Email addresses of 3 contacts to submit letters of recommendation on your behalf (3 letters of recommendation are required, 4 is the maximum allowed.) Competitive students will have at least one letter from a professor and preferably one from a practicing genetics provider or advocacy supervisor.

Admission Requirements:

3.0 GPA in undergraduate or graduate coursework
Completion of BS or BA
Completion of prerequisite coursework: In addition to the requirements from the UA Graduate College, the UAGCGP requires applicants to have the following prerequisites to ensure that they are adequately prepared for the program. All prerequisites need to be completed by the end of fall semester of the year applications are submitted. Please forward grades from these courses as soon as they are available. Required Classes:
2 Semesters of Biology
1 Semester of Chemistry
1 Semester of Biochemistry
1 Semester of Genetics
1 Semester of Statistics
A total of 2 Semesters from ANY of the following areas: Psychology, Sociology, Anthropology, or Public Health
Please note: AP classes are not acceptable for these prerequisites.
Competitive applicants will show a demonstrated interest in the field of genetic counseling. This can include shadowing genetic counselors, participating in genetic counseling internship programs, or meeting and speaking with local genetic counselors. Individuals having experience working in other counseling settings, such as a crisis or suicide hotline, pregnancy counseling center, or other similar settings will also be considered as strong applicants for the program.
For questions, please contact Kathy Ben at [email protected] or (520) 626-2713 or (520) 626-7406.

Standardized Tests

For international applicants only: Minimum TOEFL: 79 (internet based test). Please note, however, that the University of Arizona accepts a number of English Proficiency tests. More information can be found at the Graduate College website: https://grad.arizona.edu/admissions/requirements/international-applicants#english-proficiency

Funding Opportunities

Tuition and fees for each academic year will be announced the previous spring by the Arizona Board of Regents.

Please note that a $3,000 program fee will be added to the cost of tuition each semester. There is no difference in the rate of the program fee for in state and out of state students.

The Genetic Counseling Graduate Program does not provide financial aid, however students may contact the Financial Aid office for assistance (https://financialaid.arizona.edu/graduate-students). The student is responsible for all expenses related to completion of the degree requirements.

The Graduate College has Graduate Access Fellowships (https://grad.arizona.edu/gaf/), to which interested students can apply.

Admissions Deadlines

The application period for the class commencing in the Fall of 2022 (class of 2024) will be open from Tuesday, September 7 to Friday, December 17, 2021. The application deadline is close of business on December 17, 2021.

International Conditional Admission

International applicants will not be considered for conditional admission by this program.

Other Information

The GRE Institution Code for The University of Arizona is 4832

English Requirements

PTEMin 60
IELTSMin 7
TOEFLMin 79

English Program Requirements

International applicants whose primary language is not English, or who attended school in a non-English speaking country, regardless of citizenship, must prove English proficiency. To determine whether you need to submit proof of English proficiency

Fee Information

Application Fee 85

How to Apply

International applicants to Arizona Online campus, Global Direct campus, or a Global Microcampus should choose the Distance Learner (DL) visa type in their Application Profile.
International applicants to the Main campus must currently hold a US visa that permits incidental study.
Please verify your visa eligibility with International Student Services before applying. The application fee is non-refundable and will not be refunded if your visa status is not eligible.
Applicants must meet all Graduate College minimum admission requirements, including English proficiency.
Applicants should be prepared to submit copies of their visa documents, additional transcripts, or degree documentation if requested.
University of Arizona regulations require that all international students on non-immigrant visas carry the University of Arizona student health insurance plan.