Genetic Counseling

The University of Cincinnati offers a comprehensive Genetic Counseling program designed to prepare students for a rewarding career in helping individuals and families navigate genetic health information. This program combines rigorous academic coursework with practical clinical experiences to ensure graduates are well-equipped with the knowledge, skills, and professional attitudes necessary for success in the rapidly evolving field of genetics. Students in the program will explore the fundamental principles of human genetics, inheritance patterns, and genomic technologies, gaining a deep understanding of genetic disorders and their management. The curriculum emphasizes both scientific understanding and communication skills, enabling students to effectively interpret complex genetic data and convey it in an understandable and empathetic manner to patients, families, and healthcare teams. The program also covers ethical, legal, and social implications of genetic testing and counseling, preparing students to address the diverse needs of the populations they will serve. Clinical training is integrated throughout the program, providing hands-on experience in various settings, including hospitals, clinics, and community health organizations. The goal is to produce competent genetic counselors who are able to assess individual risk, interpret genetic test results, and develop personalized management plans. Graduates of this program are well-positioned to work in hospitals, research institutions, public health organizations, and other healthcare settings, contributing to the advancement of personalized medicine. With a faculty comprised of experienced professionals in genetics, counseling, and healthcare, students will receive mentorship and guidance to develop their professional identity and leadership skills in the field. The University of Cincinnati’s Genetic Counseling program is committed to fostering diversity, inclusion, and excellence, ensuring that its graduates are prepared to serve diverse populations with sensitivity and integrity.

1st year

• Intro to Genetic Counseling & Prenatal Genomics
• Fundamentals of Molecular Genetics 
• Human Genetics 
• Clinical Embryology – live course 
• Introduction to Epidemiology
• Emerging Topics in Clinical Genomics - 1 
• Clinical Practicum I 
• Introduction to Cancer Genomics 
• Introduction to Psychosocial Genetic Counseling
• Clinical Teratology – live course 
• Research Design
• Emerging Topics in Clinical Genomics -2
• Statistics and Experimental Design for the Biomedical 
• Sciences 
• Clinical Practicum II 
• Clinical Practicum Summer Internship 

2nd year

• Advanced Genetic Counseling Issues I 
• Emerging Topics in Clinical Genomics
• Clinical Practicum III
• Master's Thesis Research 
• Advanced Genetic Counseling Issues II
• Emerging Topics in Clinical Genomics - ethics
• Clinical Practicum IV
• Interdisciplinary Studies in Developmental Disabilities 
• Master's Thesis Research

Online Classes

• Cardiovascular Genetics 
• Laboratory Genetic Counseling

Clinical Rotations

As a genetic counseling student, you will get immediate hands-on experience in clinical rotations. From the first semester to the last, students work with clients, first as observers, and quickly as the primary counselors. You will interact with patients in a wide variety of settings, including prenatal, pediatric and adult genetics.

As a genetic counseling student, you will learn about the characteristics and treatment of individuals and families with genetic disorders, such as spina bifida, Down syndrome, sickle cell anemia, hereditary cancers, Huntington Disease and many others.

You will experience 12 clinical rotations chosen from numerous options available at Cincinnati Children's and hospitals in Greater Cincinnati, Dayton, Columbus, Lexington and Louisville. Each rotation will expose you to different patients, counselors and work settings. This exposure will help you develop your own counseling style, prepare you to adapt quickly to the job you choose, and allow you to explore the areas of genetic counseling that you are most interested in. By the time you graduate, you will have been the primary genetic counselor for at least 50 but often for 100 or more cases.

At the University of Cincinnati, you will begin clinical rotations at the start of the program. This early clinical exposure allows you to begin your summer internship with extensive real-world experience.

Research

You will be required to conduct a rigorous master's thesis research project. To accomplish this, you will work closely with a professor or mentor. You will collect references, conduct research, write the manuscript and present your findings to the human genetics clinicians and UC faculty. You'll be encouraged to delve deep into your topic and to publish your results.

Students have had their theses published in the Journal of Genetic Counseling, Genetics in Medicine, the American Journal of Medical Genetics, Preventing Chronic Disease, Clinical Pediatrics, the Journal Allied Health, the Journal of Adolescent Health, and the Journal of Cancer Education, to name a few.

UC provides the perfect environment for faculty and students to create innovative scholarship and groundbreaking research, because it is in the top 2% of the nation's universities for funding and number one in Ohio for research on a per-student basis.

• GRE 
• Essay/personal statement about your research and career goals, and why you have chosen the particular program. 
• Curriculum Vitae, including educational, research and/or employment experiences
• Letters of Recommendation from people qualified to assess your ability to succeed in graduate school and your commitment to research. You will be asked to provide contact details of your personal references on the online application site. Your referees will be contacted individually and asked to provide their letters of reference electronically by uploading them directly to the site.
• Official Transcripts from every undergraduate institution attended 
• Overseas students whose native language is not English are required to submit TOEFL exam scores. While the University of Cincinnati Graduate School sets minimum requirements for TOEFL test scores as a condition of admission, please note that the College of Medicine minimum score is 100 (Internet-based), 250 (Computer-based) and 600-603 (Paper-based); 7 (IELTS) and 68 (PEARSON)..

Scholarships

• Graduate Assistantships
• Graduate Incentive Award

The University of Cincinnati offers a Master of Science in Genetic Counseling designed to prepare students for a dynamic career in the healthcare field, focusing on the identification, understanding, and prevention of genetic disorders. This program combines rigorous coursework, practical laboratory experiences, and clinical internships to equip graduates with the knowledge and skills necessary for effective patient counseling, risk assessment, and the ethical considerations inherent in genetics. The curriculum covers a broad range of topics, including human genetics, genomic technologies, bioinformatics, reproductive genetics, pediatric genetics, cancer genetics, and counseling techniques. Students also learn about the societal, ethical, and legal issues related to genetic testing and personalized medicine.

The program emphasizes experiential learning through partnerships with hospitals, clinics, and research institutions in the Cincinnati area and beyond. This allows students to gain hands-on experience in real-world clinical settings under the supervision of experienced genetic counselors and healthcare professionals. The faculty comprises experts in genetics, counseling, molecular biology, and psychology, providing a multidisciplinary approach to education and mentorship. The program requires full-time enrollment, typically completed in two years, and culminates in a professional internship and a comprehensive thesis project or case study portfolio.

Graduates of the program are well-prepared to sit for certification examinations offered by the American Board of Genetic Counseling (ABGC) and to pursue careers in various settings, including hospitals, specialty clinics, research institutions, and public health organizations. The program also encourages students to engage in research activities and community outreach programs aimed at increasing awareness and understanding of genetic conditions. With a strong network of alumni and industry connections, the University of Cincinnati’s Genetic Counseling program supports students' career development and ongoing professional growth in the evolving field of medical genetics.