Genetic Counseling Program, Master of Science

Welcome to the Genetic Counseling Program at VCU Medical Center. As a fully accredited program begun in 1990 we have more than 60 graduates working successfully in a wide variety of roles across the U.S. Surveys of our graduates’ employers show a high level of satisfaction with our graduates knowledge and practice-based skills in genetics. Two endowed funds, the Lang Kucera Fund and the Lorna Phelps Fund for Excellence in Genetic Counseling and Education are dedicated to supporting the genetic counseling training program and genetic counseling trainees.

Applicants to the Genetic Counseling Program are required to have one year each of biology, chemistry and behavioral science, and one semester each of genetics, biochemistry and statistics. Experiences that focus on interpersonal dynamics are encouraged but not required.

The master’s degree program in genetic counseling requires four full-time semesters of study and summer clinical work for students entering with a B.S. or B.A. degree. Work-study positions may be available to help students finance their education. Other funding opportunities may be available, including supported leadership training in neurodevelopmental disabilities.

Students working toward the M.S. degree have an integrated and progressively complex classroom and supervised clinical experience designed to support development of the genetic counseling practice-based skills set forth by the American Board of Genetic Counseling. Balancing of the student and professional roles is a lifelong process in the changing field of human genetics and genetic counseling. Students will be contributing members of the clinical genetics team of counselors, physicians, basic scientists and support staff.