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Genetic Counseling

Genetic Counselor

Note: CSUSB does NOT have a M.S. in Genetic Counseling. Be sure to utilize these pages as how-to guides, checking out the list of institutions where you can pursue these pathways (at the bottom of each section).

A genetic counselor is a healthcare professional who specializes in genetics and counseling. Genetic counselors are healthcare professionals who have specialized education and training in the field of medical genetics.

Using family history and specific tests, genetic counselors assess clients' risk for a variety of inherited conditions for individuals and families. These include birth defects, syndromes, autoimmune diseases, abnormalities, specific dispositions, and many conditions. They review genetic test results with individuals and families and support them in making decisions based on those results.

Genetic counseling can be a stressful but rewarding career path. Being able to help patients become aware of their own familial genetic dispositions can help guide the patient's future choices and initiate personal genetic awareness.

What Degree do Genetic Counselors Need?

Degree Required for Genetic Counseling
  • Master in Genetic Counseling
    • Some Master's programs require a Bachelor's degree in a science-related field, such as biology or chemistry
    • Many genetic counselors choose to major in biology, social sciences, or a related field (but these majors are not necessarily required for entry into a genetic counseling program)
  • Time
    • Full-time, two years

Genetic Counselor Prerequisites

NOTE: Specific prerequisite courses can vary by school--always double-check the website of each nursing school you are applying to for specific requirements. Please review the CSUSB Catalog as a guide to completing the CSUSB prerequisites.

Common Prerequisite Courses
PrerequisitesCSUSB Courses

Biology:

One year or two semesters of General Biology with lab 

One year or two semesters of Anatomy and Physiology with lab

One semester of Genetics with lab

 

BIOL 2010 and BIOL 2020

BIOL 2230 and BIOL 2240

BIOL 3300

Chemistry:

One year or two semesters of General Chemistry with lab

One year or two semesters of Organic Chemistry with lab 

 

CHEM 2100 and CHEM 2200

CHEM 3400 and CHEM 3500 

Math:

One semester of Statistics

 

MATH 1201

Behavioral Sciences:

A course covering either Psychology, Sociology, Cultural Anthropology, or Philosophy

 

Check the CSUSB course catalog for current course listings

Recommended Coursework

Biological Sciences

Though not necessarily required by some programs, taking these biological courses would be a good idea. These courses can help make students more prepared for their program, offering them more knowledge in their specific field.

  • Molecular Biology: One semester with lab (BIOL 3120)
  • Microbiology: One semester with lab (BIOL 3200)
  • Cell Biology: One semester (BIOL 3100)
  • Biochemistry: One semester with lab (CHEM 4100)
Programs in California

Provided below are examples of Genetic Counseling Master's Programs. These links will provide a direction to each college's respective page, along with program information, prerequisites, mission/vision, application details, and other requirements necessary.

For more programs in Northern America, please visit this site by the Accreditation Council for Genetic Counseling (ACGC).

Additional Information
Test/Exams NeededTo become certified as a genetic counselor, you must complete an accredited master’s program in genetic counseling. After completing the program, students must take and pass a certification exam in order to become a certified genetic counselor.

 

 

 

Specializations

  • Prenatal
  • Pediatric
  • Oncology
  • Neurology
  • Ophthalmology
  • Psychiatry