Overview

We offer a 21 month (5 semester) program of graduate study leading to the Master of Science (M.S.) degree. The program is fully accredited by the Accreditation Council for Genetic Counseling (ACGC) for the training of master's level genetic counselors.

The Mission of the University of Colorado Graduate Program in Genetic Counseling is to train competent, compassionate and innovative graduates who will effectively integrate professional practice and human genomics to deliver quality, client-centered genetic counseling services, promote informed health policy, and engage in scholarship, advocacy and leadership activities throughout their careers.

The program’s curriculum and the instructional objectives of each component of the training reflect and support students’ development of the Practice-based Competencies (PBCs) identified by ACGC as necessary for current and evolving genetic counseling practice. Through their training, students will learn to effectively assist patients, health care providers and the public to understand and appropriately utilize genetic information and testing to promote individualized and informed health care choices and wellbeing.

The comprehensive curriculum combines in-depth didactic coursework in the scientific, clinical, psychosocial and professional practice aspects of genetic counseling with extensive, hands-on clinical experience in pediatric, prenatal, adult, oncology and specialty genetics clinics.

Clinical training is provided through:

• Children's Hospital Colorado
• University of Colorado Hospital in the Anschutz Centers for Advanced Medicine and University of Colorado Cancer Center
• Telehealth Genetics Clinics serving patients throughout Colorado
• And other area genetic counseling centers

All students participate in clinical case conferences, genetics seminars, journal club, and clinical research activities.

The program’s graduates are in very high demand and typically receive employment offers prior to graduation. They work throughout the U.S. and Canada, and in all areas of genetic counseling practice. Their performance on the American Board of Genetic Counseling (ABGC) board certification examination is excellent, with a first-time passing rate of 94.4% for the past 3 years (2022-2024) and 97.9% for the past 8 years (2017-2024). The program’s attrition rate during the same period is zero.

The Genetic Counseling Program at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Genetic Counseling, Inc., 7918 Jones Branch Drive, Ste. 300, McLean, VA 22102. Telephone: (703) 506 - 7667.​​

Genetic Counseling Admissions Match 

The MS Genetic Counseling Program participates in the Genetic Counseling Admissions Match through National Matching Services (NMS). The GC Admissions Match has been established to enhance the process of placing applicants into positions in masters-level genetic counseling programs that are accredited by the Accreditation Council for Genetic Counseling (ACGC). The Match uses a process that takes into account both applicants’ and programs’ preferences. All applicants must first register for the Match with NMS before applying for admission to the genetic counseling program and include their unique NMS registration number in the application. At the conclusion of all program interviews, both applicants and programs will submit ranked lists of preferred placements to NMS according to deadlines posted on the NMS website. The binding results of the Match will be released to both applicants and programs simultaneously in late April. Please visit the NMS website to register for the match, review detailed information about the matching process, and to view a demonstration of how the matching algorithm works. A match fee waiver program for qualifying prospective students is administered by the Association of Genetic Counseling Program Directors (AGCPD); qualifying individuals should apply for a fee waiver before registering for an NMS number and must do so by the deadline set by AGCPD for the next admissions cycle.

Admissions Requirements

1) Fulfillment of the academic requirements for regular admission to the Graduate School:

• A baccalaureate degree or its equivalent from a college or university of recognized standing in the biological sciences, psychology, social work, nursing or a related field.
• MINIMUM undergraduate grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.

2) Completion of the online application form and submission of supporting materials. Access the online application website at: https://graduateschool.cuanschutz.edu/admissions/apply

3) FOUR letters of recommendation are required. Recommendations should be requested from individuals who know the applicant in an academic or professional context and can directly attest to the applicant's academic performance, professional abilities, and potential for success as a graduate student and genetic counselor. Preferably, at least two of the recommendations should be from academic sources (course professors, major/academic advisor, research mentor, thesis advisor), while others should be from supervisors in volunteer/advocacy or professional contexts. Recommendations from family members and personal/family friends are strongly discouraged.

Please remind recommenders that providing specific narrative discussion about the candidate’s performance and qualifications is extremely helpful, in addition to the ratings requested on the recommendation form.

Please allow your recommenders adequate time to write and submit your recommendations. Recommendations submitted after our January 1 deadline will not be accepted. All recommendations are subject to verification of authenticity.

• The application site provides instructions for sending requests to your recommenders and for sending follow-up reminders to them, if needed, prior to the application deadline. This online system enables the recommender to complete a secure, online recommendation and submit it directly to the online system. Please plan ahead! If you wait until too close to the deadline to request your recommendations, your recommenders may not have adequate time to submit their materials prior to the deadline and your application cannot be reviewed. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that these materials have been submitted prior to the deadline.
• An official set of recommendation letters submitted directly from a school career center is acceptable.
• Recommendations that have been in the possession of the applicant cannot be accepted.

4) ONE official copy of each transcript must be sent directly from all colleges and universities attended (degree and non-degree), regardless of the number of courses taken. Electronic submission of official transcripts by the registrar’s office of each institution attended is preferred and should be emailed to Graduate.School@cuanschutz.edu. If the applicant has completed a study abroad program and the courses and final grades earned for them are reported on the main undergraduate transcript, then original transcripts from the host institution overseas do not need to be submitted. Transcripts marked “issued to student” will only be accepted if they are in their original sealed (unopened) envelopes as issued by the registrar. All transcripts are subject to verification of authenticity.

5) PREREQUISITE COURSES outlined below MUST be completed or in progress at the time of application to the program. Final grades received in fall term courses should be included in the application and an updated transcript sent as soon as final fall course grades are posted. If any courses will be taken during spring term, please submit a current transcript verifying enrollment in the course(s) or a proof of enrollment letter from the school’s registrar. Prerequisites cannot be waived, taken during the summer term immediately prior to starting the program, or taken concurrently during enrollment in the genetic counseling program. 

• General/Introductory Biology (a full year first-year level course sequence).
• General/Inorganic Chemistry (a full year first-year level course sequence).
• General Biochemistry (comprehensive upper-level course). This may either be fulfilled by completion of both semesters of a full year upper-level course sequence (e.g., Biochemistry I and Biochemistry II) or by completion of a comprehensive/accelerated one semester upper-level biochemistry course. Completion of just the first semester of a full year course sequence does not fulfill the prerequisite. Organic Chemistry is typically a prerequisite for upper-level Biochemistry courses. If the biochemistry course you are considering does not have an organic chemistry prerequisite, it likely is not taught at a high enough level to adequately prepare you for this program. A combined one semester Organic/Biochemistry course does not satisfy this prerequisite. 
• General Genetics (upper-level course including fundamentals of genetics of prokaryotes and eukaryotes, Mendelian principles, molecular genetics principles, gene expression, recombinant DNA technology, population & quantitative genetics, laboratory techniques). Completion of an accompanying genetics laboratory component is strongly recommended if not already integrated into the core genetics course. Please note that an upper division “Human Genetics” or “Molecular Genetics” course does not fulfill this prerequisite on its own, though such higher-level courses are encouraged as useful supplements to the prerequisite general genetics course to gain a strong genetics background as a basis for graduate studies in genetic counseling. 
• General/Introductory Psychology. Students seeking to enhance their preparation may find various upper division psychology and introductory counseling courses beneficial following completion of the prerequisite. 
• Also highly recommended: Introductory Statistics, Anatomy & Physiology, Molecular/Cellular Biology.

International students must meet ALL of the requirements above and those required by International Admissions. 

Degree Requirements

Take 47 Credits from the following:

Learning Objectives

The Genetic Counseling M.S. Program trains graduate students to become competent and effective health professionals. The Accreditation Council for Genetic Counseling (ACGC) accredits genetic counseling graduate programs in North America. ACGC defines the following Practice-Based Competencies (PBCs; ACGC, 2023) that an entry level genetic counselor must demonstrate:

The didactic and experiential components of a genetic counseling training curriculum must support the development of proficiency in the following 7 competences: 1) Genetics and Genomics Expertise, 2) Risk Assessment, 3) Counseling, 4) Communication, 5) Research, 6) Healthcare Systems, and 7) Professional Identity. These competencies and skills, as defined by the 25 sub-competencies listed below, describe the minimal skillset of a genetic counselor which should be applicable across practice settings.

1. Genetics and Genomics Expertise: Apply knowledge of genetics and genomics principles, genetic conditions, and testing technologies to the practice of genetic counseling.

1.a. Demonstrate knowledge of genetics and genomics principles and concepts.

1.b. Apply knowledge of genetic conditions to the delivery of genetics services.

1.c. Demonstrate knowledge of genetic testing methodologies and variant interpretation.

2. Risk Assessment: Evaluate personalized genetic risk.

2.a. Analyze family history to estimate genetic risk.

2.b. Calculate risk using probability methods and risk models.

2.c. Integrate clinical and laboratory data into risk assessment.

2.d. Order genetic tests guided by client-centered risk assessment.

3. Counseling: Promote integration of psychosocial needs and client-centered decision-making into genetic counseling interactions.

3.a. Use applicable counseling skills and theories.

3.b. Establish a working alliance with client.

3.c. Promote psychosocial adaptation.

3.d. Facilitate client’s decision-making process.

4. Communication:  Communicate genetics and genomics information to clients, colleagues, and other community partners.

4.a. Tailor communication to specific individuals and audiences.

4.b. Use a variety of approaches to communicate genetics and genomic information.

4.c. Convey probabilities based on client’s risk perception and numeracy.

5. Research: Synthesize the evidence base relevant to genetic counseling.

5.a. Critically interpret data and literature.

5.b. Apply data and literature considering its strengths, weaknesses, and limitations.

5.c. Demonstrate knowledge of how genetic counselors engage and contribute to the research process.

6. Healthcare Systems: Demonstrate how genetic counselors fit within the larger healthcare system.

6.a. Demonstrate how disparities, inequities, and systemic bias affect access to healthcare for diverse populations.

6.b. Describe the financial considerations in the delivery of genetic services.

6.c. Advocate for continuity of care.

6.d. Collaborate with members of the Care Team, clients, and other Community Partners.

7. Professional Identity: Embody the values of the genetic counseling profession.

7.a. Adhere to the genetic counselor scope of practice.

7.b. Follow applicable professional ethical codes.

7.c. Exhibit behaviors that promote an inclusive, just, equitable, and safe environment for all individuals and communities.

7.d. Engage in self-reflective practice to promote ongoing growth and development.

Courses

Policies

Admissions Match Process: The M.S. Genetic Counseling Program participates in the Genetic Counseling Admissions Match through National Matching Services (NMS). All student positions will be filled via the Match. All applicants must first register for the Match with NMS before applying to the genetic counseling program. At the conclusion of program interviews, all interviewed applicants and all programs will submit ranked lists of preferred placements to NMS according to deadlines posted on the NMS website. The binding results of the Match will be released to applicants and programs simultaneously. Please refer to the Admissions page for more details.

Graduate School Policies: Please visit the Graduate School to view policies for prospective and current graduate students.  

Contact Us

Carol Walton, MS, CGC
Program Director
Carol.Walton@cuanschutz.edu

Program Administrator, Genetic Counseling

genc-ms@cuanschutz.edu

Genetic Counseling Program website: cuanschutz.edu/graduate-programs/genetic-counseling/home