The overall instructional approach to the genetic counseling program is to provide students with a knowledge base, through didactic coursework, in the following general content areas:
- Psychosocial counseling theories and techniques
- Human and medical genetics
- Clinical genomics
- Evidence-based practice
- Research methods
During the program, students:
- Study with a faculty comprised of scientists and clinicians from the region’s top medical and research centers
- Develop core genetic counseling skills through a combination of coursework and experiential learning
- Conduct fieldwork with a diverse group of populations, conditions, and clinical settings
- Have access to a concentrated population of certified genetic counselors, most of whom serve as clinical supervisors
- Engage in regular discussions about emerging topics, breaking news, and debates in the field of genetics/genomics
- Obtain first-hand experiences outside of the medical setting with individuals that have genetic conditions and disabilities
- Carry out a research project in collaboration with the region’s top scientists and researchers
- Fulfill the fieldwork caseload required by the Accreditation Council for Genetic Counseling. Upon graduation, students are eligible to apply to take the American Board of Genetic Counseling Certification Examination.
Degree Requirements
A total of 70 course credits are required to receive an M.S. in Human Genetics.
- 40 academic graduate course credits
- 18 credits of fieldwork training
- 12 credits toward a thesis project
- Required non-credit supplemental activities
The program can be completed on a full-time basis in 21 months. The attrition rate for the past three years is only 1%, meaning our students are highly successful in completing these degree requirements.
CGC Credential
The Certified Genetic Counselor (CGC) credential is granted to individuals who pass the American Board of Genetic Counseling (ABGC) Certification Examination. The primary qualification to sit for the examination is a master’s degree in genetic counseling from a program accredited by the Accreditation Council for Genetic Counseling (ACGC). Among the most recent three graduating classes, 97% have passed the certification exam, with 78% passing on their first attempt.
Job Placement Rates for Graduates
Genetic counselors remain in high demand in today’s healthcare job market. Nearly all graduates of our program are employed as genetic counselors, with approximately 80% of each cohort securing a position within six months of graduation. They work in a variety of specialties and settings across North America, and occasionally overseas.
Accreditation Status
The Joan H. Marks Graduate Program in Human Genetics at Sarah Lawrence College is fully accredited by the Accreditation Council for Genetic Counseling (ACGC), located at 1660 International Drive, Suite 600, McLean, VA 22102, USA. ACGC can be reached by phone at 703.506.7667, or by email at info@gceducation.org.
