Pre-Genetic Counseling
Genetic Counseling is an emerging field, and programs differ in their prerequisites. It is important for students to determine the specific requirements for each program they wish to apply to, in consultation with a pre-health advisor. Typical prerequisites include:
- BIO103/BIO104 General Biology I & II
- BIO312 Genetics
- CHE110/CHE111 General Chemistry I & II
- CHE210/CHE211 Organic Chemistry I & II
- CHE421 Biochemistry
- MAT115 or MAT120 Biostatistics or Statistics
- PSY100 Psychology
Other recommended and/or required courses:
Other Requirements:
The GRE is required for most schools that offer master’s degrees in genetic counseling. Experience in counseling (peer, crisis hotlines, Planned Parenthood, etc.) is expected.
Grades:
Most schools require at least a 3.0 GPA to be considered.
Pre-Genetic Counseling Pathway Sample Four Year Plan
Fall 1
WRT101 Composition I (FY)
MAT115 Biostatistics OR MAT120 Statistics (QR)
BIO103 General Biology I (SI)
CHE110 General Chemistry I (SI)
Spring 1
Writing Intensive (WI)
COM162 Public Speaking (OC)
BIO104 General Biology II
CHE111 General Chemistry II
Fall 2
PSY100 Intro to Psychology
Foreign Language I (IC)
CHE210 Organic Chemistry I
Major Course (IL)
Gen Ed (HW)
Spring 2
Gen Ed Critical Thinking (CT)
Foreign Language II (IC)
CHE211 Organic Chemistry II
Major Course
Gen Ed Creative Process (CP)
Fall 3
Major Course
Major Course
BIO312 Genetics
Psychology Elective
Spring 3
Major Course
Major Course
BIO300 Cell Biology
Psychology Elective
Fall 4
Major Course
Major Course
Major Course
Major Course (W3 & CGE)
Spring 4
Gen Ed: Repeat Competency 3
Major OR Free Elective
Major OR Free Elective
Major OR Free Elective
Taking multiple lab sciences in a semester can be very challenging. You may wish to reduce your course load and take some courses in the summer. Speak with your advisor about this possibility.