Master of Science Degree in Genetic Counseling
[National Society of Genetic
Counselors] [Contact Information] [Important Dates]
[What
makes UT GCP special?]
Overview
The M.S. degree with specialization in Genetic Counseling is designed for individuals who seek an M.S. degree and want to be educated in human genetics and genetic counseling skills. The program's objective is to provide clinical and research training in clinical genetics and to train students to pursue a professional career in a clinical setting. The program curriculum provides comprehensive training in cytogenetics, classical and molecular genetics, psychosocial issues associated with clinical genetics practice, skills to comprehend the research aspects of genetics and clinical experience in a variety of genetics clinics. Program requirements include core and elective courses, clinical rotations and a research thesis.
The Genetic Counseling Program at The University of Texas-Houston strives to train individuals who can interface between patients, clinicians, and molecular geneticists. Additionally, qualities and skills which would enable a person to be an effective genetic counselor in both a traditional and non-traditional setting are emphasized.
The University of Texas-Houston offers a challenging and unique program in genetic counseling which is administered through the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences in association with the Division of Medical Genetics in the Department of Pediatrics at the UT Medical School at Houston. The selection process involves submission of an application and an interview at the UT-Houston Medical School. Between 20 and 25 people are selected for an interview from a pool of approximately 80 applicants. Interviews are held in early Spring and final notification of admission to the program is near the beginning of May, in coordination with all of the genetic counseling programs in the United States.
Genetic counseling is an exciting career choice. Genetic counselors work with families to help them understand and cope with the complex medical options and decisions which they now face. In order to determine if genetic counseling is an appropriate career move for you, it is best to take prerequisite courses and volunteer in a setting which allows you to gain experience helping other people and becoming acquainted with the medical community.
- Application deadline for 2008 academic year: January 15 , 2008
- Interview dates for 2008: April 2, April 4, April 11, 2008
- Acceptance: May 2, 2008
- Graduation for class of 2008: May 3, 2008
Contact Information
For more information about The University of Texas Genetic Counseling Program at Houston, please feel free to contact one of the Program Directors:
Claire Singletary, MS, CGC
Program Director
713-500-5763
Claire.N.Singletary@uth.tmc.edu
Sarah Jane Noblin, MS, CGC
Assistant Director
713-566-5938
Sarah.J.Noblin@uth.tmc.edu
- Students. They come from all over the U.S. and
have many different experiences. They have worked in labs and volunteered
their time in varied experiences that contribute to their becoming successful
genetic counselors. Read what recent alumni have to say about UT GCP.
- Surroundings. The Texas Medical Center is the
largest medical center in U.S. and provides unique training experiences.
Training sites for the Genetic Counseling Program include The University
of Texas Medical School, The University of Texas Graduate School of
Biomedical Sciences, The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center,
Shriners Hospital for Children, and Baylor College of Medicine, numerous
outreach clinics located in industry, private clinics and public health
settings. TMC hosts numerous scholarly events and is the workplace of
many renowned genetics professionals
- Staff. All of the healthcare personnel working
with the Program do so because they love genetics and teaching. We all
put our hearts into the Program, and it shows!
- Supervision. Students begin seeing patients in
January of their first year, working with the guidance of experienced
supervisors (Medical Geneticists and Genetic Counselors) and senior
Genetic Counseling students. Rotation experiences are varied, student
autonomy is fostered, and successful clinical experiences are achieved.
- Support. From the Program Directors to your fellow
students, we have developed an extensive network of support, guidance
and camaraderie for each student. This goal is achieved through mentoring
and advising programs, social functions, and one-on-one meetings with
Program Directors.
- Scholastic. Courses are challenging, and the thesis
research is akin to research performed by seasoned genetic counselors.
Our goal is to provide a world-class education preparing you for success
in your profession and on the national board examinations.
- Scholarships. Scholarships are available to all
students on a competitive basis. Qualifying out-of-state students will
receive in-state tuition that helps offset educational costs. In-state
tuition and fees are approximately $2,500 per year.
- Psychosocial. (Doesn't start with an s but sounds like it does.) Practicing genetic counselors and experienced professionals will lead you through didactic coursework and practice-based seminars to hone your counseling skills. Our goal is to enable you to become competent, empathetic providers of short-term psychosocial counseling.
