Application & Financial Information

Applications are now closed

Applications for the Master of Science in Genetic Counseling are not open at this time. Please check back in Summer 2025 or email program staff for an update.

The Genetic Counseling Graduate Program is currently a Candidate for accreditation by the Accreditation Council for Genetic Counseling (ACGC) and will submit a New Program Application in January 2025.

Programs must be accredited for their graduates to sit for the certification examination offered by the American Board of Genetic Counseling. ACGC accredited programs also satisfy the educational eligibility requirements for the Canadian Association of Genetic Counsellors (CAGC) board examination.

GC Admissions Match Registration

All applicants must register with National Matching Services Inc (NMS) prior to applying to UB online. A non-refundable fee of $100 (US) is required to register for the GC Admissions Match. A limited number of fee waivers from the Genetic Counselor Educators Association are available by application on the Match website.

Once you register for the Match, you will receive a unique Code Number that must be entered in the UB Graduate Application. The fee for this application is $85 (US).

Your application is reviewed by a committee using a holistic approach that considers your unique life experiences, not just academic achievements. Strong applicants are invited to interview virtually, which allows committee members to learn more about their strengths, opportunities for improvement, and potential contributions to the learning environment.

Following interviews, applicants and programs submit rank order lists to NMS. Match results are delivered via email in April of each year.

UB Graduate Application

Requirements

The following are required for application consideration:

  • A bachelor's degree from an accredited/government recognized college or university, expected to be conferred prior to enrollment
  • A GPA of 3.0 or higher from your bachelor's degree courses
    • Grade point averages from non-U.S. universities will be evaluated by UB's Office of International Admissions.
  • Transcript(s) from every institution you have previously attended, showing prerequisite courses in biology (at least two), biochemistry, genetics, psychology, and probability/statistics
    • Most prerequisites should be completed prior to applying. If you are currently enrolled in or plan to take a prerequisite course in the future, this must be noted on the application. You will need to successfully complete all prerequisites prior to enrollment. If you have questions about the courses you have taken or plan to take, please email the program director prior to applying.
  • A resume/CV demonstrating exposure to the genetic counseling profession and experience working with individuals under stress or in crisis, preferably in the health care or advocacy setting
  • A personal statement
  • Three letters of recommendation

Please note that GRE test scores are NOT required and will not be reviewed if sent.

English Proficiency Requirement

International applicants must present a valid English Language Proficiency test score. It is university policy that test dates be no older than two years when students enter a program. We recommend uploading scanned copies of your results at the time of application in order to expedite the review process.

  • Institution code: R2925 (SUNY-University at Buffalo)

How to Apply

You can apply online. You'll need to submit scanned copies of all required supporting documents before your application will be reviewed. You may save and edit your application as you go. 

Official documents will be required if you are offered admission. 

Once your application is ready, you must formally submit it to upload your documents. 

Deadline

Applications are considered for fall semester entry only. Your application must be submitted and supporting documentation received by December 15th.

Fees

Once you submit your application online for formal review, you will be provided with a link to our online payment system, where you can pay the application fee.

Financial Information

Tuition and fees by semester for resident and non-resident graduate students can be found on the Student Accounts page. An additional university fee, tied to GCP 701 Clinical Rotations in Genetic Counseling, will be charged in all five semesters for MS Genetic Counseling students.

The Genetic Counseling Graduate Program will reimburse each student for the cost of their NSGC membership, NSGC conference registration, and ABGC practice exam in the second year of study.

Domestic master’s students are not eligible for institutional stipends or scholarships. However, federal grants and loans are available by filing the FAFSA application.

International master’s applicants are not eligible for financial aid. They must document their ability to pay for all costs while staying in the US. Please visit International Student Services for more information.