Application & Financial Information
Applications for enrollment in the Fall 2026 semester are due by Dec. 15, 2025.
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 in February, which allows committee members to learn more about their strengths and potential contributions to the learning environment.
Following interviews, applicants and programs submit rank order lists to the Genetic Counseling Admissions Match. Results are delivered via email in April.
All applicants must register with National Matching Services Inc (NMS) prior to completing their application to UB online. A non-refundable fee of $100 (US) is required to register for the GC Admissions Match.
The Genetic Counselor Educators Association has established a waiver for the $100 fee associated with the NMS Match. Prospective students who demonstrate financial need AND have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or greater can apply for a match fee waiver. Prospective students should apply for a fee waiver before registering for an NMS number. Match fee waivers cannot be awarded to applicants who have already registered for the Match and paid the registration fee.
Applications for the match fee waiver are due by Oct. 3, 2025. Applicants will be notified by Oct. 31, 2025 as to whether they have received a waiver. There are a limited number of waivers, so not all applicants will receive a waiver. Instructions for how to register for the NMS match will be provided to those who receive a waiver.
Once you register for the Match, you will receive a unique code number that must be entered in the 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 specific to genetic counseling
- Two short answer question responses
- 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 15.
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 of $85 (US).
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, has been proposed and is pending University/SUNY approval. The proposed amount is $6,730.95 per semester and should be used only for budgetary purposes.
Each member of the inaugural cohort of students will receive $3,000 in scholarship support!
The Genetic Counseling Graduate Program will also 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. 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.
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