Academic Requirements & Curriculum

Students will survey a comprehensive overview of the principles inherent to the genetic counseling process and practice, learning a combination of foundational theories and practical clinical skills. This course will provide foundations in the history and philosophy of genetic counseling and various relevant counseling theories (e.g. reciprocal engagement), as well as an introduction to practical interviewing techniques and relationship-building skills with GC clients. Pedagogies for communicating information and assessing client understanding will be integrated in the class. There will be significant opportunities to develop practical skills in building relationships with clients. Approaches from Genetic Counseling, Social Work and Education will be integrated throughout.

Students will develop an understanding of the human applications and implications of genetics and genomics for health. This course covers topics and principles relevant to the practice of medical genetics. These include scientific and biomedical principles of human genetics; etiology of representative genetic/genomic disorders (cytogenetic, biochemical, molecular, multifactorial); genetic risk assessment, screening and testing; and epigenetic factors. This course fosters awareness of the breadth of genetics and genomics knowledge needed to evaluate patients and families at risk for genetic disorders. Relevant scientific and clinical practice resources are also addressed.

This course covers topics in descriptive statistics, probability, inference, and experimental design, all of which are put together to draw conclusions from uncertainty through analysis of experimental data. Although a general statistical methods course, the material (through examples) is geared towards sciences majors, especially those in the health sciences. This course looks into the underlying reasoning behind the techniques rather than just pure application.

Students will develop an awareness of and appreciation for the variety of issues surrounding genomics in the clinic. This is part of a series of courses that progresses over four semesters. Each semester is differentiated by distinct goals. Through interactive journal clubs, hands-on learning in lab settings, visiting lecturers, and case studies, Emerging Topics I-IV will reinforce students’ understanding of collaboration across disciplines, systems and stakeholders. Students progressing through the Emerging Topics I-IV trajectory will study controversial and emerging issues involving integration of genetics/genomics testing, services and technologies into mainstream healthcare.

This first semester focuses on journal club discussions based on primary genetic/genomic research and its potential application to healthcare from a variety of disciplines. Perspectives from Genetic Counseling, Public Health, Law, Social Work, Education, Pharmacy, Nursing, the Humanities and Social Sciences and Medicine will be integrated.

This course is open to students outside the MS Genetic Counseling program, with approval by the primary course instructor.

Students in Healthcare Counseling & Ethics in Multicultural Settings I-IV will explore the ethical, legal, and social implications (ELSI) of healthcare work, focusing especially on genetics and genomics, in multiple societal contexts. Perspectives from various disciplines and stakeholders in the healthcare system will be represented, including social work, medicine, nursing, public health, pharmacy, education and law.

This course series will provide space for drawing connections between hypothetical case studies and real-world examples. Through exercises that connect experiential learning in counseling settings with in-class discussions and critical reflection models, students will develop and engage contemplative skill sets that encourage them to become lifelong learners and leaders of ELSI modes of thought in healthcare. There will be significant emphasis throughout the progression of courses on reflection and practical incorporation of ethical, legal and social principles into clinical practice. Similar issues or concerns will be approached from different disciplinary perspectives. As such, this course series is relevant to all practitioners who are involved in, and/or are responsible for, healthcare assessment, decision-making, counseling and provision of quality, ethical services.

This first semester of the progression will provide a foundation in ethical principles and covers the history and principles behind ethical, legal, social and healthcare policy issues relevant to genetics/genomics in healthcare. An exploration of ethical perspectives from two different disciplinary perspectives will take place over the course of the semester.

Students will gain advancing levels of knowledge and skills related to the practice-based competencies for genetic counselors by translating concepts from coursework to clinical practice. The first year of fieldwork involves practicing basic communication, counseling, and history-taking skills through role plays with classmates and standardized patients (SPs). Clinical encounters with SPs will be logged as participatory cases. Knowledge of genetics and genomics concepts and tests increases through case preparation. Through four clinical observations and a community outreach/advocacy experience, students will begin to appreciate the role of genetic counselors in the local healthcare system.

This course will focus on integrating the theories and the practical applications of skills from Genetic Counseling I. Students in this course will deepen their understanding of the principles inherent to the genetic counseling process and foster development of clinical practice skills. Students will focus on GC-specific issues, including the expanding roles of genetic counselors in healthcare and effective integration of technology into practice. There will be a strong emphasis on more advanced counseling skills. Approaches from Genetic Counseling, Social Work and Education will be integrated throughout.

Students in this course will deepen their awareness and understanding of the breadth and complexity of genetics and genomics. This knowledge base is essential for developing clinical skills to evaluate and counsel patients and their families about: 1) genetic influences on health and disease, 2) benefits & limitations of testing, and 3) potential therapy choices and medical management. Relevant healthcare delivery models, and scientific and clinical practice resources, are also addressed.

This course is an introduction of the field of genetic epidemiology, which is focused on the study of the genetic etiology of phenotypic variation in humans. Topics include human genetics, heritability, linkage disequilibrium and genome-wide studies. The course covers the utility of family- and population-based studies. Current concepts in the genetics of complex traits such as Mendelian randomization, interaction of genes and environmental factors, pharmacogenetics, and next generation sequencing are included. Students will participate in weekly critical review of literature will enhance the ability to interpret population-based genetic studies.   

This course introduces bioinformatics concepts and practice, with an emphasis on human genomic data related to clinical practice in genetic counseling. Topics include the use of various biological databases and portals; sequencing methodologies; obtaining and handling of DNA and protein sequence data; DNA sequence assembly, annotation, alignment, and analysis; protein alignment and structure prediction; molecular phylogenetics; and genomic analysis. Students will learn to use web-based applications and open-source software to gain practical experience with bioinformatics tools. Students will acquire basic, hands-on skills in the collection, analysis, and presentation of bioinformatics data, particularly genomic data.

Students will develop an awareness of and appreciation for the variety of issues surrounding genomics in the clinic. This is part of a series of courses that progresses over four semesters. Each semester is differentiated by distinct goals:

The second semester focuses on lab techniques for genetic/genomic research and clinical testing. Students will be exposed to academic, clinical and industry labs, as well as next-generation sequencing core facilities. Students in Emerging Topics in Clinical Genomics II will develop an awareness of the ways in which genomic information is generated and interpreted for research and clinical purposes and will be exposed to the translation of results from the bench to the bedside. Practical, hands-on learning will be emphasized.

Students in Healthcare Counseling & Ethics in Multicultural Settings I-IV will explore the ethical, legal, and social implications (ELSI) of healthcare work, focusing especially on genetics and genomics, in multiple societal contexts. Perspectives from various disciplines and stakeholders in the healthcare system will be represented, including social work, medicine, nursing, public health, pharmacy, education and law.

This second semester builds on the foundation of ELSI principles established in GCP551.  Integration of the ethics of genetic counseling with other perspectives and experiential learning will be emphasized. Different needs, backgrounds, perspectives and priorities will be highlighted.

Students in this course will identify an area of interest for their research project/thesis. This course will provide mentoring, support, and supervision for students to build research skills. They will understand: 1) processes, 2) ethical and practical considerations to formulate hypotheses, 3) identify, evaluate, initiate and pursue an appropriate methodology, 4) collect and analyze their data, and 4) write and present their research, including results, interpretations, limitations, lessons learned, and next steps. Students will identify a research committee and chair (including a board-certified genetic counselor) -- for mentoring and supervision.

Students will gain advancing levels of knowledge and skills related to the practice-based competencies for genetic counselors by translating concepts from coursework to clinical practice. The first year of fieldwork involves practicing basic communication, counseling, and history-taking skills through role plays with classmates and standardized patients (SPs). Clinical encounters with SPs will be logged as participatory cases. Knowledge of genetics and genomics concepts and tests increases through case preparation. Through four clinical observations and a community outreach/advocacy experience, students will begin to appreciate the role of genetic counselors in the local healthcare system.

This is a thesis project under the mentorship and supervision of faculty in Genetic Counseling. The course progression is expected to conclude in a written thesis, fulfilling formal requirements for a Master of Science in Genetic Counseling. Activities to be performed in this project/course are subject to agreement between student and thesis committee, including (but not limited to) laboratory research, computational or other theoretical work, literature review, or other scientific research related to the fields of study in the department.

Students will gain advancing levels of knowledge and skills related to the practice-based competencies for genetic counselors by translating concepts from coursework to clinical practice. In the summer, students will complete a six-week intensive fieldwork placement (~five days per week) supervised by a board-certified genetic counselor with experience. While the supervisor is responsible for the client encounters, students are expected to participate to some extent in all aspects of genetic counseling case management by the end of the placement.

This course is structured to address intellectual and qualitative elements necessary to advance professional understanding and skills. Students will develop and foster their perspectives and identities as genetic counselors through continuing to build personal awareness, professional strengths, collaboration and communication skills, leadership abilities, and career goals.

Students will also explore and build their own professional educational tools and materials. This semester will focus on effective communication with a variety of audiences.

This course covers advanced topics across multiple specialties of medical genetics, including prenatal, pediatric, cancer, and other adult (cardiology, neurology, etc.). Students will expand their knowledge of differential diagnoses, genetic testing methodologies, treatment of genetic disease, and medical management options for a broad range of conditions and syndromes. Knowledge will be synthesized through the development and delivery of genetic disease presentations that cover disease etiology, pathophysiology, phenotype/natural history, management, and inheritance.

Students will develop an awareness of and appreciation for the variety of issues surrounding genomics in the clinic. This is part of a series of courses that progresses over four semesters. Each semester is differentiated by distinct goals:

The third semester focuses on social and technological issues in genetic/genomic research and clinical genetic/genomic testing from a variety of disciplines, including Genetic Counseling, Nursing, Medicine, Law, Social Work, Education, Public Health, Pharmacy, Humanities and Social Sciences. Students in Emerging Topics in Clinical Genomics III will deepen their knowledge and appreciation of genomic approaches to healthcare – its strengths and its limitations, including issues related to social, racial, cultural and economic disparities, and barriers to access and representation.

Students in Healthcare Counseling & Ethics in Multicultural Settings I-IV will explore the ethical, legal, and social implications (ELSI) of healthcare work, focusing especially on genetics and genomics, in multiple societal contexts. Perspectives from various disciplines and stakeholders in the healthcare system will be represented, including social work, medicine, nursing, public health, pharmacy, education and law.

This third semester integrates the ethics of genetic/genomic counseling with two additional perspectives from healthcare, clinical experiences and case studies.

This is a thesis project under the mentorship and supervision of faculty in Genetic Counseling. The course progression is expected to conclude in a written thesis, fulfilling formal requirements for a Master of Science in Genetic Counseling. Activities to be performed in this project/course are subject to agreement between student and thesis committee, including (but not limited to) laboratory research, computational or other theoretical work, literature review, or other scientific research related to the fields of study in the department.

Students will gain advancing levels of knowledge and skills related to the practice-based competencies for genetic counselors by translating concepts from coursework to clinical practice. In the second year, students will complete two additional participatory fieldwork placements (~two days per week). Students should take on additional responsibilities in client encounters with an increasing breadth of experience.

This course is structured to address intellectual and qualitative elements necessary to advance professional understanding and skills. Students will develop and foster their perspectives and identities as genetic counselors through continuing to build personal awareness, professional strengths, collaboration and communication skills, leadership abilities, and career goals.

Students will explore and build their own professional educational tools and materials. This semester will focus on network development, leadership skills, stress management and career development, including genetic counseling research.

Students will develop an awareness of and appreciation for the variety of issues surrounding genomics in the clinic. This is part of a series of courses that progresses over four semesters. Each semester is differentiated by distinct goals:

The fourth and final semester focuses on policy issues in genetic/genomic research and clinical genetic/genomic testing from a variety of disciplines, including Genetic Counseling, Nursing, Medicine, Law, Social Work, Public Health, Pharmacy. Students in Emerging Topics in Clinical Genomics IV will deepen their knowledge and appreciation of genomic approaches to healthcare – its strengths and its limitations, including issues related to social, racial, cultural and economic disparities to access and representation – and consider how public policy has the potential to ameliorate or exacerbate disparities.  

Students in Healthcare Counseling & Ethics in Multicultural Settings I-IV will explore the ethical, legal, and social implications (ELSI) of healthcare work, focusing especially on genetics and genomics, in multiple societal contexts. Perspectives from various disciplines and stakeholders in the healthcare system will be represented, including social work, medicine, nursing, public health, pharmacy, education and law.

This fourth and final semester integrates the ethics of genetic/genomic counseling with additional perspectives in healthcare, clinical experiences and case studies.

This is a thesis project under the mentorship and supervision of faculty in Genetic Counseling. The course progression is expected to conclude in a written thesis, fulfilling formal requirements for a Master of Science in Genetic Counseling. Activities to be performed in this project/course are subject to agreement between student and thesis committee, including (but not limited to) laboratory research, computational or other theoretical work, literature review, or other scientific research related to the fields of study in the department.

Students will gain advancing levels of knowledge and skills related to the practice-based competencies for genetic counselors by translating concepts from coursework to clinical practice. In the second year, students will complete two additional participatory fieldwork placements (~two days per week). Students should take on additional responsibilities in client encounters with an increasing breadth of experience.