Genetic Counseling Program

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Instructions for Applicants to the MS Genetic Counseling Program


In addition to the general application materials (application, fee, transcripts, three letters of reference, GRE scores) applicants to the MS Genetic Counseling Program must submit a resume and personal essay. 

Resume Instructions

Your resume should include the following information:

Academic

  • List all undergraduate/graduate studies including institution, dates attended, year of graduation, degree earned, major, and GPA
  • Required prerequisite coursework – indicate the name, course number and the grade you earned for all courses you completed to satisfy our prerequisite course requirements.  Include any courses in which you are currently enrolled.
  • Additional relevant coursework – provide a list of relevant undergraduate and graduate course work you completed; include the course number and name and the grade you earned.

Additional Experience

For each of the following, please provide a brief description of the experience including the dates, frequency and duration of your participation.

  • Genetic counseling shadowing experiences or internships
  • Crisis counseling experiences
  • Advocacy experiences
  • Laboratory or other research experience
  • Other relevant experiences

Relevant Employment

Please list any relevant employment experience including dates, duration and a brief description.

Awards, Honors

Please provide a list of any awards, honors or other recognition you have received.

Personal Essay Instructions


Please submit a 2-3 page essay (double spaced, 12 point font) to address the following:

  • Describe how your academic and other experiences led to your interest in genetic counseling;
  • Comment on your personal characteristics that will contribute to your success as a genetic counselor;
  • From your perspective, what are the current and future challenges for the genetic counseling profession.

Note:  You do not need to repeat the information contained in your Resume in the essay.  You should focus on sharing stories about your experiences and the insights you gained from these.

All application materials including transcripts, three letters of reference, GRE scores, resume and personal statement must be received by the December 1 deadline.

The Admissions Committee reviews applications shortly after the application deadline. A subset of the most qualified applicants will be invited to campus for a personal interview with the Admissions Committee. Applicants will receive a letter by mid-March to let them know if they have been selected for an interview. The interviews are scheduled during late February and early March and are required for admission to the program. The class will be selected from among those applicants who are interviewed.  Applicants will be notified of final admission decisions on the universal admissions date selected by the Association of Genetic Counseling Program Directors.

Questions about application/admission procedures may be directed to the Program Director, Nancy Callanan by email (Nancy_Callanan@uncg.edu) or the Program Administrative Assistant, Sally Sprague (Sally_Sprague@uncg.edu) or by calling our office at (336-256-0175).

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  • "I chose to attend UNCG because of its shared learning environment and the access to some of the leading institutions in the country. "



  • "UNCG is a great fit for me. The program directors have extensive experience in the world of genetic counseling and provide you with opportunities to work with some of the best medical centers in the country. Our location allows us to have expert guest lecturers, many of whom you also get to work alongside or observe in your clinical rotations in your second year. We also have some really wonderful and unique opportunities as a part of this program: we observe in syndrome specific support groups and clinics, tour genetic laboratories, and are matched with a family with a genetic disease to learn what it is like to live with a genetic condition. Finally, our directors are genuinely invested in each of us, and care about our success and getting to know each of us personally."




  • "The director and assistant director do their best to ensure that our program provides a collaborative learning experience.  Both are active members of the Genetic Counseling community and strive to introduce you to all aspects of this field.  We also have renowned clinical sites and the beautiful state of North Carolina at our disposal.”