Master's in Genetic Counseling

The Master’s in Genetic Counseling Program at UNC Greensboro prepares students with the knowledge and proficiency to practice as genetic counselors in a variety of settings, including non-clinical and clinical prenatal, pediatric, adult, and cancer genetics. Our mission is to provide an exemplary learning environment for you to obtain the knowledge, skills, and competencies to provide culturally sensitive, ethical genetic counseling services in a variety of clinical settings.

Master’s in Genetic Counseling Program Distinctions

The UNCG Master’s in Genetic Counseling Program is the first genetic counseling program in North Carolina, with the degree starting in Fall 2000. The program is one of only two genetic counseling programs in the state, and one of 61 genetic counseling programs in the U.S.

• Graduates are eligible to apply to the American Board of Genetic Counseling (ABGC) for Active Candidate Status and to sit for the ABGC Certification Examination.
• The program has 18 available standard rotation placements across nine institutions, with additional opportunities out-of-state and abroad.

The Master’s in Genetic Counseling Student Experience

Students will graduate from the Genetic Counseling Program with extensive experience for their career. This includes:

• Rotations are an integral part of the Genetic Counseling Program. They provide students with opportunities to increase their general clinical knowledge and gain experience with counseling. They also help students develop the necessary skills and competencies required for the practice of genetic counseling in many settings and applications. 
• Students will have professional development opportunities, laboratory experiences, varied clinical rotations, and significant experience with cooperative and shared learning.
• Students will be led by strong faculty and mentors, and have interdisciplinary guest lecturers.
• Student participate in workshops, first-year observational experiences, optional summer experiences in non-traditional genetic counseling roles, and exposure to the North Carolina Medical Genetics Association and the National Society of Genetic Counseling.
• Students must complete a research Capstone Project to complete their degree. This project may be a case study, library synthesis, community public health application, or original research.

After Graduating with a Master’s in Genetic Counseling

There’s a high demand for careers in Genetic Counseling.

• 100% of graduates were employed within six months of graduation, with over 95% hired within three months of graduation.
• Our graduates are employed across 25 states in the United States and in Canada.
• Since 2010, 97.7% of graduates passed the ABGC Board Exam, with 96.5% passing on the first attempt. The national average pass rate is 80%, with 82% passing on the first attempt.
• 9 out of 10 genetic counselors report being satisfied with their job.
• Projected job growth from 2024-2034 is 9%. The average wage of genetic counselors in 2024 was $98,910.

Apply to the Genetic Counseling Program

Interested Master’s in Genetic Counseling applicants need to apply to the UNCG Graduate School. View complete requirements here: Admission Requirements