PhD Programs in Genetic Counseling

<h2 id="section---ComparingPhDProgramsInGeneticCounseling">Comparing PhD Programs in Genetic Counseling</h2> <h3 id="section---PhDInHumanGeneticsGeneticCounselingFocus">PhD in Human Genetics - Genetic Counseling Focus</h3> <p>A doctor of philosophy (PhD) in Human Genetics with a Genetic Counseling focus is typically a 2 to 3-year program intended for individuals interested in pursuing a terminal degree in genetics to work as a genetic counselor. Students interested in pursuing this degree should have a completed undergraduate degree, have a background in the sciences and have taken the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) prior to applying to a doctoral program. Many of the PhD programs in genetics and genetic counseling require a Genetic Counseling Admissions Match through National Matching Services, Inc in order to be placed in a genetic counseling program. </p> <p>Additional admission requirements include a professional resume, personal statement, letters of recommendation, minimum GPA, and personal experiences relevant to genetic counseling. A student's previous coursework could also be considered for entrance into the program. Common courses include human genetics, cancer genetics, chromosomes structure &amp; function and career options include prenatal genetic counselor and pediatric genetic counselor. </p> <h3 id="section---PhDInGeneticsAndGenomeSciences">PhD in Genetics and Genome Sciences</h3> <p>The PhD program in genetics and genome sciences includes rotations in different clinical settings to offer a well-rounded genetic science program and students attend full-time classes and can complete the coursework for the doctorate degree in about 2 years. Admission requirements are comprised of a completed application, optional GRE score, letters of recommendation, personal statement, undergraduate and graduate transcripts, and GPA requirements. The curriculum can include courses such as principles of genetic epidemiology, biostatistics, medical genetics, cell and molecular biology and advanced developmental genetics. Job opportunities include principal genetics investigator, research faculty member, and genetic counseling supervisor. </p> <h3 id="section---HumanGeneticsDoctorOfPhilosophyPhDGeneticCounselingMasterOfScienceMS"> Human Genetics, Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)/Genetic Counseling, Master of Science (MS)</h3> <p>The Human Genetics PhD/Genetic Counseling, MS dual degree prepares students through strong clinical training and counseling education competencies so the learner can engage in a career as a researcher, genetic counselor or trainer. The degree is full-time and takes about two to four years to complete all dual degree requirements including the rotations and dissertation phase of the program. Admission prerequisites for the program include an online application, official undergraduate transcripts, professional resume, and a personal statement that addresses applicant interest. </p> <p>Science courses, including organic and general chemistry and biology, are also required along with professional or academic references. Students may also need to use portals such as National Matching Services to receive placement. Common course opportunities that are offered in the program include advanced human genetics, cancer genetic counseling, medical genetics and techniques in genetic counseling. Career prospects include cancer genetic counselor, epidemiologist, cardiovascular genetic counselor and medical scientist. </p> <h3 id="section---GeneticsPhD"> Genetics PhD</h3> <p>The Genetics PhD provides training and programmatic offerings to educate students in genetics and molecular biology through both practice and classroom learning opportunities. The degree is full-time and takes about two to four years to complete, including the dissertation phase and other degree requirements. Admission requirements for the program include undergraduate and graduate transcripts, GRE scores, GPA requirements, research experience, and letters of recommendation. </p> <p>This program also requires a Genetic Counseling Admissions Match through National Matching Services, Inc. Common course opportunities that are offered in the program include population biology, evolution of disease, quantitative methods in populations genetics, medical genetics, mutation in the human gene, ecology and evolution. Career prospects include faculty member, genetic researcher and genomic medicine genetic counselors. </p> <h3 id="section---QuickComparisonOfPhDProgramsInGeneticCounseling">Quick Comparison of PhD Programs in Genetic Counseling</h3> <p /> <table border="1"><tr><th>Degree Program</th><th>Program Length</th><th>Program Requirements</th><th>Related Careers</th></tr> <tr><td>PhD in Human Genetics - Genetic Counseling Focus</td><td>2 to 3-years </td><td>undergraduate and graduate transcripts, GRE scores</td><td>prenatal genetic counselor and pediatric genetic counselor</td></tr> <tr><td>PhD program in Genetics and Genome Sciences</td><td>2 years</td><td>undergraduate and graduate transcripts</td><td>research faculty and genetic counseling supervisor</td></tr> <tr><td>Human Genetics, Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)/Genetic Counseling, Master of Science (MS)</td><td>2 to 4 years</td><td>undergraduate transcripts, graduate completion with GPA requirements, GRE scores</td><td>cancer genetic counseling, epidemiologist</td></tr> <tr><td>Genetics PhD</td><td>2 to 4 years</td><td>undergraduate and graduate transcripts, GRE scores</td><td>genetic researcher and genomic medicine genetic counselors</td></tr></table>