Admission Requirements
Admission Requirements for Genetic Counseling
At UNMC, we value well-rounded, unique individuals and strive to create a diverse learning community. We perform a holistic review of all applications, considering both academic and non-academic experiences. Enrollment in the program is limited and competitive. The admissions committee of the program, composed of program faculty and administration, evaluates the qualifications of each applicant and makes the final selections for admission.
International Students are now eligible to apply for the program. Please look over these pages:Application Deadlines and Admissions Timetable
Prerequisites
Degree and GPA
Applicants must have a baccalaureate degree by the time of matriculation. We take a closer look at the overall GPA and the last 30 semester hours in the sciences (defined as any courses in biology, chemistry, biochemistry, and genetics). Specific degree not required but the genetics and psychology pre-requisites must be completed by the time of the interview. Most applicants have a degree in biology, genetics, chemistry, psychology, social work, nursing or related field.
Notes:
- Admission to the program will be dependent on successful completion of all prerequisite coursework. While a prerequisite course can be in progress, genetics and psychology must be completed prior to interviews.
- Any repeated course grades (original and repeated) will be averaged in the GPA calculations and used accordingly in evaluation of the application.
- Any graduate level work in biology, chemistry, biochemistry, and/or genetics will be incorporated.
AP, CLEP, DSST, and IB credit can count toward the general biology and chemistry requirements. These courses will not satisfy the genetics, biochemistry, statistics, or psychology requirements.
- 2 semesters or equivalent of general biology with lab (biology for majors)
- 2 semesters or equivalent of general chemistry with lab (chemistry for majors)
- 1 semester or equivalent of upper-level biochemistry* where organic chemistry is a prerequisite for the course *Note: content must include 1) metabolism of glycogen, fatty acids, and amino acids, 2) structure and function of proteins, lipids, carbohydrates, and nucleic acids
- 1 semester or equivalent of general or upper-level psychology
- 1 semester or equivalent of general/introductory or upper-level genetics
- 1 semester or equivalent of statistics
- 1 semester or equivalent of molecular or cell biology
- Official transcripts from all institutions attended.
- AdMISSION bio: eight questions that help us learn more about you.
- Three professional or educational individuals to serve as a reference via an online evaluation (no letter required).
- Items Requested in Application Portal:
- Personal statement – see application for more details
- Targeted CV/Resume should only include the following sections. If you do not have expeerience in one of the recommended sections, you do not have to include that specific heading. This should be no more than two pages, 12-point font, and 1-inch margins.
- Required Section:
- Name
- National Match Number
- Recommended Section(s)
- Counseling/Client Advocacy Experience
- Lab/Research Experience
- Exposure to the genetic counseling field.
- Required Section:
- Counseling/Client Advocacy Experience: We strongly recommend applicants have experience in counseling or client advocacy as these experiences provide opportunities to build communication skills, empathy, and interpersonal skills. This experience can come from a variety of spaces, including working or volunteering with a crisis center, working with individuals with disabilities or persons with medical needs.
- Laboratory/research experience
- Exposure to the field of Genetic Counseling: Applicants should understand the role of a genetic counselor.
- Examples of exposure include watching the National Society of Genetic Counselors (NSGC) online Master Genetic Counseling series, interviewing a genetic counselor (in person or by phone), talking with genetic counseling students, listening to Podcasts on genetic counseling, attending genetic counseling conferences or webinars, or a formal job shadow experience. Of note, a job shadow is not required for admission.
Admission Committee will review the entire application when selecting applicants to interview. These interviews will take place in February and March (see admissions timetable for specific dates).
For more information, please check out the information for prospective students created by the Association of Genetic Counseling Program Directors.