Curriculum

Genetic Counseling Curriculum

The UAGCGP is a 22 month Master's degree program. Students will undergo a combination of classroom-directed instruction and practical clinical experiences in order to prepare them for a career in genetic counseling. Over the 2 year program, students will take a total of 63 credit hours, including a four credit summer internship that will add to student's overall clinical experiences.

First Year - Fall Semester

Class Units
GENE 518 Fundamental Genetic Mechanisms 3
CMM 585 Embryology, Teratology, and Birth Defects 3
CMM 527 -  Pathophysiology Basics 1
CMM  528 -  Pathophysiology of Integumentary, Respiratory, and Digestive Systems 1
CMM 529 - Pathophysiology of Urogenital and Endocrine Systems 1
CMM 600 Introduction to Genetic Counseling Research 1
CMM 519 Introduction to Genetic Counseling 2
GENE 670 Genetics Seminar 2
CMM 594 Clinical Practicum 2
Total 16

First Year - Spring Semester

Class Units
CMM 520 Clinical Cancer Genetics 2
CMM 620 Foundations of Medical Genetics 1
CMM 621 Genetic Counseling in Reproductive Health 2
CMM 624 Advanced Genetic Counseling Skills 2
BIOS 576A Biostatistics in Public Health 3
CMM 900  GC Scholarly Project 2
CMM 595 Genetic Counseling Colloquium 1
CMM 594 Clinical Practicum 2
Total 15

First Year - Summer Semester

Class Units
CMM 594 Clinical Practicum (8 weeks) 4
Total 4

Second Year - Fall Semester

Class Units
CMM 622 Survey of Human Genetic Disorders 3
CMM 521 Molecular Diagnostics and Lab Testing 1
CMM 909/910 GC Scholarly Project/Masters Thesis 2
MCB 504  Bioethics 4
GENE 670 Genetics Seminar 2
CMM 594 Clinical Practicum 4
Total 16

Second Year - Spring Semester

Class Units
CMM 625 Survey of Human Genetic Disorders II 3
CMM 595 Genetic Counseling Colloquium 1
CMM 909/910 GC Scholarly Project/Masters Thesis 2
CMM 623 Contemporary Professional Issues in Genetic Counseling 2
CMM 594 Clinical Practicum 2
Total 12
Total Units 63

In addition, completion of the UAGCGP requires evidence that a student has achieved competence in:

  • Integration of knowledge of psycho-social aspects of conditions with a genetic component to promote client well-being.
  • Use of a range of genetic counseling skills and models to facilitate informed decision- making and adaptation to genetic risks or conditions.

This may be accomplished with approval by the DGS (Director of Graduate Studies) by:

  • Audit a course addressing psychosocial issues of death and loss such as PSY 456 Psychology of Death and Loss or a related course, or
  • Submission of an annotated bibliography or literature review on a topic agreed to by faculty advisor or DGS

The UAGCGP Program Director must approve the method that each student will use to exhibit competence of the above components and when they will integrate this into their activities prior to the start of the fall semester of their second year in the program. Students may complete these requirements at any time during the course of the program. Documentation of the completion of one of these activities must be submitted to the UAGCGP prior to graduation.

Course substitutions are permitted with the approval of the UAGCGP Program Director.