M.S. Program in Genetic Counseling

Program Directors:

Anne E. Greb, M.S., C.G.C. - Genetic Counseling Graduate Program
3216 Scott Hall
Wayne State University School of Medicine
540 E. Canfield Avenue
Detroit, Michigan 48201
313.577.6298
agreb@genetics.wayne.edu

Angela Trepanier, MS, C.G.C. - Genetic Counseling Graduate Program
3216 Scott Hall
Wayne State University School of Medicine
540 E. Canfield Avenue
Detroit, Michigan 48201
313.577.6298
atrepani@genetics.wayne.edu

The graduate program in genetic counseling is offered in cooperation with the Center for Molecular Medicine and Genetics (CMMG)

Genetic counselors help families understand their risks for inherited conditions and birth defects so they can make informed decisions about their health, including reproduction, medical management and lifestyle.

Genetic counselors are medical professionals trained at the graduate level in the area of medical genetics and counseling. They usually work in large hospitals or university-based medical centers and are often associated with pediatric, obstetric or internal medicine departments. Genetic counselors are also involved in teaching and research activities. Because many of the advances in human genetics can be applied to medicine, tremendous career opportunities are currently available for genetic counselors.

The Degree Program. The graduate program in genetic counseling is designed to integrate scientific knowledge and counseling skills with a variety of clinical and laboratory experiences. The diverse population found in the greater Detroit area provides a unique opportunity to explore how ethnic and cultural differences influence the effectiveness of clinical genetic services and the genetic counseling process.

The curriculum consists of course work and clinical internships. Theory and techniques of counseling, human and medical genetics, molecular biology, and genetic counseling are among the required courses. The Detroit Medical Center and surrounding metropolitan hospitals offer the clinical sites where students receive supervised experience in a variety of genetics clinics. Additional rotations include training in two genetic service laboratories and exposure to disease-specific subspecialty clinics.

The program's overall goal is to provide students with the skills and knowledge to function successfully as productive and responsible genetic counselors in a variety of work settings. Students are expected to complete the program in two years (five semesters) on a full-time basis.

Approximately four students are accepted into the genetic counseling program each academic year. The program has received accreditation as a new program by the American Board of Genetic Counseling.

Degree Requirements. The Master of Science in Genetic Counseling is offered only as a Plan B Graduate School program, requiring an essay project. Approximately thirty-six credits are required including: twenty-two credits from core courses, six credits in clinical internships, two credits for the research project, and six elective credits. A detailed listing of the required courses is available from the Program Directors. All course work must be completed in accordance with the academic rules and regulations of the Graduate School and the School of Medicine, respectively.

Admissions. Admission to this program is contingent upon admission to the Graduate School and the Graduate Programs of the School of Medicine. Applicants must have a bachelor's degree with a grade point average of at least 3.0. Undergraduate course work in each of the following is required: one year in biology and chemistry, one semester each in genetics, organic chemistry, biochemistry, calculus, statistics and psychology. Also required are three letters of recommendation, a personal statement and Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores. Prospective students are encouraged to obtain exposure to a clinical setting with relevance to developmental disabilities, genetic diseases, advocacy experience or related areas.

How to Apply. Students who have completed the admissions requirements and are committed to a career in genetic counseling are encouraged to apply to the master's program in genetic counseling. A completed Graduate Admissions Application Form and original transcripts should be sent to the Wayne State University Graduate Admissions Office. Copies of each of these, as well as a completed Graduate Program in Genetic Counseling Application Form, three letters of recommendation, GRE scores and a personal statement should be sent directly to:

Anne Greb, MS/Angela Trepanier, MS, Co-Directors
Graduate Program in Genetic Counseling
Center for Molecular Medicine and Genetics
3216 Scott Hall
540 E. Canfield Ave.
Detroit, MI 48201
Attn: Willia Lake

The application deadline for acceptance into the fall class is February 1. After review of all applications, selected candidates will be invited for an interview.

For Applications and More Information. Additional information about the MS program in genetic counseling can be obtained by contacting the Program Directors. For an application packet, please call (313) 577-6298 or email at wlake@med.wayne.edu.

For more information about the field of genetic counseling, please contact the National Society of Genetic Counselors at http://www.nsgc.org and the American Board of Genetic Counseling at http://www.faseb.org/genetics/abgc/abgcmenu.htm.