Master of Science in Human Genetics and Genetic Counseling
The University requirements for the M.S. are described in the "Graduate Degrees" section of this bulletin.
The Department of Genetics offers an M.S. in Human Genetics and Genetic Counseling, which is accredited by the American Board of Genetic Counseling. This program prepares students to practice in the healthcare profession of genetic counseling. The program is a full time two-year program, and accepts students to begin the program only in Autumn Quarter. Students must be admitted directly into this program, and cannot automatically transfer from the Ph.D. programs within the department, or vice versa. While courses are oriented primarily towards genetic counseling students, they may also be taken by medical students, other graduate students, residents or post-doctoral fellows, and (with permission) undergraduates.
The degree requires the completion of clinical rotations and an approved research project. Students must also complete required course work (GENE 271-286), several additional required courses (MED 250A, MED 255, DBIO 201, and GENE 238), and are encouraged to take 3-4 elective courses of their choice, including a research methods elective. Faculty members include members of the Stanford faculty from Genetics, Pediatrics, Obstetrics, Pathology, Developmental Biology, Biomedical Ethics, Law, and Psychology, and practicing genetic counselors and clinical geneticists in various medical centers across the Bay Area.
Applications are due in December (see web site) for admission in the following Autumn Quarter. Applicants should demonstrate a combination of academic preparation, exposure to genetic counseling, and counseling and/or laboratory experiences. Exposure to persons with disabilities or chronic illness is also helpful. Additional information about the program is available at http://www.med.stanford.edu/genetic-counseling.