Curriculum Overview
An overview of the Genetic Counseling curriculum for the duration of five terms is provided below.
Year 1
| Fall 1 (Sept-Dec) | Classroom Hours | Credits | Spring 1 (Jan - Apr) | Classroom Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Human and Medical Genetics 1 (MSGC 5001) | 32.6 (1950 min) | 2.5 | Human and Medical Genetics II (MSGC 5002) | 32.6 (1950 min) | 2.5 |
| Practical Applications of Genetic Counseling I (MSGC 5003) | 32 (1920 min) | 2.5 | Practical Applications of Genetic Counseling II (MSGC 5004) | 32 (1920 min) | 2.5 |
| Fundamental Concepts of Genetic Counseling I (MSGC 5006) | 19.5 (1170 min) | 1.5 | Fundamental Concepts of Genetic Counseling II (MSGC 5008) | 19.5 (1170 min) | 1.5 |
| Ethical Issues in Genetic Counseling and Human Subject Research (MSGC 5005) | 19.5 (1170 min) | 1.5 | Molecular Methods Variant Analysis and Bioinformatics for Clinicians (MSGC 5009) | 26 (1560 min) | 2 |
| Human Development and Prenatal Genetics (MSGC 5005) | 26 (1560 min) | 2 | Cancer Genetics (MSGC 5010) | 26 (1560 min) | 2 |
| Early Patient Contact I (MSGC 5013) | 96 (5760 min) | 3 | Early Patient Contact II (MSGC 5014) | 96 (5760 min) | 6 |
| Summer | |||||
| Clinical Rotations I (MSGC 5015) | 8.5 | Genetic Counseling Master Thesis Research I (MSGC 6001) | 1.5 |
Year 2
| Fall II (Sept-Dec) | Classroom Hours | Credits | Spring II (Jan-Apr) | Classroom Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Precision Medicine in the Era of Genomics (MSGC 5012) | 26 (1560 min) | 2 | Advanced Professionalism Skills for Genetic Counselors (MSGC 5011) | 14 (840 min) | 1 |
| Clinical Rotations II (MSGC 5016) | 11 | Clinical Rotations III (MSGC 5017) | 11 | ||
| Genetic Counseling Master Thesis Research II (MSGC 6002) | 2.5 | Genetic Counseling Master Thesis Research III (MSGC 6003) | 3 |
Total Program Credits: 70 Credits
Course Offerings
The following courses are part of the Genetic Counseling program curriculum.
Didactic Courses
- MSGC 5001: Human and Medical Genetics I
- MSGC 5002: Human and Medical Genetics II
- MSGC 5003: Practical Applications of Genetic Counseling I
- MSGC 5004: Practical Applications of Genetic Counseling II
- MSGC 5005: Human Development/Prenatal Genetics
- MSGC 5006: Ethical Issues in Genetic Counseling and Human Subject Research
- MSGC 5007: Fundamental Concepts of Genetic Counseling I
- MSGC 5008: Fundamental Concepts of Genetic Counseling II
- MSGC 5009: Molecular Methods, Variant Analysis and Bioinformatics for Clinicians
- MSGC 5010: Cancer Genetics
- MSGC 5011: Advanced Professional Skills for Genetic Counselors
- MSGC 5012: Precision Medicine in the Era of Genomics
Fieldwork Placements
Clinical rotations are a vital component in the training of genetic counselors, providing hands-on experience across diverse specialties and modalities. Our program offers comprehensive fieldwork placements at leading institutions—including Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC), New York Presbyterian (NYP), and Weill Cornell Medicine (WCM)—all of which are affiliated with our graduate program. These rotations immerse trainees in real-world clinical settings, ensuring they develop the practical skills and multidisciplinary expertise essential for effective patient care in genetics.
Our curriculum is designed to give students progressive, hands-on experience in genetic counseling. In Year 1, students observe genetic counselors across a variety of clinical settings, gradually taking on more active roles in sessions. This progression culminates in completing cases with standardized patients before beginning their intensive eight-week fieldwork placements over the summer. During Year 2, students build on the skills gained during their placements and deepen their mastery of genetic counseling concepts, all under the expert guidance and supervision of esteemed genetic counselors.
Thesis Project
Students in the program have the unique opportunity to work directly with Dr. Margaret Elizabeth Ross, Chair of the Master of Science in Genetic Counseling (MSGC) program at Weill Cornell Medicine and former Chair of the PhD Program in Neuroscience. Dr. Ross is a renowned neurogeneticist with decades of research experience, authoring over 300 publications and cited hundreds of times. Her expertise deeply enriches the program, and she serves as the course director for the MSGC Thesis Project, guiding students through advanced research and scholarship in genetics.
Supplementary Experiences
Supplementary experiences play a crucial role in enriching genetic counseling training by exposing students to diverse perspectives and expanding their professional skills. Our program offers opportunities to attend clinics alongside nurse practitioners and non-genetics physicians, participate in advocacy group meetings, engage in genomic interpretation workshops, and join laboratory meetings. Students receive a curated list of these experiences at prestigious sites such as the Hospital for Sick Kids, the Neurofibromatosis Clinic at NYU Langone, the Englander Institute for Precision Medicine, and the Lynch Support Group at MSKCC. Additionally, students are encouraged to pursue their own interests, with program leadership supporting and facilitating connections to tailor their learning journey.