What is genetic counseling?
Genetic counselors have advanced training in medical genetics and counseling to guide and support patients seeking more information about how inherited diseases and conditions might affect them or their families, and to interpret genetic test results based on your personal and family history. You can learn more about the profession at by following the link to the National Society of Genetic Counselors website: https://www.nsgc.org/
What makes the MSGC program at Weill Cornell unique?
One of the most distinctive strengths of our program is the unparalleled partnership between Weill Cornell Graduate School of Medical Sciences and Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC)—two world-renowned institutions at the forefront of patient care, research, and innovation.
This collaboration offers students a truly unique training experience. You’ll learn directly from leading experts across both institutions, gaining exposure to a broad spectrum of clinical specialties, research opportunities, and cutting-edge genetic and genomic medicine. From reproductive and pediatric genetics to adult-onset conditions and cancer genomics, our students benefit from the depth and diversity of faculty, cases, and perspectives that only a partnership like this can offer.
By training across both Weill Cornell and MSKCC, students graduate with a comprehensive, multidisciplinary foundation and a competitive edge as future leaders in the field of genetic counseling.
How long is the program?
The MSGC program is a 21 month full time program.
How many students do you accept each year?
By design, our Genetic Counseling program admits only five students per year to ensure a personalized and tailored educational experience that fosters close mentorship and individualized learning.
Is the MSGC program at WCGS accredited by the ACGC?
Yes, graduates of the WCGS MS in Genetic Counseling Program are eligible to sit for the ABGC board exam upon graduation.
Are there scholarships available for incoming students?
At this time, we do not offer any merit-based scholarships for incoming students. However, students will be eligible to work with our financial aid department for loan assistance once accepted into the program.
Do you accept international students?
At this time, the program is only open to American and Canadian citizens.
Is there an option to enroll in the program part-time or online?
At this time we only offer the MSGC program on a full-time basis. Currently, the majority of our classes are in person. Select classes or fieldwork placements may be offered online/virtually.
Are interviews conducted virtually or in-person?
Pre-screening interviews will be held virtually in February 2026. Competitive candidates will be invited to final interviews scheduled for March 2026, which may be conducted either virtually or in person, based on the candidate’s preference.
Do you accept online courses?
Online courses from accredited colleges and universities are welcome and can demonstrate a strong foundation in relevant subject areas. A few online courses—especially when taken to supplement in-person learning—are perfectly reasonable. However, applicants are encouraged to balance online and in-person coursework when possible, particularly for core science or counseling classes, as in-person experiences often offer additional opportunities for engagement, collaboration, and skill development.