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M.S. in Human Genetics and Genetic Counseling
Claremont, California
INTAKE: August
Program Overview
The MSGC program at KGI is a 69-credit, 21-month (five-semester) full-time master's degree. It is rigorously structured to combine academic instruction with extensive practical experience, which is crucial for genetic counseling licensure. The curriculum consists of 34 units of didactic (classroom) courses, 26 units of intensive clinical fieldwork, and 9 units dedicated to a research thesis or capstone project. This balanced approach ensures students develop a deep understanding of human genetics and genomics while also mastering the communication, counseling, and ethical skills required for effective patient care. The program is dedicated to developing leaders in the genetic counseling profession who are prepared for the evolving needs of the field.
Curriculum: The 69-credit MSGC curriculum at KGI is comprehensive and designed to meet the rigorous standards for genetic counseling accreditation. Core didactic courses typically include: "Genetic Counseling I & II," "Human Molecular Genetics," "Human Embryology and Prenatal Diagnosis," "Research Methodology I & II," "Principles of Public Health," "Human Genomics," "Clinical Cancer Genomics," "Medical Genetics," "Biochemical Genetics," and "Pharmacogenomics." Students also engage in "Case Conference & Journal Club" throughout the program and participate in "Professional Development" courses. A significant portion of the curriculum (26 units) is dedicated to "Genetic Counseling Fieldwork," providing extensive hands-on experience in diverse clinical settings. The program culminates with a "Capstone Project" (9 units), allowing students to conduct in-depth research.
Research Focus: The M.S. in Human Genetics and Genetic Counseling at KGI has a significant and integral research focus, requiring students to complete a substantial research thesis or capstone project (9 units). This research component is designed to ensure graduates are capable of independent scholarly work, contributing to the growing body of knowledge in genetics and genetic counseling. While not a pure basic science research program, the emphasis is on applying research methodologies to relevant clinical or public health questions in genetics. Students engage in critical analysis of genetic information, evaluate methodologies, and contribute to translating genetic discoveries into practice. The program's commitment to "research development" ensures that genetic counselors are not just practitioners but also contributors to the advancement of the field.
Industry Engagement: KGI's MSGC program demonstrates strong industry and clinical engagement, which is paramount for genetic counseling training. The program's "plethora of unique, incredibly diverse and culturally dynamic clinical and industry fieldwork opportunities" is a key highlight. These extensive fieldwork rotations (26 units of the curriculum) place students directly in various clinical settings (e.g., prenatal, cancer, pediatric, specialty clinics) as well as industry and laboratory environments across Southern California and potentially beyond. This hands-on experience allows students to apply their knowledge in real-world scenarios, interact with diverse patient populations, and network with practicing genetic counselors and healthcare professionals. The program's mission to serve "the bioscience industry" further underscores its commitment to preparing graduates for roles beyond traditional clinical settings, including in commercial genetic testing laboratories.
Global Perspective: The M.S. in Human Genetics and Genetic Counseling at KGI incorporates a global perspective implicitly through its emphasis on serving diverse populations and addressing universal health challenges. While there may not be specific courses titled "Global Genetic Counseling," the curriculum's focus on "culturally-competent" genetic counseling, patient-centered care, and interprofessional collaboration prepares graduates to work with individuals from varied backgrounds. Discussions around rare genetic diseases, population genetics, and equitable access to genetic services inherently involve global considerations. Furthermore, the increasing prevalence of direct-to-consumer genetic testing and the global nature of genetic research mean that genetic counselors must be aware of international guidelines and diverse healthcare systems. KGI's commitment to "benefiting society" through genetic counseling naturally extends to improving health outcomes worldwide.
Location
Claremont, California
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
USD 47000
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for postgraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 70% or above in their bachelor's degree.
English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: Overall band score of 6.5 or 7.0 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.
- TOEFL: Overall score of 75 or higher.
Keck Graduate Institute (KGI) is dedicated to supporting talented international students pursuing advanced education in the fields of applied life sciences, biotechnology, healthcare, and pharmaceutical sciences. To make its programs more accessible, KGI offers a variety of scholarship opportunities specifically for international applicants, helping to reduce the financial burden and recognize academic excellence.
Merit-Based Scholarships: KGI awards merit-based scholarships automatically during the admission process to international students who demonstrate outstanding academic achievements, leadership qualities, and innovation in their field. These scholarships can cover a significant portion of tuition fees and are highly competitive.
Global Impact Scholarship: This prestigious scholarship targets international students with a vision to make a meaningful difference in global health, science, and technology. Candidates are evaluated on academic performance, research potential, and dedication to solving worldwide challenges through science and healthcare.
Dean’s and Presidential Scholarships: Exceptional international candidates may be considered for Dean’s or Presidential Scholarships, which provide substantial tuition assistance. These awards recognize exemplary scholarship, professional experience, and contributions to their academic community.
Program-Specific Scholarships: Certain programs at KGI, such as the Master of Science in Applied Life Sciences, Master of Business and Science, and Doctor of Pharmacy, offer dedicated scholarships. These awards help attract students with strong backgrounds and align their talents with KGI’s mission.
Graduates of KGI's M.S. in Human Genetics and Genetic Counseling are exceptionally well-prepared for a dynamic and growing profession. Their robust training, encompassing deep scientific knowledge, extensive hands-on clinical experience, and a strong research component, makes them highly competitive in the job market.
Clinical Genetic Counselor: Provides genetic counseling services in various clinical settings (e.g., prenatal, pediatric, oncology, cardiology, neurology), interpreting genetic test results, assessing risks, and supporting patients and families with complex genetic information.
Laboratory Genetic Counselor: Works in commercial genetic testing laboratories, interpreting complex genomic data, writing clinical reports, consulting with ordering providers, and contributing to assay development and quality control.
Research Genetic Counselor: Engages in clinical research studies related to genetics, recruiting participants, obtaining informed consent, managing data, and ensuring ethical conduct of research involving genetic information.
Specialty Clinic Genetic Counselor: Focuses on a specific area, such as cancer genetics, rare disease, or pharmacogenomics, providing specialized counseling and expertise to patients and healthcare teams.
Public Health Genetic Counselor: Works at state or federal public health agencies to develop and implement genetic screening programs, provide education, and address public health initiatives related to genetics.
Genetic Counseling Supervisor/Educator: Mentors and supervises genetic counseling students or junior genetic counselors, or teaches in academic genetic counseling programs, contributing to the education of the next generation of professionals.
Medical Science Liaison (Genetics/Genomics): Serves as a scientific expert for pharmaceutical or biotechnology companies, communicating complex genetic information and product data to healthcare professionals and researchers.
Genetic Test Product Manager/Specialist: Works for genetic testing companies to develop new genetic tests, manage product lifecycles, and provide scientific and clinical expertise for marketing and sales teams.
Variant Curator/Scientist: Specializes in the meticulous review and classification of genetic variants, contributing to large-scale databases used for clinical interpretation and research in genomic medicine.
Telehealth Genetic Counselor: Provides remote genetic counseling services to patients via video conferencing or phone, expanding access to genetic expertise for individuals in diverse geographical locations.
