Master of Science in Human Genetics and Genetic Counseling
MSGC

Mission

The MSGC program is dedicated to the education of innovative genetic counselors who will serve the needs of individual patients, the healthcare system, and the bioscience industry. Our program emphasizes interprofessional collaboration, systematic problem solving, the safe, efficient, and ethical use of technology and biotechnology, and personalized patient care.

Vision

The MSGC program within the School of Health Sciences will prepare graduates who are leaders among healthcare professionals dedicated to the delivery of advanced personally-optimized patient care and the translation of applied and clinical science breakthroughs to enhance the quality of life. We will advance genetic counseling for the benefit of society through the development of innovative, collaborative, culturally engaged, articulate, and caring genetic counselors.

Goals

The goals of the MS in Human Genetics and Genetic Counseling program are to:

1. Recruit, educate, and train highly qualified students with diverse backgrounds, who will be professional, motivated, ethical, and culturally engaged genetic counselors.
2. Recruit, develop, and retain highly qualified faculty with a diverse background, who are forward-thinking and leaders in education, professionalism, clinical, and industry settings.
3. Use innovative and active techniques to provide an academic program that fosters critical thinking, problem-solving, clinical reasoning, and self-directed learning skills.
4. Collaborate with leaders of the healthcare and bioscience industry to advance curricular development.
5. Prepare graduates with the added ability to practice effectively in a wide variety of currently existing and potential future roles in hospitals and medical centers, community settings, academia, and the biotechnology industry.
6. Produce graduates who can communicate effectively with patients, caregivers, and healthcare, regulatory, and industry professionals.
7. Sustain a culture of professionalism and collegiality in relationships among and between faculty, students, and professionals.
8. Develop and maintain a research infrastructure that promotes and enhances the innovation and discovery of educational, basic, translational, and clinical healthcare.
9. Promote life-long learning, through participation in professional development, organizations, and scholarship.
10. Utilize continuous quality improvement through assessment and evaluation of desired outcomes in all phases of the program.

• Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university
• Grade of “B” or better in each prerequisite course*
  • *See list of prerequisite courses below
  • If an applicant scores lower than a B in a required prerequisite, the applicant must address this in their application. Further instructions on how to do this can be found in the application.
• Minimum 3.0 cumulative undergraduate grade point average (on a 4.0 scale)
• If a GPA is below 3.0, applicants must address their low GPA in their application. Further instructions on how to do this can be found in the application.

Technical Standards

The Master of Science in Human Genetics and Genetic Counseling program maintains technical standards required of all students for admission, progression, and graduation. Download the document.

Prerequisites

The following courses are required for admission with a grade of B or better:

• Chemistry
• Biochemistry
• Biology
• Genetics (within the past ten years)
• Statistics
• Social science

Courses in embryology, bioethics, anatomy, physiology, epidemiology, organic chemistry, and communication are also highly recommended

Students Matched to the Program

Matched students are required to submit a $400 non-refundable deposit to hold their spot in the program. Additionally, admissions counselors maintain contact with incoming students to ensure all official documents are received.

Incoming students also receive regular communication for the Admissions Office with important information about preparing for study, student life, housing, orientation, and other topics of interest.

Experiential Education Tracks

In Year 1, MSGC students take didactic coursework at KGI in Claremont, CA. In Year 2, students complete experiential education, a capstone project, and psychosocial/professional development. The location of year two varies depending on the track:

• Track #1 - experiential education/rotations with existing clinical partners in Southern California.
• Track #2 - requires flexibility for experiential education/rotations. May include placements throughout California (including Central, Northern, and Southern California) and/or rotation opportunities outside of California.

Rotation Sites

Click on the map to view a sample of rotational sites for MSGC students. These sites are subject to change.

For the three most recent graduating classes (2022 – 2024), the KGI MSGC program has a 68% (41/60) first-time pass rate on the American Board of Genetic Counseling’s Certification Examination.

We are very excited to share that MSGC’s Class of 2024 had a first-time pass rate of 85% (national average: 75%). As of March 2025, 19/20 of the cohort are now board-certified genetic counselors!

We encourage you to review the Funding Your Degree page for valuable scholarship and loan information and relevant deadlines for both domestic and international students.