Master of Science in Human Genetics and Genetic Counseling

The field of genetics has changed dramatically over time. Therefore, the student experience at Keck Graduate Institute will involve a strong foundation in principal genetic counseling skills coupled with progressive and rigorous didactic learning, fieldwork experience, and research development in order to meet and anticipate the evolving needs of the genetic counseling profession. The combination of the program’s faculty, the diversity of fieldwork experiences, and the cultural excitement of its location in Southern California will make this program exceptional and inspiring. The program will provide each student with the understanding and experience to become an innovative, inspired, and proficient genetic counselor.

MSGC degree graphic

Learn more about genetic counseling

Read more about the ACGC practice-based competencies

KGI’s MSGC curriculum credits consist of 36.5 from didactic courses, 26 from clinical fieldwork, and nine from research/capstone project. Learn more.

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. Learn more.

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 Pharmacy and 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.

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.

The Master of Science in Human Genetics and Genetic Counseling program at Keck Graduate Institute is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Genetic Counseling (ACGC), located at 4400 College Blvd., Ste. 220, Overland Park, KS 66211, gceducation.org. ACGC can be reached by phone at 913.222.8668. KGI has received approval from the Western Association of Schools & Colleges (WASC) Senior Colleges and Universities Commission (WSCUC) to offer the Master of Science Degree in Human Genetics and Genetic Counseling.