Admissions Process

Applications will be accepted through the application deadline. After the application deadline, those selected for an interview will be contacted. KGI is participating in the Genetic Counseling Admissions Match. All applicants should register online to participate in the 2024 Match via the GC Admissions Match website.

There is a limited number of waivers for the $100 USD registration fee for the 2024 GC Admissions Match. Prospective students who demonstrate financial need AND have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or greater can apply for a match fee waiver. Prospective students should apply for a fee waiver BEFORE registering for the GC Admissions Match. Fee waiver applications will open on September 6, 2023 and close on October 4, 2023. More information and instructions for how to apply can be found on the GC Admissions Match website.  

The Master of Science in Human Genetics and Genetic Counseling (MSGC) program will accept all applications for admission via an internal KGI application for the 2023-2024 application cycle.

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  • Application opens:  September 1, 2023
  • Application deadline: December 10, 2023
  • Class of 2026 Interviews: March 2024
  • Pertinent 2024 Match Dates:
    • March 27, 2024: Rank Order List submission opens
    • April 9, 2024: Rank Order Lists submissions ends (no changes can be made after this point)
    • April 17, 2024: Match Day! Results will be released by 12 noon ET.
    • May 1, 2024: Programs provide verification letters of admission to applicants with whom they were matched
    • May 10, 2024: Deadline for matched applicants to formally accept their admission slot

Requirements

  • 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.
  • Unofficial transcripts may be submitted for evaluation purposes. If admitted and you choose to matriculate, official transcripts must be submitted from all college or universities attended.
    • If the transcript is from a school outside the U.S., official course-by-course evaluations should be submitted.
  • Current curriculum vitae (CV)
  • Personal Statement (please limit response to 2-3 pages):
    • Every person brings unique life experiences with them wherever they go. Yours brought you to this moment and the decision to pursue a career in genetic counseling.
    • If you were writing the story of your life, how would you divide it into chapters?
      • Under each chapter heading/title, please write a brief summary (1-2 paragraphs) highlighting and reflecting upon some of the following: key experiences, personality traits, skills developed, problem solving, original and innovative thinking and/or lessons learned.
      • For your final chapter, please illustrate how the culmination of the proceeding chapters affect the ways you can uniquely contribute to the work and community of KGI and genetic counseling. How will your contributions illustrate commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and justice within our institution and profession?
      • Vulnerability and creative risk-taking are encouraged for your personal statement. The CV tells us what you’ve done, your personal statement communicates who you are and where you are going.
      • If you are reapplying to genetic counseling programs, you are encouraged to incorporate a chapter that reflects on your growth and lessons learned since your previous admissions cycle.
  • Three recommendations
    • Contact information for 3 recommenders is required during the online application process. Recommenders will be contacted via email to submit their recommendation online.
    • Recommendations should be from individuals who are familiar with your accomplishments, strengths, areas of improvement/growth, personal character, and potential for success in the Genetic Counseling program
    • At least one recommendation should come from an academic who evaluated your work in full or an academic requirement (lecture or lab course)
    • Recommendations from employers and volunteer experience supervisors are also acceptable. It is not advisable to submit recommendations from personal or family friends. A recommendation from a Genetic Counselor is highly encouraged.
    • In lieu of letters of recommendation, the KGI MSGC program prompts recommenders to answer a series of questions to assess an applicant’s potential for success as a student and future genetic counselor. Letters of recommendation will not be reviewed.
  • Recommended experience:
  • Must be U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident.
  • Admission offers are also contingent upon satisfactory completion of a criminal background check and drug screening.
  • The MSGC program does not require the GRE.
  • $75 non-refundable application fee

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.

Required Prerequisite Courses

The following prerequisites must be completed by August 18, 2024. They can be completed at any university or two-year community college. If you have questions about locating a specific prerequisite, please send the following information to sphs.admissions@kgi.edu for review:

  • Name of school
  • Course number & course name
  • Course description
  • Number of credits (semester or quarter)
  • Grade you received in the course (if applicable)
Required Course
Semester Credit Hours
Quarter Credit Hours
Chemistry
3
4
Biochemistry
3
4
Biology
6
12
Genetics (must be taken within the past 10 years; taken within the past 5 years preferred)
3
4
Statistics
3
4
Social Science (Psychology, Sociology, Communication, Anthropology, Counseling, Cultural Studies)
6
8

Courses in embryology, bioethics, anatomy, physiology, epidemiology, organic chemistry, and communication are 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.

Scholarship and Loan Info

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