SCHOOL OF HEALTH SCIENCES
Master of Science in Human Genetics and Genetic Counseling
MSGC
Program Details
Start Term
Fall
Deadline
Personalized Perspective
The first of its kind program housed within a School of Health Sciences, MSGC students have a personalized curriculum approach
Industry Connection
MSGC students enjoy a plethora of unique, incredibly diverse and culturally dynamic clinical and industry fieldwork opportunities
Hands-on Learning
The world-class curriculum taught by genetic counselors uses the “flipped” methodology and practical, hands-on activities
The two-year MSGC program is dedicated to benefiting society through the education, training, and development of innovative, collaborative, engaged, and caring genetic counselors. The program prepares graduates to be leaders among healthcare professionals dedicated to the delivery of advanced patient care and the translation of applied and clinical science breakthroughs to enhance the quality of life.
About the Program
The field of genetics has changed dramatically over time. Therefore, the student experience at KGI involves 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 makes this program exceptional and inspiring.
The program provides each student with the understanding and experience to become an innovative, inspired, and proficient genetic counselor.
Seventy-one and a half credits are required to earn a MSGC degree at KGI. These credits consist of 36.5 from didactic courses, 26 from clinical fieldwork, and nine from research thesis. Students are expected to finish the program in 21 months (five semesters) on a full-time basis.
Career Options with a Degree in Genetic Counseling
Many genetic counselors work in research, public health, or genetic counseling programs.
70-75%
Most genetic counselors work directly with patients in medical centers, hospitals, private practices, etc.
25-30%
Genetic counselors are working in clinical laboratories and industry.
Accreditation Status Read more
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.
Program Faculty and Staff
Emily Quinn, MS, CGC
Program Director for the Human Genetics and Genetic Counseling Program and Assistant Professor
View ProfileMarie Chuldzhyan, MS, MA, CGC
Associate Program Director, Master of Science in Human Genetics and Genetic Counseling (MSGC) and Assistant Professor
View ProfileKatia Dergham, MS, CGC
Assistant Director of Experiential Education, Master of Science in Human Genetics and Genetic Counseling (MSGC) and Professor of Practice
View ProfileMelissa Randall Chan
Professor of Practice
How to Apply
- Completed online application
- Personal statement
- Resume
- Letter of recommendation
- Transcripts
- $75 non-refundable application fee
- Admission interview
Matched students are required to submit a $400 non-refundable enrollment fee.
Emily Quinn, MS, CGC
Program Director for the Human Genetics and Genetic Counseling Program and Assistant Professor
Areas of Expertise: Human Genetics and Genomics
Emily Quinn is a licensed board-certified genetic counselor who joined the KGI faculty in August 2018 to help build the Master of Science in Human Genetics and Genetic Counseling (MSGC) program. Born and raised in California, she received her bachelor’s degrees in biology and psychology at the University of California, Santa Cruz before moving to New York City to complete her master’s degree in genetic counseling at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai.
Given her particular interest in cancer genetics and a strong desire to work with children, Quinn moved to Memphis, TN in 2014 to join the newly-created Division of Cancer Predisposition at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. In her primary role as a clinical genetic counselor, Quinn provided genetic counseling services to St. Jude patients and their families and collaborated with colleagues to develop educational materials and tumor surveillance protocols. She also served as a study investigator for multiple genomics-based research protocols aimed to identify novel genes and better characterize the tumor spectrum of well-understood oncologic and hematologic syndromes.
Quinn’s primary academic passion is anchored in education and increasing the accessibility of genetics knowledge to patients and established healthcare providers and new trainees. In addition to her clinical and research responsibilities at St. Jude, Quinn pioneered several educational endeavors centered around genetic counseling. She established St. Jude as a formal clinical rotation site for multiple genetic counseling programs and served as the rotation site coordinator and primary supervisor for rotating genetic counseling students. In 2017, she also co-created and implemented a genetics rotation for the St. Jude hematology/oncology clinical MD fellows.
On a national level, Quinn is an active member of the National Society of Genetic Counseling (NSGC) and serves on the Li-Fraumeni Syndrome Association (LFSA) Genetic Counseling Advisory Board.
Marie Chuldzhyan, MS, MA, CGC
Associate Program Director, Master of Science in Human Genetics and Genetic Counseling (MSGC) and Assistant Professor
Ms. Marie Chuldzhyan is a dedicated professional with a multifaceted background in clinical psychology and genetic counseling. Driven by her passion for understanding human behavior and the complexities of genetics, Marie pursued dual master's degrees in Clinical Psychology and Genetic Counseling. These advanced degrees equipped her with the knowledge and skills necessary to assist individuals facing challenging medical and psychological issues.
Marie's career trajectory led her to specialize in prenatal genetic counseling, where she played a pivotal role in providing comprehensive support and guidance to expectant parents. Her tenure at renowned institutions such as UCLA and Cedars Sinai allowed her to collaborate with Maternal Fetal Medicine teams, where she contributed significantly to patient care and education.
Recognizing the emotional toll of fertility problems and pregnancy loss on individuals and couples, Marie took proactive steps to address these needs. At Cedars Sinai, she initiated and led support groups tailored specifically for patients navigating fertility issues and coping with pregnancy loss. Through these initiatives, she provided a safe and nurturing environment for individuals to share their experiences, seek solace, and access valuable resources.
Ms. Marie Chuldzhyan's dedication to advancing the field of genetic counseling extends beyond clinical practice. In addition to her hands-on work with patients, she has taken on leadership roles to shape the next generation of genetic counselors.
As the Associate Program Director of the MS Genetic Counseling Program at Keck Graduate Institute, Marie plays a pivotal role in shaping the education and training of future genetic counselors. Leveraging her extensive experience in clinical psychology and genetic counseling, she brings a unique perspective to the program.
Through her leadership at KGI, Marie hopes to shape the future of genetic counseling by empowering the next generation of counselors to make meaningful contributions to the field. Her dedication to education and mentorship underscores her commitment to excellence and innovation in genetic counseling practice.
Katia Dergham, MS, CGC
Assistant Director of Experiential Education, Master of Science in Human Genetics and Genetic Counseling (MSGC) and Professor of Practice
Katia Dergham (she/her) joined KGI Faculty in 2022 in her role as Assistant Director of Experiential Education to facilitate clinical rotations, internships, and capstone opportunities for the MSGC and MSGDA programs.
Katia's journey in the field of genetic counseling began after earning her Master of Science from the Joan H. Marks Graduate Program in Human Genetics at Sarah Lawrence College. Her early career milestones were achieved at Columbia University Medical Center, where she was as a clinical pediatric genetic counselor while also contributing as a faculty member to the Columbia University Program in Genetic Counseling. Katia later transitioned to the University of Washington Medicine – Valley Medical Center, where she undertook the responsibility of developing the cancer genetic services within the newly established High Risk Screening and Genetics clinic.
Recognizing her genuine passion for education and community service, Katia returned to her hometown of Los Angeles to join the KGI team in hopes of drawing upon her own clinical experience to help train the new generation of genetic counselors and equip them for the rapidly evolving field; she is committed to the advancement of genetic counseling profession and mentorship of its future leaders.
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.
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:
- Recruit, educate, and train highly qualified students with diverse backgrounds, who will be professional, motivated, ethical, and culturally engaged genetic counselors.
- Recruit, develop, and retain highly qualified faculty with a diverse background, who are forward-thinking and leaders in education, professionalism, clinical, and industry settings.
- Use innovative and active techniques to provide an academic program that fosters critical thinking, problem-solving, clinical reasoning, and self-directed learning skills.
- Collaborate with leaders of the healthcare and bioscience industry to advance curricular development.
- 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.
- Produce graduates who can communicate effectively with patients, caregivers, and healthcare, regulatory, and industry professionals.
- Sustain a culture of professionalism and collegiality in relationships among and between faculty, students, and professionals.
- Develop and maintain a research infrastructure that promotes and enhances the innovation and discovery of educational, basic, translational, and clinical healthcare.
- Promote life-long learning, through participation in professional development, organizations, and scholarship.
- 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 C 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.
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.