Graduate Certificate in Pre-Genetic Counseling Online

What is the Graduate Certificate in Pre-Genetic Counseling?

This fully online, four-course graduate certificate helps you build a competitive application for master’s-level genetic counseling programs, covering genetic counseling principles, clinical case studies, counseling psychology, and ethics. Completing it also guarantees you an interview with SCU’s Master of Science in Genetic Counseling (MSGC) program, as long as you meet admissions standards. See the Program Overview page for full details.

Is this program fully online?

Yes. All four courses are asynchronous, so you can watch lectures and complete assignments on your own schedule each week, making it workable alongside a job or other commitments.

How long does it take to complete the certificate?

You can finish in as little as 15 weeks (about 3.5 months), taking two 7.5-week courses at a time. This pacing keeps your workload manageable while still moving you through quickly.

What courses will I take?

The certificate totals 12 credit hours across four 3-credit courses:

• Genetic Counseling as a Career
• Clinical Case Studies in Genetic Counseling
• Introduction to Counseling Psychology
• Psychosocial Principles of Counseling

See the Courses and Learning Outcomes page for full details.

Is completing this certificate the same as becoming a genetic counselor?

No. This certificate strengthens your application to a genetic counseling master’s program. To actually become a genetic counselor, you still need an ACGC-accredited Master of Science in Genetic Counseling and to pass the ABGC certification exam.

When can I start the program?

SCU offers fall, spring, and summer start terms. Check the Program Overview page for current dates.

Can I work full-time while completing this certificate?

Many students do. Asynchronous coursework and a two-classes-at-a-time schedule make it possible to balance with a job, though the pace is faster than a typical semester.

What are the admissions requirements?

• A completed bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited institution.
• Foundational coursework in human, medical, and/or clinical genetics (recommended, not required).
• Undergraduate GPA of at least 2.7 on a 4.0 scale.

You can view the full details on the Admissions Requirements page.

Do I need a genetics or science background to apply?

Not necessarily. Specific courses aren’t required, and exceptions are evaluated case by case. If you’re missing prerequisite coursework, it’s worth talking to an advisor, especially since many genetic counseling master’s programs do expect it.

What GPA do I need to get in?

A 2.7 minimum on a 4.0 scale. That’s the floor for this certificate, not necessarily what’s competitive at the master’s level, so aim higher where you can.

Do I need to submit GRE scores?

No. SCU doesn’t require test scores for this certificate, just a completed application and transcripts. Some genetic counseling master’s programs still require the GRE, so check individual program requirements as you look ahead.

What documents do I need to submit?

• A completed application.
• Official transcripts from every undergraduate and post-secondary institution you’ve attended.

See the Admissions Requirements page for the current list.

When should I apply, and are there specific deadlines?

Admission is rolling, but you’re encouraged to apply three to six months before your intended start date. Visit the Program Overview page for current start dates.

Can I apply if I don't live in California?

In most cases, yes. But state authorization rules limit where SCU can offer online programs. Please check the Admissions Requirements page for current state restrictions before applying.

Can international students apply?

Yes. Requirements are the same regardless of citizenship, though international applicants face some additional steps around immigration and financial documentation. See the International Students Admissions page for details.

How much does the certificate cost?

Please see the Tuition and Scholarships page for current details.

Will my tuition rate change while I'm enrolled?

No, as long as you stay on track. SCU’s Fixed Rate Tuition Guarantee locks in your per-credit rate if you graduate on time or within one additional term. You can learn more on our Cost and Affordability page.

Are there financial aid or scholarships available for this certificate?

Yes. Please see Undergraduate Student Aid and our SCU Scholarships page for details.

Are there financial aid deadlines I should know about?

Yes. Please check the Dates and Deadlines page.

What exactly is the guaranteed interview with SCU's MSGC program?

Completing the certificate while meeting admissions standards guarantees you an interview with SCU’s MSGC program, not automatic admission. You’ll still need to interview well and meet the program’s standards to be accepted.

Do I have to attend SCU's master's program after finishing the certificate?

No. The certificate strengthens your application to genetic counseling master’s programs generally. That said, the guaranteed SCU interview gives many students a head start they choose to use.

How is this certificate timed with genetic counseling admissions cycles nationwide?

SCU offers the certificate three times a year, timed so your completion date lines up with when most master’s programs interview and finalize matches. Check the Program Overview page for the current alignment.

What is the National Matching Service, and will I need to use it?

The National Matching Service (NMS) is used by nearly every ACGC-accredited genetic counseling master’s program, including SCU’s, to match applicants with programs after interviews (similar to medical residency matching). You’ll likely register for it separately from each program’s individual application. Read our full breakdown: Navigating the National Matching Service for Genetic Counseling.

Where can I learn more about applying to genetic counseling graduate programs in general?

• A Guide to Graduate Programs in Genetic Counseling
• A Guide to Online Genetic Counseling Degrees: Flexible and Accredited Options
• Pathway To Success: Becoming A Genetic Counselor

What does a genetic counselor actually do?

Genetic counselors help patients understand their genetic makeup, assess health risks tied to inherited conditions, and interpret test results in light of family history, while guiding them through the emotional weight of that information. Read more in Pathway To Success: Becoming A Genetic Counselor.

How much do genetic counselors typically earn?

You can learn more on our Master of Science in Genetic Counseling Careers page.

Is genetic counseling a good career field to enter right now?

Yes, it’s a growing field as genetic testing becomes more common in prenatal care, cancer risk assessment, cardiology, and personalized medicine. Admission to master’s programs remains competitive, which is exactly why a strong pre-genetic counseling foundation matters.

How competitive is admission into genetic counseling master's programs?

Programs typically weigh your GPA (especially science coursework), prerequisite coursework, relevant experience like shadowing or volunteering, letters of recommendation, and your personal statement. This certificate is built to strengthen exactly those areas, plus guarantee you an interview at SCU’s own Master of Science in Genetic Counseling (MSGC) program.

Where can I go to ask more specific questions about this certificate?

You can request information or call 562-475-4604 for personalized support.

Why should I care that SCU is focused on Integrative, Whole Health?

Because healthcare is increasingly moving in this direction. You’ll be entering a healthcare system that places greater emphasis on whole-person care, prevention, and collaboration across disciplines. An Integrative, Whole Health education will prepare you to understand the many factors that influence health, the range of approaches available to patients, and how your profession fits into the bigger picture.

Why should I care that SCU provides an Interprofessional Education?

Because in the real world, healthcare is rarely delivered by one profession alone. Learning with and about other healthcare disciplines will help you understand what other providers do, when their expertise may benefit your patients, and how to communicate, collaborate, and coordinate care effectively.

Will focusing on Integrative, Whole Health take away from learning my own profession?

No. You will still develop the advanced knowledge and skills you need to become an expert in your chosen profession. Integrative, Whole Health adds a broader understanding of the patient, other health professions, and the healthcare system in which you’ll practice—it doesn’t replace professional expertise.

Couldn’t I learn this at any healthcare university?

You may encounter elements of it elsewhere. At SCU, however, this broader perspective is part of the environment in which you’ll learn from the beginning—not simply a topic you’ll encounter in an individual course or elective.