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Genetic counselors work at the forefront of personalized, precision medicine—helping individuals and families understand their unique genetic makeup, assess potential health risks, and navigate life-changing choices with confidence. They provide not just scientific expertise but also compassionate support, guiding patients through both the medical and the emotional aspects of genetic conditions.
SCU’s unique Master of Science in Genetic Counseling (MSGC) program blends 100% online coursework with hands-on fieldwork around the country—enabling you to pursue your dream of becoming a genetic counselor no matter where you live. In less than two years, you’ll not only build deep expertise in genetic science, but develop the essential interpersonal skills and the social and ethical perspective you need to become a compassionate, impactful genetic counselor.
Our curriculum design blends 100% online coursework with in-person fieldwork at locations around the country. Your live online courses will be facilitated by seasoned faculty members in a “synchronous” fashion—meaning that you will log on at set times and enjoy a highly-interactive experience that includes lectures, discussions, and activities. Your in-person fieldwork will include a range of real-world experiences, from direct patient interaction to diagnostic laboratory experience to advocacy and policy work, and more.
*The MSGC program has partnered with numerous fieldwork practicum sites across the country and will strive to find placements in locations that are convenient for you, though you may need to relocate temporarily for some of your placements.
One of the most rewarding portions of the program, your final Capstone Project will give you the opportunity to identify and devise an innovative solution to a current challenge in genetic counseling or a related field. We’ll support you each step of the way through three specialized Capstone Courses coupled with personalized advisement and support from faculty mentors and a Capstone Committee. A graduate-level Capstone Project is an academic and professional milestone, potentially leading to publications, future research opportunities, and other achievements that can advance your career.
Most healthcare students must invest extra time and money into preparing for their licensure exams—but we’ve built exam prep right into our curriculum. As you progress through your studies, you’ll be preparing for your ABGC Board exam through content that is woven seamlessly into your regular coursework. By the time you complete your degree, you’ll be ready to confidently sit for the Board exam.
Students who have completed SCU’s Pre-Genetic Counseling certificate program (and who meet the admissions standards for the MSGC program) will be guaranteed an interview with MSGC program admissions team.
*These applicants will still be required to participate in the National Match Service for Genetic Counseling (NMS).
Most of today’s healthcare colleges offer an “interprofessional education” through which students learn with, from, and about other disciplines. But at SCU, our Interprofessional Education is broader and, frankly, we think that makes it better. Unlike other colleges, we teach you about both conventional and complementary disciplines—not just one or the other—because we believe in both and we teach both, all under one roof.
All too often, healthcare providers “stay in their lanes” rather than building comprehensive care plans that include other disciplines, professionals, and approaches. In addition, they look strictly at the physical body as opposed to all the factors that may be influencing a patient’s health and well-being—genetics, lifestyle, mental health, relationships, physical environments, community support, and beyond. But at SCU, no matter what program you are in, you’ll learn to blend the best of conventional and complementary approaches (integrative healthcare) and to treat the entire mind, body, and spirit (whole health)—for true lasting wellness.
The Master of Science in Genetic Counseling program is a 5 term, 60-credit professional graduate program that is aligned with the mission of SCU which is to educate genetic counseling students to be competent, caring, and successful integrative health practitioners and professionals. Students will receive robust, interactive online instruction, coupled with unique fieldwork practicum placements, which will prepare graduates to become leaders among healthcare professionals by serving the needs of all patients.
Students must successfully complete three major components of the MSGC program for graduation:
Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs): The SCU Master of Science in Genetic Counseling (MSGC) Program’s Learning Outcomes are based on the Accreditation Council for Genetic Counseling (ACGC) Practice Based Competencies necessary as an entry-level genetic counselor.
PLO1: Demonstrate genetic counseling skills which reflect knowledge and application of genetics and genomics principles, genetic conditions, and testing technologies to the practice of genetic counseling. (ACGC Core Practice Based Competency #1)
PLO2: Integrate personal and family history information into a personalized genetic client-centered risk assessment, including information on family history, genetic testing, and laboratory data. (ACGC Core Practice Based Competency #2)
PLO3: Conduct genetic counseling interactions with clients which integrate psychosocial needs assessment through client-centered decision-making processes which facilitate a working alliance to support the client’s decision-making process. (ACGC Core Practice Based Competency #3)
PLO4: Adapt communication of genetics and genomics information to clients, colleagues, and other community partners through a variety of approaches which are tailored to specific individuals and audiences. (ACGC Core Practice Based Competency #4)
PLO5: Critically interpret evidence-based data and literature relevant to genetic counseling and contribute to the genetic counseling research process. (ACGC Core Practice Based Competency #5)
PLO6: Evaluate the role of genetic counselors within the larger healthcare system by engaging in activities and initiatives which analyze how healthcare disparities, inequities, and systemic bias impact patient care. (ACGC Core Practice Based Competency #6)
PLO7: Conduct genetic counseling interactions in a way which embody the values of the genetic counseling profession self-reflection and compliance with professional scope of practice guidelines, professional ethical codes of conduct, and the promotion of inclusive, just, and equitable environments for all individuals. (ACGC Core Practice Based Competency #7)
For full program information, view our catalog.
The mission of the SCU Master of Science in Genetic Counseling program is aligned with the mission of SCU which is to educate genetic counseling students to be competent, caring, and successful integrative health practitioners and professionals.
The vision of the MSGC program is to prepare graduates to become leaders among healthcare professionals by serving the needs of patients with evidence-based medicine, endeavoring to reduce healthcare disparities, promoting healthcare equality, and persevering to innovate the field of genetic counseling for future generations.
The MSGC program’s objectives are grounded in the National Society of Genetic Counselors (NSGC) Code of Ethics and the University’s four core values which are integrative health, evidence-based practice, health-equity, and inclusivity. Southern California University of Health Sciences (SCU) is committed to maintaining a community of students and employees that reflect, embrace, and value the breadth of diversity including, but not limited to, age, race, ethnicity, culture, socioeconomic status, spiritual and religious belief, sex, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, disability, and geographic background, consistent with SCU’s core value of Inclusivity.
As reflected by SCU’s value of Health Equity, “we value people’s health equally and want all individuals and communities to have a fair and just opportunity to be healthy.” Therefore, MSGC students will be empowered to impact determinants of health and reduce health care disparities. The MSGC Program will be an ACGC accredited training program for professional genetic counselors at SCU. The program will offer an innovative, holistic, and inclusive Master of Science in Genetic Counseling (MSGC) degree committed to expanding access to the profession through online course design and a national network of practical fieldwork opportunities.
60 Credits of Coursework, 5 Academic Terms
Year 1: MSGC Program First Year
| Term 1: Fall | Duration | Block | Credit |
| MSGC500 Introduction to Genetic Counseling | 15 weeks | AB | 4 |
| MSGC510 Human Genetics IA | 7.5 weeks | A | 2 |
| MSGC511 Human Genetics IB | 7.5 weeks | B | 2 |
| MSGC515 Principles & Practices of Genetic Counseling I | 15 weeks | AB | 4 |
| Total Term Credits | 12 |
| Term 2: Spring | Duration | Block | Credit |
| MSGC525 Principles & Practices of Genetic Counseling II | 15 weeks | AB | 4 |
| MSGC520 Human Genetics IIA | 7.5 weeks | A | 2 |
| MSGC521 Human Genetics IIB | 7.5 weeks | B | 2 |
| MSGC524 Experiential Learning I | 15 weeks | AB | 4 |
| Total Term Credits | 12 |
| Term 3: Summer | Duration | Block | Credit |
| MSGC532 Ethical, Legal, & Social Issues in the U.S. Healthcare System | 15 weeks | AB | 2 |
| MSGC530 Experiential Learning IIA | 7.5 weeks | A | 3 |
| MSGC531 Experiential Learning IIB | 7.5 weeks | B | 3 |
| MSGC535 Research Methodologies & Statistics (Capstone I) | 15 | AB | 4 |
| Total Term Credits | 12 |
Year 2: MSGC Program Second Year
| Term 4: Fall | Duration | Block | Credit |
| MSGC542 Human Genetics III | 15 weeks | AB | 2 |
| MSGC540 Experiential Learning IIIA | 7.5 weeks | A | 2 |
| MSGC541 Experiential Learning IIIB | 7.5 weeks | B | 2 |
| MSGC543 Professional Genetic Counseling Practice I | 15 weeks | AB | 2 |
| MSGC545 Capstone II | 15 weeks | AB | 4 |
| Total Term Credits | 12 |
| Term 5: Spring | Duration | Block | Credit |
| MSGC552 Human Genetics IV | 15 weeks | AB | 2 |
| MSGC550 Experiential Learning IVA | 7.5 weeks | A | 2 |
| MSGC551 Experiential Learning IVB | 7.5 weeks | B | 2 |
| MSGC553 Professional Genetic Counseling Practice II | 15 weeks | AB | 2 |
| MSGC555 Capstone III | 15 weeks | AB | 4 |
| Total Term Credits | 12 |
The Master of Science in Genetic Counseling (MSGC) program requires that students complete all 60 credits and Fieldwork Practicum requirements while enrolled in the MSGC program at Southern California University of Health Sciences (SCU) to qualify for degree completion.
The didactic coursework component of the MSGC program is 100% fully online, with no on-campus requirements. The fieldwork practicum component of the program may include experiences that are in-person, remote, or both depending on the nature of the rotation requirements.
Clinical rotations and fieldwork practicums are a graduation requirement for any student attending an ACGC-accredited program. Each student must participate in an on-ground, in-person practicum. Therefore, in-person travel and temporary relocation to fieldwork practicum sites will likely be necessary. The MSGC program has affiliation agreements with fieldwork practicum sites across the country and will strive to work individually with each student to identify and secure rotation sites which make fieldwork placements accessible and affordable. These may be near the student’s place of residence, but this cannot be guaranteed, and students should plan to temporarily relocate at least once during the fieldwork practicums.
The ACGC Standards for Accreditation for genetic counseling require that students must obtain a minimum of 50 required participatory cases and must be with individuals being evaluated for risk of or affected by diverse genetic conditions across the lifespan (i.e. not research participants, not standardized patients). The 50 participatory cases must be supervised by an experienced ABGC, ABMGG, CAGC certified genetic counselor. The MSGC leadership team maintains affiliation agreements with local, regional, and national healthcare clinics and centers to support a diversity of Fieldwork Practicum opportunities for students.
The required participatory cases and supplementary fieldwork experiences are conducted across multiple specialties, including prenatal, pediatric, cancer, and other areas of genetic medicine and patient advocacy. Experiences also take place in clinics, laboratories, research, industry, and other related settings. Students will also gain experience with a variety of healthcare service delivery models including in-person, telemedicine, virtual/online, and group settings.
The Master of Science in Genetic Counseling (MSGC) program is a rigorous and comprehensive program that culminates in the completion of a Capstone Project. The Capstone demonstrates mastery of the knowledge and skills acquired throughout the program to identify a problem in either clinical practice, the health system, genetic counseling education, or the genetic counseling profession, and proposes a solution incorporating the principles of integrative whole person health aligned with Core Values of SCU.
Throughout the Capstone Project series, students will utilize and/or extend existing research to complete a final manuscript suitable for submission to a peer-reviewed journal, conference, or other publication. Students will work closely with experienced faculty mentors, a Capstone committee, and program leadership to engage in a structured process of proposal development, literature review, and scholarly writing.
As the MSGC Program Director, I am honored to lead a diverse community of graduate-level educators dedicated to shaping the future of genetic counseling. Our mission is to train competent, caring professionals and practitioners who will consider the physical, emotional, spiritual, and broader healthcare needs of the whole person and their families.
What Sets Us Apart?
Join Our Journey: Whether you’re a prospective student, a seasoned professional, or simply curious about the world of genetics, we invite you to explore our new MSGC program. Discover how you can be involved in creating the genetic counseling Practice of the Future.
Program Director, Master of Science in Genetic Counseling
Southern California University of Health Sciences
In this episode, we discuss the motivation behind moving from clinical genetic counseling to the medical insurance sector as well as the unique perspective and skills that genetic counselors bring to insurance companies.
The Master of Science in Genetic Counseling program has been officially approved by the Accreditation Council for Genetic Counseling as an Accredited, New Program. The ACGC is located at 1660 International Drive, Suite 600, McLean, VA 22102, www.gceducation.org. ACGC can be reached by phone at 703-506-7667.
SCU has received accreditation approval from the Western Association of Schools & Colleges (WASC) Senior Colleges and Universities Commission (WSCUC) to offer the Master of Science Degree in Genetic Counseling.
In recent years, more than half the states in the US have implemented licensure for genetic counselors, including California. Many more are in process. Licensure has resulted in a formalized regulatory structure for ensuring the protection of the public and quality of service, minimum qualifications are met, professional accountability and recourse, as well as for increasing access to qualified genetic counseling services in these states.
Graduates of SCU’s Master of Science in Genetic Counseling program will be eligible to sit for the American Board of Genetic Counseling (ABGC) certification exam administered twice per year. Certification, while not required everywhere, is one of the requirements to apply for a license in all states with licensing laws NSGC States Issuing Licenses for Genetic Counselors.
Each state’s defined regulatory body determines the requirements for Genetic Counseling licensure, and it is important to become familiar with the requirements for the state in which a graduate expects to become licensed and practice. Information regarding each state’s licensure process can be accessed through NSGC. In California, licensure is administered by the California Genetic Disease Screening Program GDSP.
Neither acceptance for admission into the program nor the subsequent earning of a Master of Science in Genetic Counseling degree guarantees that a state or a foreign country will grant a graduate a license to practice. Each state and foreign country, through its legislative and administrative process, defines the standards of competency and scope of practice of occupational therapy within its jurisdiction.
Please note that licensure requirements are always subject to change. Although SCU will confirm the licensure requirements on a routine basis, we strongly recommend that you inquire with the licensing agency to confirm that you understand and will meet the requirements for licensure before enrolling in your program of choice. Additionally, while progressing through the program, we recommend that you check licensing agency requirements regularly to monitor whether they have changed in a manner that impacts your licensure plans.
Applicants for the Master of Science in Genetic Counseling (MSGC) Program must meet the following admissions standards. Applicants who do not meet all standards may be admitted with the approval of the Program Director; exceptions are made on an individual basis.
Pre-Requisite Coursework for Admissions:
The results of the Match are released to applicants and programs. Following the release of Match results, unmatched applicants are permitted to seek positions, and programs are permitted to fill positions that remain available independently of the Match.
While the program has received ACGC approval for Candidacy and is accepting applications it has not yet received New Program Accreditation from ACGC.
The timeline is subject to change and one cohort is accepted per academic year (Fall matriculation).
Meet all admissions standards.
Gather the documents you need to apply.
Complete your SCU application and register online to participate in the MATCH.
The SCU MSGC program participates in and adheres to the policies set forth by the Genetic Counseling Admissions Match program (“the Match”) administered by the National Matching Services, Inc. (NMS). The purpose of “the Match” is to consider both the applicants’ and the programs’ preferences, and to place master’s level genetic counseling applicants into respective genetic counseling programs. For more information, please visit National Matching Services for Genetic Counseling.
The MSGC program admission standards do not allow advanced placement, transfer of credit, or credit for experiential learning.
The Genetic Counselor Education Association (GCEA) has established a waiver for the $100 fee associated with the NMS 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 an NMS number. Match fee waivers cannot be awarded to applicants who have already registered for the Match and paid the registration fee.
Applications for the match fee waiver are due by October 4, 2025. Applicants will be notified by October 30, 2025, as to whether they have received a waiver. There are a limited number of waivers, so not all applicants will receive a waiver. Instructions for how to register for the NMS match will be provided to those who receive a waiver.
Waivers are non-transferable to future match cycles or other prospective students. Prospective students who are applying for a match fee waiver will be required to write a short essay and upload at least one of the following documents demonstrating financial need:
To apply, click here
The Master of Science in Genetic Counseling may be conferred upon those who have fulfilled the following requirements:
Once the class is fully seated, information about additional requirements will be provided. These may include the following requirements which must be completed prior to matriculation.
*Any student that has resided or is currently residing in New York may be subject to additional fees for the criminal background check retrieval per state law of New York.
$69,000 in tuition to complete the program.*
SCU’s Fixed Rate Tuition Guarantee for degree programs allows you to plan your educational investment.
Benefits of our Fixed Tuition Guarantee:
If you would like to learn more about fixed rate tuition, please contact the Office of Financial Aid at FinancialAid@scuhs.edu.
You can also visit the Office of Financial Aid website to learn more about available scholarships, loans, and more.
*Tuition rate reflected above represents the fixed rate for a student entering during the 2024-2025 academic year. Tuition rates are subject to change and may not be reflected on this website or other SCU materials. Please contact us for the most updated information.
**Some limitations apply. View the Fixed Rate Tuition Guarantee page for more information.
| Term | Credits | Tuition* | Program Fees** |
EXXAT Fees | Background Check |
Petition to Graduate Fee** |
Total Term Cost*** |
| 1 | 12 | $13,800 | $100 | $263 | – | $14,163 | |
| 2 | 12 | $13,800 | $100 | – | $13,900 | ||
| 3 | 12 | $13,800 | $100 | – | $13,900 | ||
| 4 | 12 | $13,800 | $100 | – | $13,900 | ||
| 5 | 12 | $13,800 | $100 | $150 | $225 | $14,275 | |
| Totals | 60 | $69,000 | $500 | $263 | $150 | $225 | $70,138 |
*Tuition is charged at $1,150 per credit hour.
**Program fees listed are for the 2025/2026 academic year and are subject to change. Program fees include charges for technology, malpractice insurance, student health, professional affiliation, and ASB, and are charged every term that a student is enrolled.
** Books, supplies, and other equipment not included in this tuition and fee schedule may be required for this program.
***Fieldwork travel expenses are dependent on the location and duration at the clinical rotation site. The leadership team will work with students directly, starting in the first semester of the first year, to identify clinical rotation sites that are as convenient and cost-effective as possible for students.
SCU’s course structure has additional expenses students need to plan for outside of charges that come directly from the university. The SCU curricular model can have cost savings for students vs. the traditional fully on-campus mode.
A Guide to Graduate Programs in Genetic Counseling By Frankie Fann, MS, CGC Certified Genetic Counselor So, you want to apply to a genetic counseling graduate program? Congrats on discovering the amazing […]
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Pathway To Success: Becoming A Genetic Counselor By Jessica Shiles, MS, CGC Certified Genetic Counselor What is Genetic Counseling and Why It Might Be Your Dream CareerWell, “it’s complicated”, but generally, genetic […]
Navigating the National Matching Service for Genetic Counseling If you’re interested in applying to genetic counseling graduate programs this admissions cycle, you may want to become familiar with the National […]
Educational Journey: Genetic Counselor Schooling By: Tripti Paudyal, MS, CGC Certified Genetic Counselor Genetic counselors are an integral part of a healthcare team and serve as educators not only to patients but also […]
A Comprehensive Guide to Genetic Counseling Education Programs By Cory McHale, MS, CGC Certified Genetic Counselor Interested in pursuing a career in genetic counseling? Excellent. You’ve taken the first step! To set […]
Prenatal Genetic Counseling And What It Involves By: Matt Tschirgi, MS, CGC Certified Genetic Counselor Prenatal Genetic Counseling Prenatal genetic counseling is a crucial service provided to future or expecting […]
A Guide to Graduate Programs in Genetic Counseling By Frankie Fann, MS, CGC Certified Genetic Counselor So, you want to apply to a genetic counseling graduate program? Congrats on discovering the amazing […]
Exploring Salaries: Genetic Counselor Earnings By Michelle Jackson, MS, CGC Certified Genetic Counselor Genetic counselors have advanced training in medical genetics and counseling to guide and support patients seeking information about how inherited […]
Pathway To Success: Becoming A Genetic Counselor By Jessica Shiles, MS, CGC Certified Genetic Counselor What is Genetic Counseling and Why It Might Be Your Dream CareerWell, “it’s complicated”, but generally, genetic […]
Navigating the National Matching Service for Genetic Counseling If you’re interested in applying to genetic counseling graduate programs this admissions cycle, you may want to become familiar with the National […]
Educational Journey: Genetic Counselor Schooling By: Tripti Paudyal, MS, CGC Certified Genetic Counselor Genetic counselors are an integral part of a healthcare team and serve as educators not only to patients but also […]
A Comprehensive Guide to Genetic Counseling Education Programs By Cory McHale, MS, CGC Certified Genetic Counselor Interested in pursuing a career in genetic counseling? Excellent. You’ve taken the first step! To set […]
Prenatal Genetic Counseling And What It Involves By: Matt Tschirgi, MS, CGC Certified Genetic Counselor Prenatal Genetic Counseling Prenatal genetic counseling is a crucial service provided to future or expecting […]
Genetic counseling helps people understand and adapt to the medical, psychological, and familial implications of genetic contributions to disease. Genetic counselors can fill many unique and impactful roles across the ever-expanding healthcare field including:
Expected growth between 2020 and 20301
U.S. News & World Report Best Health Care Jobs2
National Society of Genetic Counselors Executive Report3
1 Based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics
2 US News Best Jobs
3 National Society of Genetic Counselors 2022 Professional Status Survey
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