Genetic Counseling

Thank you for your interest in the Master of Science Program in Genetic Counseling at Boston University School of Medicine. Our focus is to provide students with the appropriate knowledge, experience, and mentoring to become competent, sensitive, and motivated genetic counselors. This will be accomplished through a variety of educational experiences including course work, clinical training, research project preparation, and supplementary activities such as case conferences, grand rounds, journal clubs, and seminars. Located in the heart of Boston, the Genetic Counseling Program at Boston University will provide a dynamic and enriching environment for genetic counseling students. We have recently received Provisional Accreditation as a new program from the American Board of Genetic Counseling. Therefore, our graduates will be eligible to take the national board certification exams.

Boston University’s medical school and teaching hospital offer access to tremendous resources for clinical experience and laboratory genetic services, making this the first program of its kind to be located within an academic medical center in New England. This program will also have the unique appeal of including courses in the Mental Health and Behavioral Medicine Program and the Medical Sciences Program. In addition, elective courses will be available through several other departments, including Psychology, Sociology, Biology, and Philosophy, as well as the School of Public Health, School of Social Work, and School of Law. In the near future, we hope to offer a three-year dual degree with the Mental Health and Behavioral Medicine Program for students interested in both genetic counseling and mental health counseling.

The Human Genome Project and related advancements have led to an increasing demand for genetic expertise in a variety of medical specialties. Over the past ten years, the number of genetic counselors working in New England has doubled, with over 50 genetic counselors currently working in the greater-Boston area alone. In addition to the traditional clinical settings of prenatal, pediatric, adult, and cancer genetics, many genetic counselors are entering the field through clinical laboratories, research, and industry. As Boston’s biotechnology sector continues to expand, more companies will be specifically recruiting individuals with advanced degrees in genetic counseling. Recent statistics suggest that the number of students graduating with a degree in genetic counseling is less than the number of genetic counseling positions available in the workforce, with over 90% of graduates having secured a position within three months of graduation. Therefore, this new graduate program will enable Boston University to help fill a nationwide gap in the provision of genetic counseling services.