Prerequisites
The courses and experiential work below are considered prerequisites for students applying for a master's degree in Genetic Counseling at UT Southwestern.
Questions? Please UTSWGCP@utsouthwestern.edu us.
Coursework
Below is a list of prerequisite courses students must complete with a grade of “C” or higher before starting the program. Courses must have been taken within the last ten years.
Advanced Placement (AP) courses will be considered if the course title and credit hours are listed on a college/university transcript and are equivalent to the prerequisite requirements. Applicants may be asked to provide a course description for the Admissions Committee to determine if the course will be accepted.
Minimum Required Courses
- Biochemistry I
- General Biology
- General Chemistry
- General or Human Genetics
- Psychology
- Statistics
Classes may be in progress at the time of application submission. Please send a copy of your official transcript as soon as final grades are available.
Additional Recommended Courses
- Anatomy
- Biochemistry II
- Calculus
- Embryology/Developmental Biology
- Laboratory Courses
- Molecular/Cellular Biology
- Research Experiences
Additional Requirements
Understanding of the Profession
Successful applicants should demonstrate a strong understanding of the genetic counseling profession. This knowledge can be gained through many different experiences, including shadowing/interning with genetic counselors, speaking with genetic counselors through informational interviews, listening to webinars, podcasts, reading blogs, or social media interactions.
Relatable Skills
Successful applicants should have skills or experiences that relate to genetic counseling. This can include counseling experience (e.g., crisis counseling, peer counseling), advocacy work, volunteer experiences (e.g., Special Olympics, participating at camps for children with disabilities), internships, or paid work experiences.