Master of Genetic Counseling degree
Dynamic learning experiences with diverse genetic counselors and patients.
Genetic counseling program
A message from Program Director Lindsay Bailey Payne, MS, CGC
Geisinger’s Master’s of Genetic Counseling immerses you in the field of genetic counseling in a healthcare system that values genetics and genomics integration into healthcare. Alongside an ever-growing team of genetic counselors and genetics professionals, you'll take part in expansive clinical and research opportunities.
The genetic counseling workforce has been consistently expanding and as more genetic counselors enter the workforce in traditional and non-traditional roles, our goal is to provide you with an education that allows you to pursue the genetic counseling career path of your choosing.
About us
The Master’s of Genetic Counseling program at Geisinger College of Health Sciences is a 21-month program in Scranton, Pa., designed to expose students to a wide breadth of experiences to foster their professional growth on the path to becoming a genetic counselor. Geisinger students receive didactic education through lectures and active learning modules. Hands-on experiences start in the first semester of training with simulated cases and fieldwork observations. Geisinger is a learning healthcare system that focuses on precision medicine with genetics at the forefront. Genetic counselor faculty have roles in clinic, research, laboratory, insurance and administration and are available for mentorship during your education.
Our mission
Our mission is to recruit and educate people who are passionate about the field of genetic counseling, recognize the importance of health equity, and who strive for excellence and innovation to better serve our community. As a leader in genetics, Geisinger aims to train thought leaders who can continue the integration of genetics knowledge and resources into our medical community and beyond.
Our goals
Promote the development of autonomous genetic counselors to provide leadership in the genomic era of medicine through enhanced education centered around precision medicine.
Promote the principles of diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice and their importance to healthcare providers, healthcare systems, and the communities that they serve.
Educate individuals on human and medical genetics, as well as psychosocial skills to utilize their comprehensive genetic counseling skill set to care for and educate the diverse needs and backgrounds of the communities that are served.
Prioritize hands-on clinical experience to promote classroom-based objectives and develop critical thinking practices applied in all areas of the profession.
Cutting-edge research
The MyCode Genomic Screening and Counseling program analyzes patient-provided DNA samples and shares health findings with patients and genetic counselors.
Genetic counseling program requirements
Applicants to the Master’s of Genetic Counseling must meet the following minimum requirements:
Prerequisites
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• A bachelor’s degree from a U.S. or Canadian accredited undergraduate college or university
• Statistics (minimum 3 credits)
• Behavioral science (psychology preferred but other social science accepted) (minimum 6 credits)
• Genetics (course with significant genetics exposure, for example: developmental genetics; genomics) (minimum 3 credits)
• Biochemistry (minimum 3 credits)
• 2 Additional upper-level science courses (i.e. biology, chemistry, embryology, anatomy, physiology)
Required experiences
Students should have experience observing and/or using skills relevant to counseling. Students are not required to have one specific experience or observation but should comment in their essay about how their experiences share relevance with their desire to pursue a career in genetic counseling (e.g., camp counselor, medical assistant, genetic counseling assistant, other counseling position).
Other relevant experiences
Related positions or volunteer work in healthcare, research, laboratory.
Required materials
Personal statement essay questions (located within the application); Minimum of 3 letters of recommendation (preferably 1 from undergraduate training and 1 from a healthcare professional that can comment on your skillset in a professional setting).
Tuition:
| Semester | Tuition Rate Per Credit | Credits | Additional fees |
| Fall 2025 | $1405 | 16 | $440 |
| Spring 2026 | $1405 | 15 | $440 |
| Summer 2026 | $1405 | 9 | $440 |
| Fall 2026 | $1435 | 16 | $453 |
| Spring 2027 | $1435 | 11 | $688 |
Fees are charged per semester and tuition changes each year. The costs shown are estimates and subject to change pending board approval.
The Master’s in Genetic Counseling has not yet been approved for federal financial aid. If the program is not approved for federal financial aid, students who enroll will not be eligible for federal loans. If the program is not approved for federal financial aid, enrolled students who decide not to matriculate into the program will qualify to receive a refund of any application or similar fees paid to the College.
- Board exam pass rate – not yet available
- Attrition rate – not yet available
- Job placement rate – not yet available
- Accreditation status – new program accreditation through ACGC.
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