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Genetic Counseling (M.S.)

Kean University's Genetic Counseling Graduate Program was granted ACCREDITED NEW PROGRAM STATUS by the Accreditation Council for Genetic Counseling (ACGC) in 2019.

Genetic counselors work at the intersection of science and clinical practice, advancing new treatments and providing compassionate patient care. They acquire and utilize a diverse skill set, connecting various disciplines. The profession also provides opportunities to participate in research, advance medical science and pioneer new diagnostic procedures.

Individuals and families are referred for genetic counseling to evaluate their personal and family medical history. Graduates work in a range of specialties including: prenatal, pediatrics, oncology, endocrinology, cardiology and neurology. Genetic counseling professionals are in demand both in industry and in clinical settings, working in hospitals, doctor's offices,  laboratories, research, insurance and many other areas of health care.  
 

Admission Requirements

Mission & Objectives

Diversity

Faculty and Staff

Our Students

Program Information

Resources

Jill Fischer

Committed, experienced faculty provide Kean Genetic Counseling students with a solid foundation for success.

What You Learn

The Master's of Science in Genetic Counseling is a 65-credit program with three main areas of focus: coursework, research and clinical experience. The curriculum includes core coursework in science, counseling and ethics, as well as courses in bioinformatics and translational medicine. Courses in research design and execution prepare students to complete original research, culminating in their master's of science thesis.

Clinical and observational experiences expose students to a variety of practice areas including: preconception, prenatal care, pediatric and adult genetics, cancer, cardiology, infertility and assisted reproductive technologies, public health, laboratories and industry. Upon completion of the program, the graduate will have acquired the ACGC Practice-Based Competencies. Graduates are prepared to sit for the national certification examination.

If you have admissions questions, contact Graduate Admissions at gradadmissions@kean.edu or (908) 737-4723.

Program Information

M.S. in Genetic Counseling

For more information contact:

Jill M. Fischer, M.S., C.G.C.
Director, Department of Genetic Counseling
Phone: (908) 737-6159
Email: jfischer@kean.edu
Location: NAAB-215

Clock tower through view of flowers

I think of genetic counseling as a skill set, combining medical knowledge, an understanding of complex science and the ability to communicate such. If we think about our profession as this skill set, there are no boundaries limiting what we as genetic counselors can do.

Jill Fischer, MS, CGC
Director, Department of Genetic Counseling
Jill Fischer Genetic Counseling Graduate Program

Cougars Climb Higher

At Kean, we believe learning and professional growth extend far beyond the walls of our classrooms. That's why we encourage you to take advantage of a variety of research opportunities, internships and more that we offer to advance your career and set the stage for continued success.

Group Summer Research Program

Group Summer Scholars Research Program (GSSRP)

This six-week research experience pairs high school students with a faculty mentor to conduct scientific research
Kelly Bachovchin STEM student

Research First Initiative

Freshman honors students choose a research track, join a faculty-led research team and conduct real-world experimental research as part of their STEM education.
Institute for Life Science Entrepreneurship student

The Institute for Life Science Entrepreneurship

An incubator and accelerator for regional startup biotechnology companies doubles as a powerhouse for Kean students looking to launch biotech careers.

29%

growth in jobs by 2026

87%

of graduates accepted a job offer prior to graduation

$102,028

average earnings for Genetic Counselors

Accreditation

The Kean University Master's program in Genetic Counseling is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Genetic Counseling (ACGC). 


Accreditation Council for Genetic Counseling
7918 Jones Branch Drive
Suite 300, McLean, VA 22102 USA
(703) 506-7667
www.gceducation.org

 

 

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