UCLA Graduate Application opens early September
All applicants must meet UCLA-wide graduate minimum admissions requirements.
All applicants must also meet Degree-Specific Admissions Requirements:
Common undergraduate degrees include biology, psychology, biochemistry, and life sciences; however, candidates with other undergraduate degrees will be considered as long as they have completed the Required Coursework* prior to applying to the program:
Required Coursework (*AP courses are not counted toward program prerequisites)
* Biology (at least 1 semester/quarter)
* Biochemistry (at least 1 semester/quarter) [required topics (1) Structure and function of macromolecules (proteins, lipids carbohydrates, and nucleic acids); (2) Signal transduction and membrane transport; (3) Pathways involved in energy production and metabolism of glycogen, fatty acids, and amino acids]
* Genetics (at least 1 semester/quarter) [includes Mendelian genetics and molecular biology, required topics (1) Structure and function of DNA; (2) Amplification and sequencing of DNA; (3) Structure of the human genome; (4) Molecular mechanisms surrounding replication, recombination, and expression of genes and the genome]
* Psychology or Sociology (1 semester/quarter)
* Statistics or Biostatistics (1 semester/quarter)
Strongly Recommended Coursework
* Embryology
* Developmental Biology
* Anatomy
* Physiology
Experience. Demonstrate relevant experience in healthcare, teaching, counseling, and/or patient advocacy setting, preferably genetics-oriented.
Contributions to equity, diversity, and inclusion. Demonstrate (potential) contributions to equity, diversity, and inclusion in higher education and genetic counseling profession.
Note: In special circumstances, the GPA in the major for the last two years or the GPA for a graduate degree may be considered in lieu of the overall undergraduate GPA.
Match Registration. All applicants must register with the Genetic Counseling (GC) Admissions Match through National Matching Services (NMS).
The UCLA Genetic Counseling Program has two tracks for the 2021 Admissions cycle:
We anticipate that all students who match to the UCLA program will receive some financial assistance. For more information go to the Financial Assistance page.
IMPORTANT: For information about applying for a Match Fee Waiver for the 2021 GC Admissions Match, please click here.
You should apply for a fee waiver BEFORE registering for an NMS number. Fee waiver applications due by October 1, 2020. Fee waiver decision notifications on October 30, 2020.
Click here for the link to the Match Fee Waiver Application
Additional information about the NMS Match:
The GC Admissions Match has been established to enhance the process of placing applicants into positions in masters-level genetic counseling programs that are accredited by the Accreditation Council for Genetic Counseling (ACGC). The Match uses a process that takes into account both applicants’ and programs’ preferences. All applicants must first register for the Match with NMS before applying to participating genetic counseling graduate programs. At the conclusion of all program interviews, both applicants and programs will submit ranked lists of preferred placements to NMS according to deadlines posted on the NMS website. The binding results of the Match will be released to both applicants and programs simultaneously in late April. Please visit the NMS website to register for the match, review detailed information about the matching process, and to view a demonstration of how the matching algorithm works.
Please note: All applications are submitted through the UCLA GRADUATE DIVISION website.
Need some support with your UCLA Graduate application?
We are hosting a workshop series and drop-in hours to support you with your graduate application and answer any questions about our requirements for UCLA's Genetic Counseling Program!
Dates:
September 18, 2020 - October 23, 2020
GC Virtual Career Fair
Date: October 15, 2020
Want to learn more about UCLA's Genetic Counseling Graduate Program?
Join us at the virtual UC Davis Pre-Health Conference. Please visit the website below to learn more about registration.
Date: October 17, 2020
Application opens:
After labor day
Application deadline:
December 15, 2020
Admission limited to:
Fall
Estimated cost for 2 year program
California residents:
$67,867 (total)
Non-resident:
$92,357 (total)
To apply, click here. The GC program major code is 0389. The GRE code is 4837.
All applicants will complete the program application and submit the following required materials:
You will be asked to respond to one or more of the following prompts. To be considered for the Track B Fellowship and/or a Graduate Opportunity fellowship (GOFP), be sure to describe your contributions to diversity, equity, and inclusion. The University of California Diversity Statement can be found online.
Email address for electronic copy (preferred mode of delivery): gcprogram@mednet.ucla.edu
If you have questions about our application materials or requirements, please contact us here.
The M.S. in Genetic Counseling degree is a terminal degree and does not lead to a doctoral degree.
UCLA Master of Science in Genetic Counseling Program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Genetic Counseling (ACGC). Accreditation Council for Genetic Counseling, Inc. 7918 Jones Branch Drive, Suite 300, McLean, VA 22102. Telephone: (703) 506-7667.
