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Department of Human Genetics

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Department of Human Genetics

Program

Program

Program

  • Admission
  • Admissions Timeline
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  • FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
  • Admission
  • Admissions Timeline
  • Curriculum
  • Field Work
  • Research
  • Tuition and Fees
  • FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
  1. Home
  2. Human Genetics
  3. Training & Education
  4. Genetic Counseling Program
  5. Program
  6. Admission

Admission

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Application Requirements for Fall 2021 Admission

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:

  • Track A Fellowship (partial tuition: merit) + other financial assistance opportunities
  • Track B Fellowship (partial tuition: merit & Equity Diversity and Inclusion) + other financial assistance opportunities

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.


Application Process

Please note: All applications are submitted through the UCLA GRADUATE DIVISION website.

Future Events

Application Workshops

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

Click Here to Register

Western States Regional Genetics Network

GC Virtual Career Fair
Date: October 15, 2020

Click Here to Register

UC Davis Pre-Health Conference

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

Click Here to Register

Key Information

Key Dates

Application opens:
After labor day
Application deadline:
December 15, 2020
Admission limited to:
Fall

Fees & Tuition

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.

Click Here for Details

Financial Aid Information

All applicants will complete the program application and submit the following required materials:

  • Resume (CV): The CV should include your NMS number, information that documents your genetic counseling experience, other counseling experience, exposure to patients in clinical settings, research experience, leadership experience, exposure to individuals with disability, publications or abstracts, a list of your specific courses which meet our prerequisites, the institutions at which they were taken, and your grades in each relevant course. If you have or will be taking Credit/No Credit grading options during the pandemic, please document an explanation on your application (CV/Resume) any grades that were taken Credit/No Credit i.e., your institution required Credit/No Credit or individual circumstances. Also include what is the minimum letter grade for Credit, i.e., C: pass. *Please upload your Resume/CV on the Supporting Documents section of the application.
  • Statement of Purpose that integrates a description of how your experiences align with the program's specific focus/goals. This is the Statement of Purpose in the Graduate Division Application Submission Portal. 500 words, ~1 page single-spaced or 2 pages double-spaced. Elements that you can consider addressing in this essay include:
  • What is your purpose in applying for graduate study in genetic counseling? Describe your area(s) of interest, including any subfield(s) or interdisciplinary interests.
  • What experiences have prepared you for advanced study in the genetic counseling graduate program? What relevant skills have you gained from these experiences? Have your experiences led to specific or tangible outcomes that would support your potential to contribute to this field?
  • What additional information about your past experience may aid the selection committee in evaluating your preparation and aptitude for graduate study at UCLA? For example, you may wish to describe research, employment, teaching, service, artistic or international experiences through which you have developed skills in leadership, communication, project management, teamwork, or other areas.
  • Why is the UCLA genetic counseling graduate program the best place for you to pursue your academic and professional goals?
  • What are your plans for your career after earning this degree?
  • Personal Statement: This essay is an opportunity for you to provide additional information that may aid the selection committee in evaluating your preparation and aptitude for graduate study at UCLA. It will also be used to consider candidates for the Track B Fellowship and the Graduate Opportunity fellowships (GOFP). This is the Personal Statement in the Graduate Division Application Submission Portal. 500 words, ~1 page single-spaced or 2 pages double-spaced.

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.

      • Are there educational, personal, cultural, economic, or social experiences, not described in your Statement of Purpose, that have shaped your academic and professional journey? If so, how? Have any of these experiences provided unique perspective(s) that you would contribute to your program, field or profession?
      • Describe challenge(s) or barriers that you have faced in your pursuit of higher education. What motivated you to persist, and how did you overcome them? What is the evidence of your persistence, progress or success?
      • How have your life experiences and educational background informed your understanding of the barriers facing groups that are underrepresented in higher education?
      • How have you been actively engaged (e.g., through participation, employment, service, teaching or other activities) in programs or activities focused on increasing participation by groups that have been historically underrepresented in higher education?
      • How do you intend to engage in scholarly discourse, research, teaching, creative efforts, and/or community engagement during your graduate program that have the potential to advance diversity and equal opportunity in higher education?
      • --How do you see yourself contributing to diversity in the genetic counseling profession after you earn your advanced degree at UCLA?
    • Official transcripts of all university coursework.

Email address for electronic copy (preferred mode of delivery): gcprogram@mednet.ucla.edu

Mailing address for hard copy:
Genetic Counseling Graduate Program at UCLA
6506 Gonda Center
Box 957088
Los Angeles, CA 90095-7088

*Please submit all official transcripts to us by the December 15 deadline.
    • 3 Letters of Recommendation, a 4th letter is optional. Letters of recommendation should come from individuals competent to evaluate qualifications for pursuit of graduate study and a genetic counseling career.
    • Optional: Graduate Record Examination (GRE) General Test scores from the Verbal, Quantitative, and Analytic sections. GRE institution code for UCLA is 4837, GC major code is 0389.  Students who wish to apply for admission to our graduate program for the 2021-2022 academic year are not required to take the GRE or submit a GRE score report as part of their application package.  However, students may voluntarily submit GRE test scores and they will be reviewed as part of the holistic application consideration.  The applications with GRE scores will not be given greater weight than those that do not include scores.

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.

Accreditation Information

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.

NOTICE TO ALL STUDENTS

Please see UCOP updates regarding your professional licensure and certification →

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