Explore Research Innovation at the David Geffen School of Medicine
Postdoctoral Education
Continuing Education
The 2016 Professional Status Survey of the National Society of Genetic Counselors reported that 67% of respondents authored a publication during the period 1/01/2014 – 12/31/2015, with 45.5% of that group reporting an abstract/poster and 25.5% of that group reporting a peer-reviewed article on original research. In addition, 31.2% of respondents reported participating in at least one professional research activity, including writing/developing IRB approved research protocols, writing/contributing to grant proposals which were funded, and serving as a consultant or subcontractor on a funded research grant (6.1%) . Clearly, there is a non-trivial percentage of genetic counselors involved in professional research activities including original research, indicating one of the many career opportunities available to genetic counselors.
In light of the benefits of participating in professional research activities, each genetic counseling student in our program will be required to complete an individual Master’s Research Project as a requirement of graduation from the program (Plan II capstone: individual research project). The research project should demonstrate the student’s ability to address a research question relevant to the discipline and practice of genetic counseling. The purpose of the Master’s Research Project is for students to gain experience in research methods, gain experience with institutional requirements for research, including the IRB approval process, evidence-based approaches to problem solving, professional writing, and self-directed learning to increase their professional growth.
Application deadline:February 1, 2020 Admission limited to:Fall applications
California residents:$65,886 Non-resident:$77,951
Estimated for the class of 2022, for a 2 year program assuming residency in second year. Costs subject to change. To see an official tutition and fee breakdown, please visit the Registrar's Office →
Financial Aid Information
Students will be expected to formally write up their Master’s Research Project in a publishable paper format, present the project at a Colloquium that will occur shortly before graduation, and to submit an abstract to a professional meeting such as the annual meeting of the National Society for Genetic Counselors for presentation when possible. Students will be encouraged to submit their papers for publication in a peer-reviewed journal.
Two research methods courses in the first year allow students to talk through ideas and study designs. By the end of Year 1 Spring quarter, a Master’s Project Committee will be constituted for each student, and each student should ideally choose a topic by this time. The Committee will have a chair (the student’s project advisor) and at least two other faculty members appointed by the department. Including a genetic counselor as an additional member (if the genetic counselor does not fulfill other Committee member criteria) is highly encouraged. At least one committee member must be a member of the Department of Human Genetics. The Committee approves all topics and encourages creativity in the selection of the project. The faculty expects each Master’s Research Project will add to the body of knowledge in the genetic counseling field. The Committee will supervise the preparation of the project and will meet with the student regularly (no less than once per quarter) to review progress. The research project must be approved by the committee.
In addition, the Program Director and Associate Program Director will:
