Master of Science in Genetic Counseling (MSGC) Program Course Descriptions
Master of Science in Genetic Counseling (MSGC) Program Course Descriptions
GNC 420: Foundations in Medical Genetics (4 credits)
Through exploration of the human genome and genetic variation, together with select genetic disorders, students will build a foundation essential for practice in the field of Medical Genetics. This course facilitates in-depth understanding of multiple fundamental concepts including, but not limited to, organization of the human genome, gene expression, genetic variations causing disease and disease risk, genetic testing methodologies, and the clinical genetics approach to diagnosis and management. Concepts will be reinforced throughout the course as students learn about a range of genetic disorders.
GNC 403: Embryology & Reproductive Genetics (3 credits)
This course covers normal and abnormal human embryology and the influence of genetic disorders and teratogens. This course will also cover the common indications for prenatal genetic counseling and the available prenatal diagnostic and screening techniques. Topics include congenital birth defects, teratology, prenatal screening tests, prenatal diagnostic tests, preimplantation genetic testing, infertility, carrier testing, and fetal care coordination.
GNC 430: Foundations of Genetic Counseling (2 credits)
This course explores the genetic counseling profession from a historical and modern perspective, and supports development of skills necessary for management of genetic counseling cases. Students will gain skills in pedigree construction and analysis, client education, and psychosocial counseling that support client well-being, informed decision-making, and adaptation to risk or genetic conditions. Additionally, students will explore genetic counselors’ roles in conducting research, and participation in projects and efforts aimed at improving diversity, equity, and inclusion within the genetic counseling profession.
GNC 410: Genetics Bioethics (2 credits)
This course provides students with a historical, theoretical, and practical approach to biomedical ethics as it relates to the field of human genetics. Sessions will be part didactic and mostly seminar discussion-based, using case examples and problem solving. Students will be encouraged to explore all sides of the bioethics challenges in genetics so as to develop fluency in their ability to recognize and discuss issues as they arise in clinical practice and research settings, with a solid theoretical background for their considerations and practice.
GNC 470: Genetic Counseling Research: Data Collection and Analysis Methodologies (3 credits)
This course explores genetic counseling research methodologies through didactic and applied learning experiences and supports development of understandings necessary to evaluate published research findings and skills necessary to collect and analyze quantitative and qualitative data. Students will gain skills in interpreting and critiquing published statistical and qualitative results, data set cleaning, conducting descriptive statistics, determining and conducting appropriate statistical tests for different data types, the domains of qualitative research, the processes and procedures of code, category and theme development, the IRB process, and communication of research results.
GNC 497: Genetic Counseling in Clinical Practice (2 credits)
This genetic counseling course further builds upon skills that are utilized in everyday clinical genetic counseling practice. Through participation in a variety of discussion-based seminars and case-based activities, students will develop an in-depth understanding of case management and related counseling skills, and an appreciation of genetic counselors’ roles within the greater healthcare system. This course emphasizes development of clinical case management plans including case preparation, clinical documentation, patient communication, and follow-up. In addition to advancing pedigree assessment skills, students will learn how to identify and utilize a wide range of resources and databases necessary for direct patient care, facilitation and interpretation of genetic testing, research study involvement, and patient and family support.
GNC 447: Client-Centered Genetic Counseling (2 credits)
The National Society of Genetic Counselors’ definition of genetic counseling includes “the process of helping people understand and adapt to the medical, psychological and familial implications of genetic contributions to disease.” A critical component of this is “counseling to promote informed choices and adaptation to the risk or condition.” This course provides students with the framework for psychosocial assessment and client-centered counseling. A range of counseling abilities and skills are reinforced through case-based and discussion-based learning.
GNC 450: Genetic Counseling in Pediatric Genetics (1 credit)
In this course, students will continue to expand upon their knowledge of medical genetics and genetic disorders through exploration of genetic counseling in the Pediatric Genetics setting. This will include information about the genetic evaluation and diagnostic process within Pediatric Genetics, different groups of genetic disorders that are evaluated for, and the etiology, clinical features, natural history, management, and treatment of select genetic disorders. Students will develop understanding of both common and rare indications for genetic counseling and evaluation within this clinical setting, appropriate genetic testing, and how to integrate family history, clinical information, and laboratory data into risk assessment. Lectures, in-class discussions, and case-based activities enable students to further develop and practice key concepts and skills.
GNC 451: Genetic Counseling in Cardiogenetics (1 credit)
In this course, students will continue to expand upon their knowledge of medical genetics and genetic disorders through exploration of genetic counseling in the cardio-genetics subspecialty. This will include information about the genetic evaluation and diagnostic process within cardio-genetics including different groups of genetic disorders that are evaluated for, and the etiology, clinical features, natural history, management, and treatment of select genetic disorders. Students will develop understanding of both common and rare indications for genetic counseling and evaluation within a cardio-genetics clinic, appropriate genetic testing, and how to integrate family history, clinical information, and laboratory data into risk assessment. Lectures, in-class discussions, and case-based activities enable students to further develop and practice key concepts and skills.
GNC 471: Applied Laboratory Genomics: Testing and Variant Interpretation (1 credit)
Course description forthcoming.
GNC 452: Genetic Counseling in Cancer Genetics (2 credits)
In this course, students will continue to expand upon their knowledge of medical genetics and genetic disorders through exploration of genetic counseling in the Cancer Genetics setting. This will include information about the genetic evaluation and diagnostic process within Cancer Genetics, different groups of genetic disorders that are evaluated for, and the etiology, clinical features, natural history, management, and treatment of select genetic disorders. Students will develop understanding of both common and rare indications for genetic counseling and evaluation within this clinical setting, appropriate genetic testing, and how to integrate family history, clinical information, and laboratory data into risk assessment. Lectures, in-class discussions, and case-based activities enable students to further develop and practice key concepts and skills.
GNC 453: Genetic Counseling in Neurogenetics (1 credit)
In this course, students will continue to expand upon their knowledge of medical genetics and genetic disorders through exploration of genetic counseling in the Neurogenetics setting. This will include information about the genetic evaluation and diagnostic process within Neurology, different groups of genetic disorders that are evaluated for, and the etiology, clinical features, natural history, management, and treatment of select genetic disorders. Students will develop understanding of both common and rare indications for genetic counseling and evaluation within this clinical setting, appropriate genetic testing, and how to integrate family history, clinical information, and laboratory data into risk assessment. Lectures, in-class discussions, and case-based activities enable students to further develop and practice key concepts and skills.
GNC 454: Genetic Counseling in Ocular Genetics (1 credit)
In this course, students will continue to expand upon their knowledge of medical genetics and genetic disorders through exploration of genetic counseling in the Ocular Genetics setting. This will include information about the genetic evaluation and diagnostic process within Ocular Genetics, different groups of genetic disorders that are evaluated for, and the etiology, clinical features, natural history, management, and treatment of select genetic disorders. Students will develop understanding of both common and rare indications for genetic counseling and evaluation within this clinical setting, appropriate genetic testing, and how to integrate family history, clinical information, and laboratory data into risk assessment. Lectures, in-class discussions, and case-based activities enable students to further develop and practice key concepts and skills.
GNC 460: Inborn Errors of Metabolism (2 credits)
In this course, students will continue to expand upon their knowledge of medical genetics and genetic disorders, specifically in the context of inborn errors of metabolism (IEM). Key principles of metabolic genetics will be introduced including normal biochemical pathways and biochemical basis of inborn errors of metabolism, accumulation of toxic substrates and/or deficiency of essential products, and the role of targeted dietary and pharmacologic interventions in management of IEM. The course will explore newborn screening, genetic evaluation and diagnostic process, etiology, clinical features, natural history, management, and treatment of a variety of inborn errors of metabolism. Categories of disorders that are covered in this class include, but are not limited to: urea cycle disorders, organic acidemias, fatty acid oxidation disorders, carbohydrate metabolism defects, amino acid disorders, lysosomal storage disorders, mitochondrial disorders, peroxisomal disorders, and inherited disorders of vitamin metabolism. Lectures and case-based activities enable students to further develop and practice key concepts and skills.
GNC 491/492/493: Thesis I/II/III (6 credits total)
Thesis Advisor: The thesis advisor will be a faculty member, determined on a case-by-case basis. Typically, students will work with an advisor whose clinical, research, and/or educational interests align with the master’s research project topic. Students will develop and conduct an independent master’s research project on a topic of interest to them, and which will contribute knowledge to the genetic counseling field. This work culminates in the writing of a final written dissertation and the passing of an oral examination on the dissertation.
GNC 501/502/503/504/505: Clinical Rotation/Fieldwork I/II/III/IV/V (15 credits total)
Semesters: Summer (11-week rotation, ends late July), Fall 2nd year (two 8-week rotations), Spring 2nd year (two 8-week rotations).
Students will participate in immersive clinical rotation/fieldwork experiences that provide them with exposure to a variety of genetic specialties, clinical settings, and service delivery models. As students progress through a rotation, and from one rotation to the next, they will develop competencies as required for successful practice as a genetic counselor. Student achievement of competencies will be evaluated as students participate in a variety of cases, case-related activities, and evaluations. Through participation in these rotation/fieldwork experiences, students will meet or exceed the Accreditation Council for Genetic Counseling requirement of accruing at least 50 participatory cases.
Each student is expected to complete five clinical rotation/fieldwork experiences (Placements I–V) in order to complete the MSGC program, for a total of 15 credit hours.
Each student will have all three core rotations in:
- Pediatric Genetics
- Reproductive (Prenatal) Genetics
- Cancer Genetics
Each student is also required to have two of the following elective rotations:
- Ocular Genetics
- Adult Medical Genetics
- Cardiogenetics
- Neurology/Neuromuscular Genetics
- Industry/Lab
GNC 467: Professional Issues in Genetic Counseling (2 credits)
This course explores current and emerging roles, opportunities, and service delivery models in genetic counseling. A wide range of additional professional issues are also addressed such as billing and reimbursement, professional licensure and other policy topics, self-care, and setting goals on both an individual basis and more broadly to advance the genetic counseling profession and its capability to provide equitable genetic services.
GNC 494: Special Topics in Clinical Genetics (1 credit)
Throughout this course, students will examine a number of emerging and thought-provoking topics that impact genetic counseling clinical practice. As a new topic is introduced each week, students will critically assess relevant articles and participate in discussion-based seminars. Students will gain deeper understanding of these issues, and ways in which to incorporate genetic, genomic, medical, scientific, and social science literature into evidence-based practice. A variety of topics will be explored, ranging from ethical, legal, and social issues, to emerging areas of genetic/genomic testing, technology, and genetic counseling practice.
GNC 461: Identity-Conscious Inclusion in Genetic Counseling (2 credits)
This course provides students with space and tools to bolster identity-conscious reflection and action, including consideration of one’s own intersectionality as well as the interplay of self-identity within a patient session, community, medical system, and society. Concepts of community engagement, critical race theory, power imbalance, inclusion, and self- and collective-care will be introduced. The course utilizes scholarly articles, books, podcast episodes, videos, poems, and worksheets to explore students’ multifaceted identities and to gain awareness of marginalized perspectives within the medical system (mainly within the United States). Students are encouraged to reflect and communicate courageously with a collective intention to promote inclusivity within the field of genetic counseling.
GNC 511: Genetic Counseling Case Seminar I (1 credit)
GNC 512: Genetic Counseling Case Seminar II (1 credit)
This weekly seminar will provide Master of Science Genetic Counseling Program students an additional forum to discuss and process real cases from their clinical rotations. Second-year students will choose cases from their clinical rotations that challenged them or stretched their skills, and present these to fellow students and program faculty for discussion. Through participation in discussions and role plays, students will identify and apply a variety of different counseling skills and techniques.
GNC 500: Biopsychosocial Family Experiences with Genetic Conditions (3 credits)
This course builds upon psychosocial and counseling skills through in-depth assessment of patients and families adapting to genetic risks and genetic disease. Case-based learning and small group discussions enable students to further develop their ability to assess clients’ biopsychosocial needs including relational dynamics and apply advanced patient and family counseling skills in a culturally attuned manner. Topics include family decision-making, communication patterns, coping, grieving, problem-solving, and the intersection of the genetic condition with the family lifecycle. Students are also invited to examine how their own personal experiences influence their encounters with patients and families.