Master of Science in Genetic Counseling (MSGC) Program – Course Descriptions

GNC 403: Embryology & Reproductive Genetics (3 credits)

Course Director: Diana Bailey, MS, CGC

Semester: Fall – 1st year

This course covers normal and abnormal human embryology and the influence of genetic disorders and teratogens. It also addresses common indications for prenatal genetic counseling and 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)

Course Director: Audrey Schroeder, MS, CGC

Semester: Fall – 1st year

This course explores the genetic counseling profession from historical and contemporary perspectives and supports development of skills necessary for management of genetic counseling cases. Students gain skills in pedigree construction and analysis, client education, and psychosocial counseling to support client well-being, informed decision making, and adaptation to risk or genetic conditions. Students also examine genetic counselors’ roles in conducting research and in projects aimed at improving diversity, equity, and inclusion within the profession.

GNC 410: Genetics Bioethics (2 credits)

Course Director: Stephanie Laniewski, MS, CGC

Semester: Fall – 1st year

This course provides a historical, theoretical, and practical approach to biomedical ethics as it relates to human genetics. Sessions are part didactic and mostly seminar discussion-based, using case examples and problem solving. Students explore multiple perspectives on bioethics challenges in genetics and develop fluency in recognizing and discussing issues as they arise in clinical practice and research, grounded in solid theoretical frameworks.

GNC 470: Genetic Counseling Research – Data Collection and Analysis Methodologies (3 credits)

Course Director: Kimberly Fluet, PhD

Semester: Fall – 1st year

This course explores genetic counseling research methodologies through didactic and applied learning experiences. It supports development of understandings needed to evaluate published research findings and skills needed to collect and analyze quantitative and qualitative data. Students develop skills in interpreting and critiquing published results, data set cleaning, conducting descriptive statistics, selecting and performing appropriate statistical tests, understanding domains of qualitative research, developing codes, categories, and themes, navigating the IRB process, and communicating research results.

GNC 520: Molecules to Cells (MTC) (8 credits)

Course: University of Rochester Medical Education course

Course Director: Chin-To Fong, MD

Semester: Spring – 1st year (off-calendar, early January–early March)

This nine-week course provides foundations in biochemistry, genetics, and cell biology through lectures, problem-based learning cases, and large group patient encounters. Content is organized into seven theme blocks: biochemical basics and systems integration; intermediary metabolism; molecular genetics and cell biology; cell growth control, development, cancer and aging; medical genetics; genetic–environmental interactions; and nutrition. Assessment is through multiple-choice examinations and problem-based learning performance.

GNC 497: Genetic Counseling in Clinical Practice (2 credits)

Course Director: Emily Calamaro, MGC, CGC

Semester: Spring – 1st year

This course further develops skills used in everyday clinical genetic counseling practice. Through discussion-based seminars and case-based activities, students gain an in-depth understanding of case management and related counseling skills, along with an appreciation of genetic counselors’ roles in the broader health care system. Emphasis is on clinical case management planning, including case preparation, documentation, patient communication, and follow-up. Students also advance pedigree assessment skills and learn to identify and use resources and databases for direct patient care, genetic testing, research involvement, and patient and family support.

GNC 447: Client-Centered Genetic Counseling (2 credits)

Course Director: Jessica Salamone, ScM, CGC

Semester: Spring – 1st year

This course provides a framework for psychosocial assessment and client-centered counseling, aligned with the National Society of Genetic Counselors’ definition of genetic counseling. A range of counseling abilities and skills are reinforced through case-based and discussion-based learning to promote informed choices and support adaptation to genetic risk or conditions.

GNC 465: Medical Genetics by Subspecialty (4 credits)

Course Director: Audrey Schroeder, MS, CGC

Semester: Summer (ends late July)

Students expand their knowledge of medical genetics and genetic disorders through subspecialty blocks in cancer, neurology, ocular, and cardiology genetics. Faculty experienced in these areas present content on genetic evaluation and diagnostic processes, groups of genetic disorders, and the natural history, management, and treatment of select conditions.

GNC 491/492/493: Thesis I/II/III (6 credits total)

Thesis Advisor: Faculty member aligned with student’s project

Semesters: Summer (GNC 491), Fall 2nd year (GNC 492), Spring 2nd year (GNC 493)

Students develop and conduct an independent master’s research project on a topic of interest that contributes knowledge to the genetic counseling field. Work culminates in a final written report (dissertation paper and/or manuscript in journal format) and a final oral examination.

GNC 501/502/503/504/505: Clinical Rotation/Fieldwork I–V (15 credits total)

Fieldwork Coordinator: Emily Calamaro, MGC, CGC

Semesters: Summer (11-week rotation), Fall 2nd year (two 8-week rotations), Spring 2nd year (two 8-week rotations)

Students participate in immersive clinical rotation and fieldwork experiences across a variety of genetic specialties, clinical settings, and service delivery models. As they progress, students develop competencies required for successful practice as genetic counselors. Competencies are evaluated through participation in cases, case-related activities, and assessments. Students meet or exceed the Accreditation Council for Genetic Counseling (ACGC) requirement of at least 50 participatory cases.

Core rotations (all students):

• Pediatric Genetics
• Reproductive (Prenatal) Genetics
• Cancer Genetics

Elective rotations (choose at least two):

• Ocular Genetics
• Adult Medical Genetics (includes Cardiogenetics)
• Neurology/Neuromuscular Genetics
• Industry/Laboratory (etc., per full elective list)

GNC 467: Professional Issues in Genetic Counseling (2 credits)

Course Director: Alexandra Hubbel, MS, CGC

Semester: Fall – 2nd year

This course examines current and emerging roles, opportunities, and service delivery models in genetic counseling. Topics include billing and reimbursement, professional licensure and policy, self-care, and goal setting at both individual and profession-wide levels to advance equitable genetic services.

GNC 494: Special Topics in Clinical Genetics (1 credit)

Course Directors: Kelly Minks, MS, CGC; Jordan Bontrager, MS, CGC

Semester: Fall – 2nd year

Students examine emerging and thought-provoking topics that impact genetic counseling clinical practice. Each week introduces a new topic for critical review and discussion of relevant literature. Topics range from ethical, legal, and social issues to evolving areas of genetic and genomic testing, technology, and practice.

NSG 429: Diversity and Equity in Health Care (3 credits)

Course Director: Rebecca Red Wolf, EdD

Semester: Fall – 2nd year

This course helps students explore and appreciate the complexities of diversity and examine individual, systemic, and institutional manifestations of oppression that exacerbate disparities in care. Activities focus on developing fluency about diversity and equity-minded practices that mitigate barriers to race-conscious, culturally relevant care, and improve patient–provider and provider–provider communication.

GNC 511/512: Genetic Counseling Case Seminar I & II (1 credit each)

Course Director: Lindsay Adamczak, MS, CGC

Semesters: Fall 2nd year (GNC 511); Spring 2nd year (GNC 512)

This weekly seminar provides a forum for students to discuss and process real cases from their clinical rotations. Second-year students select challenging cases to present to peers and faculty for discussion and role play, applying a variety of counseling skills and techniques. First-year students attend as a required supplemental, non-credit-bearing activity.

GNC 500: Biopsychosocial Family Experiences with Genetic Conditions (3 credits)

Course Director: Jenny Speice, PhD

Semester: Spring – 2nd year

This course builds upon psychosocial and counseling skills through in-depth assessment of how patients and families adapt to genetic risks and disease. Case-based learning and small group discussions help students assess biopsychosocial needs, relational dynamics, and apply advanced counseling skills in a culturally attuned manner. Topics include family decision making, communication patterns, coping, grieving, problem solving, and the intersection of genetic conditions with the family life cycle. Students also reflect on how their own experiences influence encounters with patients and families.

Last updated: July 22, 2025.