College
- Center City Campus
- College of Life Sciences
Degree Earned
- Master of Science
Program Length
21 months
Program Type
- On Campus
Contact Information
Co-Director
Co-Director
Program Coordinator
Frequently Asked Questions
How many students are in each class?
At this time, class size will range from six to eight students.
What is the deadline for admission applications?
The application deadline for the Fall 2020 start is January 15, 2021.
Is admission to the program rolling?
No, students are admitted once a year for the fall semester, and classes begin in early September.
Is it “hard” to get accepted into the program?
Admission to the program is competitive. National statistics indicate that approximately 33% of applicants are accepted in genetic counseling programs.
Do I have to have every prerequisite course completed before I can apply for admission?
A course can be in progress at the time of application; however, courses must be completed prior to interviewing, which will occur starting in February.
Do I have to be a science major to apply to the program?
No, we will consider students with any academic major, as long as all program requirements at met.
Is an interview required?
Yes. All competitive applicants are invited to an interview. While the program does not cover associated travel expenses, lunch will be provided on the day of the interview.
Does Thomas Jefferson University offer financial aid?
Yes, for more information please visit our Office of Financial Aid.
How long is the program?
The Program is completed in 21 months by most students. Students begin the program in August of year 1 and graduate in April of year 2, with the option of later graduation within the academic year if supplemental time is needed for clinical or research experiences.
Can I complete the program on a part-time basis?
Not at this time.
Can I work while completing the Genetic Counseling Program?
The program curriculum is rigorous and courses are scheduled to allow ample time for clinical rotation experiences and educational experiences. If a student elects to work while in the program, they would need to work around course and clinical schedules.
Is housing available on-campus?
Yes, Thomas Jefferson University has several on-campus housing options for students. For more information on both on-campus and off-campus housing, please visit our Office of Housing and Residence Life.
Will I need access to a car while I am a student?
While parking can be a challenge on campus during your didactic coursework, having a car is strongly encouraged to access varied clinical rotation experiences, as public transportation may not be available to many potential rotation sites.
Please visit the Commuter Services Office (CSO) website, which provides information & discounts for transportation and parking assistance to employees and students of Thomas Jefferson University.
What types of clinical rotations are available?
There are numerous opportunities for clinical rotations throughout the greater Philadelphia area. All students will complete core rotations in prenatal, pediatric/general genetics, and cancer genetics. Opportunities for rotations in other specialty areas, for example, neurogenetics, cardiogenetics, or ocular genetics are also possible. Arrangements are also available for students interested in completing a specific rotation in another geographic area during the summer term of the program.
Are there opportunities for inter-professional education?
Inter-professional education is highly valued and encouraged at Thomas Jefferson University. While several courses within the program are designed specifically for and closed to only students in the genetic counseling program, many other courses within the program are taken with other students at the University to promote collaboration, knowledge of other fields of study, and camaraderie. Additionally, shared study spaces, journal clubs, and special educational events are also available.
Can I visit the program?
Please contact co-directors directly by email to arrange a visit at Zohra.Ali-Khancatts@jefferson.edu or Rachael.Brandt@jeffferson.edu