FAQs for Human Genetics & Genetics Counseling

At this time, class size will range from six to eight students.

The application deadline for the Fall 2020 start is January 15, 2020.  

No, students are admitted once a year for the fall semester, and classes begin in early September.

 Admission to the program is competitive. National statistics indicate that approximately 33% of applicants are accepted in genetic counseling programs.

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.  

No, we will consider students with any academic major, as long as all program requirements at met.

 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. 

Yes, for more information please visit our Office of Financial Aid.

The program is completed in 19 months by most students.  Students begin the program in Fall term of the first year. The Spring term is divided into 2 sections, Spring 1 and Spring 2, followed by the Summer term, then the Fall term of the second year. The last term of coursework is in the Spring 1 section of the second year.  Spring 2 of the second year is reserved for supplemental clinical or research experiences, if necessary.  Fall and summer terms and each section of the Spring term are all 12 weeks long.  

Not at this time.

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.  

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.

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.

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.  

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.    

Please contact co-directors directly by email to arrange a visit at Zohra.Ali-Khancatts@jefferson.edu or Rachael.Brandt@jeffferson.edu