The following coursework must be completed or in progress at the time of application to the program:

• Biology I (with lab) - 3-4 hours
• Biology II (with lab) - 3-4 hours
• Biochemistry (with or without lab) - 3-4 hours
• Genetics - 3-4 hours
• Statistics - 3 hours
• Psychology (general, developmental, abnormal) - 3-4 hours

Admission to the program will be dependent on successful completion of all prerequisite coursework. Students must have a BA or BS degree and meet all UAB Graduate School requirements. AP credit for Biology I and II, Statistics, and Psychology meets the prerequisite requirements.

If you have questions about whether a course you have taken meets the prerequisite requirements, then please email the course syllabus and schedule to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

A minimum cumulative undergraduate grade point average of at least 3.0 (A = 4.0) is required for acceptance into the UAB Graduate School.

In addition to academic transcripts, we evaluate each applicant’s experience outside of their academic record.

Required activities:

• Exposure to the genetic counseling field.

It is strongly recommended for applicants to speak with or meet with a genetic counselor and/or observe clinical genetic counseling activities prior to applying to the program. Additional activities included under “exposure to the field” include but are not limited to viewing recorded genetic counseling sessions, reading the literature, podcasts/online video content, attending informational sessions, or through genetic counseling professional organization websites.

Recommended activities:

Successful applicants have experience across multiple recommended activities categories. The experiences summarized in this section are examples of possible activities applicants may engage in and is not comprehensive.

Any and all activities or experiences that fall under these categories should be represented on your application materials and CV.

• NMS registration number.
• Personal Statement: A statement that highlights your motivation to become a genetic counselor, and emphasizes your prior and current experiences, and how they will benefit you in the profession. (No more than 500 words.)
• Official Transcripts: Students should send official transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate institutions attended. We recommend students send transcripts that include their most recent Fall grades.
• Letters of Recommendation: Three (3) letters of recommendation.
• A minimum cumulative undergraduate grade point average of at least 3.0 (A = 4.0).
• Resume or CV: This should account for a description and timeline of any paid or volunteer work experience in a crisis or peer counseling setting, shadowing/internships, working with individuals with genetic conditions or disabilities, technical work in laboratories, or teaching experience.
• Additional prerequisites: Exposure to genetic counseling, paid or volunteer experience in a crisis counseling or peer counseling setting, advocacy experience with individuals with genetic conditions or disabilities, technical work in genetics or life science laboratories, and teaching experience in life sciences are recommended and encouraged prior to applying to the program. It is also strongly recommended for applicants to speak with or meet with a genetic counselor and/or observe clinical genetic counseling activities to gather details about the profession.

*The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) General Test is not required. GRE scores will not be reviewed.

International Students must submit a transcript evaluation from World Education Services, Educational Credential Evaluators, or Josef Silny and Associates, Inc. Other requirements include a financial affidavit of support and immigration documentation (if currently residing in the United States).

The Graduate School now monitors English proficiency to make sure applicants meet our minimum scores which are listed below.

• IELTS – 6.5
• TOEFL – 80
• PTEA – 53

In order to successfully complete the degree requirements for the Curriculum for the Master of Science (M.S.) in Genetic Counseling Program, students must complete the academic and clinical practice requirements of the program in preparation to practice as an entry-level genetic counselor(s). As defined by the program’s accrediting body, the Accreditation Council for Genetic Counseling, an entry-level genetic counselor may demonstrate mastery of a broad body of genetics knowledge, and develop skills in the following domains: Communication Skills; Critical-Thinking Skills; Interpersonal, Counseling and Psychosocial Assessment Skills; and Professional Ethics and Values. Graduate training is a rigorous and intense training process that places specific requirements and demands on enrolled students.

The essential functions below extend beyond academic requirements for admission and are standards that all enrolled students must possess in order to successfully complete graduate training.

All genetic counseling students must meet the following requirements:

• Communicate effectively and sensitively with patients and members of the health care team.
• Possess the mental capacity for critical thinking including the ability to assimilate, analyze, synthesize, and integrate concepts and to problem solve in a timely fashion.
• Possess the emotional health and psychological stability required for full utilization of his/her intellectual abilities, exercise good judgment, prompt completion of all responsibilities and the development of mature, sensitive and effective relationships with patients and other members of the health care team.
• Adapt to changing environments and function effectively under stress.
• Students must be able to demonstrate proficiency of all ABGC Practice Based Competencies.