Program Requirements

Although there are some requirements to be considered a candidate for graduate school at UW-Madison in the field of genetic counseling, no one aspect is favored more than another. Most applicants have a balanced set of experiences, clear communication skills, strong letters of recommendations as well as academic and work achievements. A solid applicant is one that can demonstrate an insightful process towards his or her career development and a high level of maturity that is required for the profession of genetic counseling.

Required

• Bachelor's Degree: Applicants must have a bachelor's degree. Most applicants have a degree in a biological science (e.g. biology, genetics, biochemistry, chemistry, psychology), although this is not required.
  
  
• GPA: A minimum GPA of 3.0 is required from either a Bachelor's degree or other advanced degrees or coursework. The average GPA of admitted students is 3.5. If a student has an undergraduate GPA less than 3.0, course work completed after graduation demonstrating a higher GPA will be considered.
  
  
• Academic Coursework: An applicant must demonstrate strong academic success in basic sciences courses (e.g. general biology, genetics, chemistry, etc.), as well as coursework specifically in biochemistry, advanced genetics, and statistics and/or calculus. We encourage students to take as many relevant genetics/biology courses as possible to strengthen their application.
  
  
• GRE: Completion of the GRE is required. This exam is used as a marker of likelihood of academic success. There is no specific cut-off value. The Subject GRE is not required.
  
  
• Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL): As per the requirements of the Graduate School, "Every applicant whose native language is not English, or whose undergraduate instruction was not in English, must provide an English proficiency test score." The Minimum TOEFL score is 550 for the paper test, 213 for the computer test and 80 for the internet (iBT) test.

Strongly Recommended

• Genetic Counselor Observation/Experience: Observation of a genetic counselor(s) is a good method to learn more about the profession. Some clinics are able to offer such observations and/or internships. Recognizing that this clinical experience is not always possible, interviewing genetic counselors is a valuable resource. This process is to help one identify that the field of genetic counseling is a good fit with one's personal and career goals.
  
  
• Advocacy Experience/Counseling Experience: Given the nature of this profession, having experience in advocacy or counseling is strongly recommended. Advocacy experience helps one appreciate and develop interpersonal communication skills, have a better understanding of the patient or person's experience, and to have a better understanding of the healthcare system or other public service system, etc. Applicants typically have experiences from many different settings including, but not limited to: Planned Parenthood, domestic abuse shelters, crisis hotlines, peer counseling, homeless shelters, working with individuals with physical or mental disabilities, hospice care, etc.
  
  
• Other Experiences: As noted on the National Society of Genetic Counselors' website, applicants often engage in various types of experiences outside of the typical classroom. Most applicants have held various types of jobs, completed research or laboratory work, and/or volunteered with various organizations such as Special Olympics. A person's experiences should aid in his or her decision to pursue a career in genetic counseling.

The University of Wisconsin-Madison is "committed to providing equal opportunity and equal access and to complying with all applicable federal and state laws and regulations and UWS and university non-discrimination policies and procedures."