Program Overview Program Learning Outcomes Application Requirements Admissions Standards

Certificate Completion Requirements Program Sequence Transfer Credit Curriculum

 

 

Offered by: Human Genetics and Genomics Department

Program Director: Dan Handley, PhD

Program Overview

This Graduate Certificate in Pre-Genetic Counseling (GCPGC) is a fully online, remote, asynchronous, 12-credit graduate certificate that can be completed in one term. The certificate covers topics specific to genetic counseling such as foundations of clinical counseling, psychosocial principles of counseling, and case studies in genetic counseling. There are two options for completing this graduate certificate:

• Graduates of degree programs with a foundation in human genetics and genomics may enter this GCPGC certificate program directly.
• Students in SCU’s Master of Science in Human Genetics and Genomics (MSHGG) degree program can choose to add a concentration in pre-genetic counselling to their degree. Those students earn this GCPGC certificate while earning their MSHGG degree by taking an additional four courses/12 credits as part of that program. 

Genetic counselors work in a wide variety of capacities including serving in health promotion education, patient advocacy, direct patient counseling, research, and health care management. To become a genetic counselor, one must earn a master of science in genetic counseling from an accredited program and pass a licensing examination. Because genetic counseling master’s degree programs are extremely competitive, this Pre-Genetic Counseling Certificate is designed to help prepare those who wish to pursue genetic counseling as a career as well as to help graduates strengthen applications to highly competitive genetic counseling master’s degree programs.

Full-time students complete two courses in each 7 ½-week block. Part- time students take one course in each 7 ½-week block. Each course consists of seven weekly modules. Each weekly module may include peer-to-peer discussion board posts and replies, self-directed exercises, written assignments, quizzes, case studies, or mid-term and/or final exams.

Program Learning Outcomes

1. Counseling Psychology: Graduates will demonstrate a thorough understanding of psychological counseling concepts and theoretical models.
2. Genetic Counseling Practice: Graduates will describe the process for direct patient counseling related to family histories, genetic test results, and genetic medical conditions.
3. Information Literacy: Graduates will apply technology for information gathering and be able to assess scientific literature and genetic test results.
4. Analytical and Critical Thinking Skills: Graduates will engage in critical thinking, reflection, and problem solving in relation to current issues in genomics.  
5. Communication Effectiveness: Graduates will professionally construct and express their ideas, thoughts, and concepts through written and verbal communication.
6. Bioethics: Graduates will demonstrate the ability to critically analyze and apply ethical considerations to complex issues and dilemmas in genomics research and clinical practice.

Application Requirements

Applicants for the Graduate Certificate in Pre-Genetic Counseling must submit the following documents to be considered for admission:

• Completed application
• Official transcripts from all undergraduate and post-secondary institutions attended

Admissions Standards

Applicants for the Graduate Certificate in Pre-Genetic Counseling must meet the following admissions standards. Exceptions are made on an individual basis.

• A completed bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited institution.
• Foundational coursework in human, medical, and/or clinical genetics. Specific courses are not required, but examples of recommended courses include: 
  • Introductory Genetics or Principles of Heredity
  • Molecular Genetics
  • Heritable Syndromes and Diseases
• Undergraduate GPA of 2.7 on a 4.0 scale.

Certificate Completion Requirements

The Graduate Certificate in Pre-Genetic Counseling may be conferred upon those who have fulfilled the following requirements:

• Completed 12 credits in required courses
• Earned a cumulative GPA of 2.0
• Completed all certificate requirements within 4 years of matriculation
• Submitted a Petition to Graduate

Please note: Students interested in pursuing a master of science degree in genetic counseling may need a higher GPA than 2.0 to meet those goals.

Program Sequence

   

Transfer Credit

The Graduate Certificate Program in Pre-Genetic Counseling does not accept transfer credit.

Curriculum