MS in Genetic Counseling

This program is provided through Graduate Medical Sciences and maintains full program accreditation status from the Accreditation Council for Genetic Counseling (ACGC). Applications are available at the BU Graduate Medical Sciences site. For additional information on the genetic counseling profession, please visit the website for the National Society of Genetic Counselors. For questions regarding the genetic counseling program, please email gcprog@bu.edu. A number of informational webinars are offered throughout the summer and fall months, in addition to open house events. Please visit the program website for sign-up information and dates.

Mission Statement

The BU Genetic Counseling program is committed to providing high-quality training through dynamic coursework, dedicated mentoring, diverse fieldwork, and innovative research to develop motivated genetic counselors to meet the needs of an expanding landscape in genetics and genomics.

Program Overview

The primary objective of the Master of Science Program in Genetic Counseling is to educate graduate students in the core concepts of human genetics and counseling. Our focus is to provide students with the appropriate knowledge, experience, and mentoring to become competent, sensitive, and motivated genetic counselors. This is accomplished through a variety of educational experiences including coursework, clinical training, research project preparation, and supplementary activities such as case conferences, grand rounds, journal clubs, and seminars. Located in the heart of Boston, the Genetic Counseling program at Boston University provides a dynamic and enriching environment for genetic counseling students.

Boston University’s medical school and teaching hospital offer access to tremendous resources for clinical experience with a diverse patient population and specialized patient services. The BU Genetic Counseling Program also has the unique appeal of including coursework in the Mental Health Counseling & Behavioral Medicine Program, Graduate Medical Sciences, and the School of Public Health.

A dual degree MPH program is also available to all students who matriculate into the genetic counseling program. Admission to the genetic counseling program is required to enroll in the dual degree program established with the School of Public Health and is contingent on successful admission to the BU School of Public Health.

Additionally, a dual degree PhD program is available to enrolled PhD students in Graduate Medical Sciences who are focused on the Graduate Program in Genetics & Genomics track and meet appropriate admissions requirements for the MS in Genetic Counseling program as outlined on the program page. Candidates interested in applying to the dual PhD/MS program will be required to enter the Genetic Counseling Match and adhere to the published Match guidelines accordingly.

Program Requirements

Year 1

The first year of study focuses primarily on coursework in general genetics and counseling skills. Clinical, laboratory, research, and advocacy experiences complement the didactic curriculum. In addition, students will select a Capstone Project topic and begin their research during the second term.

Term 1

• GMS GC 601 Professional Issues in Genetic Counseling (3 units)
• GMS GC 603 Embryology, Teratology, and Prenatal Genetics (3 units)
• GMS GC 605 Clinical Applications in Human Genetics (4 units)
• GMS GC 606 Genetic Counseling Seminar (2 units)
• GMS GC 608 Fundamentals of Counseling in Genetics (3 units)
• GMS GC 700 Genetic Counseling Fieldwork I (2 units)

Term 2

• GMS GC 600 Genetic Diagnosis and Laboratory Methods (3 units) (this class will be waived for PhD students due to previous completion of FC 712)
• GMS GC 601 Professional Issues in Genetic Counseling (continued)
• GMS GC 602 Clinical Genetics (3 units)
• GMS GC 604 Cancer Genetic Counseling (3 units)
• GMS GC 607 Genetic Counseling Seminar (continued)

Summer 1

• GMS GC 702S Genetic Counseling Fieldwork II (2 units)

Year 2

The second year of study focuses on fieldwork experience and research project development. In addition, the coursework covers more advanced topics in medical genetics, professional issues, and genetic counseling subspecialties. The number of required units decreases the second year to allow students adequate time to complete their research projects, acquire a robust array of fieldwork experiences, and begin interviews for job placement.

Term 3

• GMS GC 606 Genetic Counseling Seminar (continued)
• GMS GC 703 Genetic Counseling Fieldwork III (2 units)
• GMS GC 711 Advanced Genetic Counseling (4 units)
• GMS GC 712 Metabolic Genetics/Advanced Risk Assessment (3 units)
• GMS GC 713 Genetic Counseling Research Methods (3 units) (this class will be waived following successful completion of the qualifying exam)

Term 4

• GMS GC 607 Genetic Counseling Seminar (continued)
• GMS GC 704 Genetic Counseling Fieldwork IV (2 units)
• GMS GC 711 Advanced Genetic Counseling (continued)
• GMS GC 714 Advanced Topics in Medical Genetics (3 units)
• GMS GC 716 Social, Cultural, and Ethical Issues in Genetics (3 units)
• GMS GC 713 Genetic Counseling Research Methods (continued)

In addition, students must complete:

• one BU graduate-level course in counseling, public health, and/or education. The elective course should be 2, 3, or 4 units, based on student interest, for a minimum of 48 total units.

Fieldwork and a Capstone Project are also required to fulfill degree requirements.

Fieldwork

The clinical and nonclinical fieldwork experiences provide students with opportunities to develop their counseling skills in a broad range of settings. These firsthand experiences familiarize students with individuals and families affected by a variety of genetic conditions.

Students have the opportunity to participate in fieldwork at Boston University/Boston Medical Center (Prenatal Genetics, Pediatric/General Genetics, Cancer Genetics, Autism Research Center of Excellence, Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics clinics, Maternal Fetal Medicine Clinic, Amyloid Treatment Program, and Sickle Cell Clinic), as well as at most of the area hospitals throughout Boston and greater Boston. These experiences cover a diversity of clinical experiences at some of the best ranked hospitals in the nation, which are on the cutting edge of medical care, genomics, and research. Fieldwork experiences include:

• Prenatal genetics
• Pediatric genetics
• General genetics
• Cancer genetics
• Cardiovascular genetics
• Neurogenetics
• Specialty clinics: Down syndrome clinic, otolaryngology, Comprehensive Brain Malformations program, and others
• Nonclinical fieldwork includes research programs in genomics, clinical research, genetics laboratories, pharmaceuticals, and advocacy organizations

Year One Fieldwork

During the first year, students observe in a genetic counseling (or related) clinic for one half day or full day per week. The observations include several core clinics at Boston Medical Center (BMC), including prenatal, pediatric/general, and cancer genetics, as well as several specialty clinics within and outside of BMC.

During the second term, students continue to observe in specialty clinics, but they begin active participation in the core genetics clinics at BMC. Student participation in counseling sessions includes case preparation; contracting with patients; obtaining prenatal, medical, and family history information; and explaining basic genetic concepts to patients. It is expected that each student takes the lead counseling role in at least two full cases (for a common referral reason) before the end of the first year. Students are also involved in reviewing patient charts and online medical records, collecting patient literature, and testing information and writing follow-up letters.

Summer Fieldwork

During the intervening summer, each student spends six weeks full-time (or 30 days total) at an external rotation site. Students are encouraged to brainstorm early about potential cities and/or clinics of interest. To date, we have arranged clinical rotations in a wide variety of subspecialties and cities, including San Francisco, Miami, New York, Seattle, Portland (ME), Cleveland, Philadelphia, Houston, Los Angeles, Portland (OR), Washington D.C., San Diego, Anchorage, and Madrid.

Year Two Fieldwork

During the second year, each student completes 4 seven-week rotations at sites within Boston Medical Center and throughout New England. Each student will intern at a prenatal, pediatric/general, cancer, and nonclinical site. The nonclinical sites include opportunities in labs, research, industry, public health, and advocacy. Placements are assigned based on the student’s interest and site availability. Each rotation is approximately two full days per week (or 14 days total).

Capstone Project

Each student completes their graduate training with completion of a capstone project. The purpose of the capstone project is to equip students with the knowledge and skills required to contribute to the field of genetic counseling through research. Students will identify a unique research question, obtain Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval, collect original data, and summarize the findings in a summative manuscript. Students are encouraged to select a project that will pique their interests and passions, as well as contribute to the knowledge and/or practice of genetic counseling. Coordinated by on-site faculty, research-focused coursework is provided throughout the program to shepherd students through the capstone project timeline. During spring term of their first year, each student selects a topic for study that is approved by the program faculty. Students submit their proposals for IRB approval during the intervening summer, and then the projects are executed during the second year of study. Each capstone project is completed under the guidance of an assigned committee, which consists of a project advisor and a project reader, both of whom may be chosen from the primary or external faculty, or from other institutions based on expertise in the topic of interest. Each project culminates in a formal paper in manuscript format and an oral presentation to the department and invited guests. The paper should be of publishable quality, and each student is encouraged to present and publish their findings. Students also participate in a poster session for the faculty and students of the Boston University Medical Campus.

Degree Requirements

Qualifications for Completion of the Master’s Degree

The Genetic Counseling Program is a full-time program (two academic years and the intervening summer). Candidates for the MS in Genetic Counseling will be expected to perform at high academic and professional standards, defined as follows:

1. Successful completion of 48 unit hours of coursework, research project development, and clinical rotations.
2. Satisfactory grades, requiring a B– grade or better in all unit courses. A grade of C in 8 unit hours or more is not permissible and will result in termination or temporary exclusion from the program.
3. A minimum of 10 hours of genetic education through avenues such as: lectures to high school or college classes, resident groups, teachers’ courses, or community forums; peer educational activities; and class projects to develop patient, professional, or community educational materials.
4. Students will also be required to attend and participate in a number of other activities, including: a weekly Genetic Counseling Seminar; a minimum of 8 grand rounds/seminars (i.e., pediatric, OB/GYN, etc.) per year; and a minimum number of hours of advocacy experience (including local support groups) during the first year.

In addition, students are encouraged to attend local, regional, and national genetics conferences, as funds and time allow.

Learning Outcomes for the MS Program in Genetic Counseling are based on the Practiced Based Competencies as outlined by the American Board of Genetic Counseling:

Domain I: Genetics Expertise and Analysis

1. Demonstrate and utilize a depth and breadth of understanding and knowledge of genetics and genomics core concepts and principles.
2. Integrate knowledge of psychosocial aspects of conditions with a genetic component to promote client well-being.
3. Construct relevant, targeted, and comprehensive personal and family histories and pedigrees.
4. Identify, assess, facilitate, and integrate genetic testing options in genetic counseling practice.
5. Assess individuals’ and their relatives’ probability of conditions with a genetic component or carrier status based on their pedigree, test result(s), and other pertinent information.
6. Demonstrate the skills necessary to successfully manage a genetic counseling case.
7. Critically assess genetic/genomic, medical, and social science literature and information.

Domain II: Interpersonal, Psychosocial, and Counseling Skills

8. Establish a mutually agreed upon genetic counseling agenda with the client.
9. Employ active listening and interviewing skills to identify, assess, and empathically respond to stated and emerging concerns.
10. Use a range of genetic counseling skills and models to facilitate informed decisionmaking and adaptation to genetic risks or conditions.
11. Promote client-centered, informed, noncoercive and value-based decisionmaking.
12. Understand how to adapt genetic counseling skills for varied service delivery models.
13. Apply genetic counseling skills in a culturally responsive and respectful manner to all clients.

Domain III: Education

14. Effectively educate clients about a wide range of genetics and genomics information based on their needs, their characteristics, and the circumstances of the encounter.
15. Write concise and understandable clinical and scientific information for audiences of varying educational backgrounds.
16. Effectively give a presentation on genetics, genomics, and genetic counseling issues.

Domain IV: Educational Development & Practice

17. Act in accordance with the ethical, legal, and philosophical principles and values of the genetic counseling profession and the policies of one’s institution or organization.
18. Demonstrate understanding of the research process.
19. Advocate for individuals, families, communities, and the genetic counseling profession.
20. Demonstrate a self-reflective, evidenced-based, and current approach to genetic counseling practice.
21. Understand the methods, roles, and responsibilities of the process of clinical supervision of trainees.
22. Establish and maintain professional interdisciplinary relationships in both team and one-on-one settings, and recognize one’s role in the larger healthcare system.