Human Genetics & Genetic Counseling

For the fall of 2024, the program admitted a cohort of 10 students.

The application deadline for Fall 2025 matriculation is January 1, 2025.

No, students are admitted once a year for the fall semester through the match process. 

 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 process at the time of application, however, courses must be completed prior to submission of the rank order list for the match process, which is typically in early April. 

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.  Currently, interviews are conducted virtually.

Learn more about the tuition, IT and library fees associated with the Master of Human Genetics and Genetic Counseling program, use the below link to view program information under Graduate Programs, within the College of Life Sciences.

Tuition & Financial Aid Information

In addition to listed fees, students are also responsible for annual costs related to child abuse clearances, background checks, fingerprinting, and drug testing required for clinical rotations.

Yes! We ensure each enrolled student receives a scholarship.  

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

The program is completed in 21 months by most students, with an option for later graduation within the academic year if supplemental time is needed for clinical or research experiences.

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 works while enrolled in the program, a job with limited, flexible hours is necessary to work around course and clinical schedules, and allow time for study.

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.

It is the student’s responsibility to be able to access clinical rotation experiences. Having access to a car is strongly encouraged as public transportation is not available to all potential rotation sites. Students must make their own arrangements to access assigned 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.

Numerous opportunities exist for clinical rotations throughout the greater Philadelphia area.  All students complete core rotations in prenatal, cancer and pediatric/general genetics, as well as a specialty ocular genetics rotation.  Opportunities for rotations in other specialty areas, for example, cardio or neuro genetics, or laboratory/industry are also possible. Arrangements may also be possible 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.  Some courses within the program are taken with other students at the University to promote collaboration, knowledge of other fields, and camaraderie. Students also participate in the Jefferson Health Mentors Program through the Jefferson Center for Inter-professional Practice and Education. Lastly, shared study spaces, conferences and special educational events are also available.     

Please contact Admissions to schedule a time to visit campus at enroll@jefferson.edu or 215-951-2800.  

At Jefferson, resources to support students are available through the Center for Academic Success. Resources for students regarding diversity, equity and inclusion can be found through the Office of Inclusion, Diversity and Community Engagement. 

• One of the strongest aspects of the program is how thorough and expansive the genetics curriculum is. It’s robust and extremely well designed in terms of the course layout, which makes the rotation experience so amazing.

• Attending rotations in geographically different locations is very helpful.

• It’s always helpful to have genetics given by specialists in their content area. I would rather have the expert than have the same person deliver the information.

• I am confident in my ability to be a successful, well-rounded genetic counselor because of my time at Jefferson!