Human Genetics & Genetic Counseling

The Jefferson MS program in Human Genetics & Genetic Counseling is a participant in the Genetic Counseling Admissions Match through National Matching Services (NMS).  The GC Admissions Match has been established to enhance the process of placing applicants into positions in masters-level genetic counseling programs that are accredited by the Accreditation Council for Genetic Counseling (ACGC). The Match uses a process that takes into account both applicants’ and programs’ preferences. 

Learn more about genetic counseling and the Match process below.

The National Society of Genetic Counselors (2005) defines genetic counseling as the process of helping people understand and adapt to the medical, psychological and familial implications of genetic contributions to disease.  This process integrates:

• Interpretation of family and medical histories to assess the chance of disease occurrence or recurrence.
• Education about inheritance, testing, management, prevention, resources and research.
• Counseling to promote informed choices and adaptation to the risk or condition.

Genetic counseling is a rapidly expanding and diversifying profession that offers opportunities for practice in a wide variety of settings, such as hospitals/clinics, academia, laboratories, government agencies, public health, consulting and advocacy.  Clinical practice areas encompass many specialties including prenatal, pediatrics, cardiology, neurology, metabolic disorders, infertility, cancer, etc.  As a profession that blends scientific information with clinical, ethical, psychological and legal implications, genetic counselors have a uniquely satisfying and rewarding career that is in high demand.  

To learn more about this exciting profession, visit:

• National Society of Genetic Counselors (NSGC)
• American Society of Human Genetics (ASHG)
• American College of Medical Genetics (ACMG)
• Science Journal: "Genetic counseling: A growing area of opportunity"

All applicants must first register for the Match with NMS before applying to participating genetic counseling graduate programs. At the conclusion of all program interviews, both applicants and programs will submit ranked lists of preferred placements to NMS according to deadlines posted on the NMS website.  The binding results of the Match will be released to both applicants and programs simultaneously in late April.

Please visit the NMS website to register for the match, review detailed information about the matching process, and to view a demonstration of how the matching algorithm works. 

Upon registering, an NMS match code number will be generated; this number will be required to complete the program application. 

Match Fee Waiver

GCEA has established a waiver for the $100 fee associated with the NMS Match. Prospective students who demonstrate financial need AND have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or greater can apply for a match fee waiver. Prospective students should apply for a fee waiver BEFORE registering for an NMS number. Match fee waivers cannot be awarded to applicants who have already registered for the Match and paid the registration fee.

Applications for the match fee waiver are due by October 4, 2024. Applicants will be notified by October 30, 2024 as to whether they have received a waiver. There are a limited number of waivers, so not all applicants will receive a waiver. Instructions for how to register for the NMS match will be provided to those who receive a waiver.

Waivers are non-transferable to future match cycles or other prospective students. Prospective students who are applying for a match fee waiver will be required to write a short essay and to upload at least one of the following documents demonstrating financial need:

1. A copy of a letter verifying unemployment benefits received within the past two years.
2. A copy of a letter on official letterhead from a government agency verifying that you or your family have qualified for public assistance based on low income criteria anytime within the past 5 years
3. A copy of your financial aid award letter from another / previous institution dated within 5 the past years
4. A copy of your approved GRE fee waiver (for tests taken within 5 years of the application deadline)
5. A copy of your federal Student Aid Report (SAR) that verifies you qualified for financial aid within the past 5 years based on a family contribution of:
   • Not more than $1,500 if the student is a dependent student
   • Not more than $1,900 if the student is an independent student