Master of Science – Genetic Counseling Program

The mission of the Indiana University Genetic Counseling Graduate Program is to provide a comprehensive program of genetic counseling instruction for our students with a focus on clinical experience and counseling skills in an environment that values and supports equity and inclusion. Through rigorous coursework, field experience and research, along with the unwavering faculty and supervisor support of our students, the program trains highly competent genetic counselors who are well-prepared to serve in both clinical and nonclinical roles in the genetics community and to lead future generations of genetic counselors. The program values compassion, honesty, dedication and personal integrity, and encourages professional collaboration, pursuit of excellence and commitment to ongoing professional development.

Designed to be completed entirely in Indianapolis for students who choose to do so, this MS program is situated in the heart of the IU Health Medical Campus in Indianapolis. Academic facilities are a short walk from three major hospitals and many clinical rotation sites. Prenatal and cancer specialty clinics on the St. Vincent Hospital Campus and Community Health Network in northern Indianapolis as well as cancer specialty clinics at Franciscan St. Francis Health to the city’s south also serve as busy training sites for students in this program.

Tuition and Financial Aid

Estimated total tuition and fees for this two-year graduate program based on the 2023-2024 tuition rate is approximately $21,310 for in-state students and $54,868 for out-of-state students. There will be a one-time $100 fee to enroll in Typhon, the data management system that will be used to track clinical experiences. Parking permits, if desired, are $350 per academic year. Students admitted through the Genetic Counseling Admissions Match are typically awarded a scholarship of $5,000 in both their first and second years of study. A limited number of student employment opportunities may be available, including the possibility of work-study positions. Additional job opportunities are available on the medical campus and surrounding community.

The Genetic Counseling Graduate Program is pleased to have welcomed students from both the Hoosier state as well as from across the country to the “crossroads of America” to complete their genetic counseling graduate training. Students typically comprise a relatively even mix of individuals who join the program immediately after earning their undergraduate degrees and those who have either taken a gap year or who are pursuing genetic counseling as a second career. Most students have completed undergraduate degrees in biology, genetics, neuroscience, medical sciences, psychology or related subjects.

Integrity, self-motivation, collaboration and determination are among a few of the characteristics that are valued in students. It is believed that these traits contribute to the program’s high graduation rate, 97% over 32 graduating classes. Over the past three graduating classes, the program's attrition rate has been limited to 6.7%. Our students' dedication to genetic counseling extends beyond graduation, and most alumni enjoy much longevity in their professional genetic counseling careers.

The Genetic Counseling Graduate Program is proud to have a strong network of alumni across the country working in a wide variety of clinical and non-clinical genetic counseling roles in academic and private medical centers, clinical research facilities and industry. Many students begin their job search early in their second year of study, with the majority (89% of the past three graduating classes) accepting job offers prior to graduation, some as early as December of their second year. Typically, those who do not accept a job prior to graduation accept a genetic counseling position over the summer following graduation, with variability depending on their preferences of location and specialty. Twenty-seven of 29 graduates (93%) among the classes of 2022-2024 have been placed in a genetic counseling or related position. Nearly all graduates have elected to begin their careers as clinical genetic counselors, although nearly 20% of alumni from the classes of 2013 to 2021 transitioned to non-clinical genetic counseling positions after gaining experience in a clinical role. Many alumni continue their involvement in genetic counseling education by supervising graduate students in diverse specialty areas. Most alumni take the American Board of Genetic Counseling certification exam in their first year following graduation. Among program graduates, 88.9% of first-time test takers from the classes of 2021-2023 passed the American Board of Genetic Counseling board exam, and across all graduating classes, the alumni pass rate is greater than 98%.

Career Opportunities

IU School of Medicine offers a one-day Genetic Counseling 101 event for those interested in learning more about the genetic counseling profession and the Genetic Counseling Graduate Program. Attendees can explore the field of genetic counseling with Indianapolis-area genetic counselors and obtain information about the Genetic Counseling Graduate Program.

This year's event will be held on August 2, 2024 from 10 a.m.–4 p.m. EDT via Zoom. Registration is required.

The Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics also offers several options for students age 18 or older who are interested in shadowing a genetic counselor.

The Genetic Counseling graduate program at IU School of Medicine is fully accredited by the Accreditation Council for Genetic Counseling, Inc. (ACGC), 7918 Jones Branch Drive, Ste. 300, McLean, VA 22102 (703-506-7667). Information on careers in genetic counseling is available from the National Society of Genetic Counselors (312-321-6834).