Applying to the MS Genetic Counseling Program

Requirements

The GRE is not required for admission.

• Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college of university. No specific major is required.
• A minimum cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA)* of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale is required for consideration.
  *Note: This program calculates cumulative GPA without forgiveness. All courses will be counted. If you took a course more than once, all grades would be counted.
• Complete 26 hours of prerequisite coursework at a regionally accredited college or university. Coursework does not need to be complete to apply, but a reasonable plan must be in place to complete all coursework before matriculation. In-person and online courses are accepted. (See course list below).
• Three references from individuals who know you and your abilities. Your references may be professional or academic. Personal references will not be accepted.
• Complete the MUSC application and submit supplemental materials specific to the program. These forms are available in PDF format within the application and are also sent by email once an application is submitted.
• Submit a personal essay (no more than three typed pages).
  • Write a brief essay explaining your interest in your choice of academic program, past related experiences, and why you believe you are a good candidate for the profession. Describe the resources you used in researching the genetic counseling profession as a career choice. In addition, please address any experience with online learning and your interest in the unique structure of this program.
• Submit a CV/resume.
• Complete the Genetic Counseling Admissions Match process.
• Official TOEFL scores if applicable.

Prerequisite Courses

Prerequisite Special Notes

• To speak with an admissions specialist about your coursework, please call 843-792-2536 or email oesadmis@musc.edu.
• Advanced placement and dual enrollment courses are accepted for prerequisite courses so long as the course appears on your college transcript.

Application Checklist

1. Confirm you have met the prerequisite requirements.
2. Complete the MUSC application (including all supplemental materials). Opens September 15, 2024
3. Request official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended. Applicants are required to submit official transcripts from each post-secondary school attended even if no degree was earned.
4. Using MUSC reference forms (found in the application), submit three professional references.
5. Submit a resume/curriculum vitae with the following information: past employment, volunteer or community service (including number of hours, location, contact person and type of experience), extracurricular/community/professional activities, membership in professional organizations, community organizations, etc., any publications, research projects, academic honors or awards, and educational background (previously earned degree(s), the institutions from which the degree(s) were earned, and years attended).
6. Submit the Genetic Counseling Program Prerequisites Form.
7. Submit the required essay. See details in the requirements above.
8. Review and meet the Minimum Abilities for all MUSC students.
9. Official copy of your TOEFL scores if English is not your native language, and you have not studied within United States.
10. Complete the Genetic Counseling Admissions Match process.

Note: All above information must be received by December 1, 2024, to be considered for admission to the program. Without all materials, applications will be incomplete. It is the applicant's responsibility to review the progress of his/her application by viewing the Application Progress Portal and ensure that all application materials (including official reference forms, and all official transcripts are received by the application deadline).

Admission Timeline

Interview Process and Program Acceptance

After the application process is completed, qualified, competitive applicants may be invited for a personal interview which are held in February and March virtually.

Students will receive Match results from the National Match System in April 2025. Those who match to the MUSC Program will receive a formal offer letter within 10 days.

International Applicants

MUSC’s Genetic Counseling degree program is unable to admit international students requiring an F-1 visa. Applications will only be accepted from U.S. citizens, permanent residents, or those holding other valid nonimmigrant visa classifications that allow participation in lawful study while in the United States.

Academic Standards

Students must adhere to the academic standards outlined in the College of Health Professions Student Handbook.

Use of Marijuana and/or CBD Products

Marijuana is a Schedule 1 drug and is illegal to purchase in South Carolina. Apart from a narrow and limited scope of codified/documented medical exceptions, it is illegal for individuals to use marijuana/tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in South Carolina. Although cannabidiol (CBD) products may be purchased and used in South Carolina, please be aware that CBD products may contain higher levels of THC than represented on packaging and use of CBD products can result in a positive drug screen for THC/marijuana. Be aware that current drug testing methods cannot accurately ascertain the origins of THC metabolites (i.e., whether from marijuana or CBD products). Your academic program has the authority to conduct random and/or scheduled drug testing; if your test result is reported as positive for THC metabolites (even if you only used a CBD product), your ability to be accepted into the program, progress in the program, and/or successfully complete the program may be negatively impacted.

Scholarship Eligibility

MUSC offers scholarships for which you may be eligible. Some are awarded based on academic achievement; others are awarded based on community service, for example. However, the majority of scholarships awarded at MUSC are based on financial need. This means those scholarships are only awarded to students who need some financial assistance to cover the cost of tuition and fees. If you would like to be considered for a financial need-based scholarship, you must have an up-to-date Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) on file. Make sure you list Medical University of South Carolina on your FAFSA form, along with MUSC’s code: 003438. We encourage you to submit the FAFSA as early as possible. It is recommended to submit the FAFSA in January if you plan to enroll in the Fall.

Application Deadline