A systems approach to training
Our online classes, clinical experiences, research requirements, and supplementary activities are coordinated and integrated into a single curriculum designed to build the skills described in the domains of a genetic counselor's Practice-Based Competencies. Our educational philosophy reflects UConn's Life Transformative Education initiative: we bring together a wide range of professionals to help students form authentic, supportive relationships with mentors, advisors, peers, and clients. The result is a program that leaves graduates both career-ready and prepared to make a real-world impact. In short, we apply a systems approach to training the next generation's translators of genomics.
Plan of Study
The program runs 22 months and 51 credits, beginning in the fall only. The typical sequence is as follows:
Semester 1 (Fall Y1)- 12 credits
| Course Name | Credits |
| ISG 5100: Foundations of Genetic and Genomic Medicine | 3 |
| ISG 5102: Clinical Applications of Genetic and Genomic Technologies | 3 |
| ISG 5103: Theories and Methods of Clinical Genetics | 3 |
| ISG 5143: Clinical Prenatal Genetics | 1 |
| ISG 5144: Professional Skills & Competencies: Clinical Practice for Genetic Counselors I | 1 |
| ISG 5730-001: Career Development | 1 |
Electives available in certain situations
Semester 2 (Spring Y1)- 14 credits
| Course Name | Credits |
| ISG 5140: Systems Medical Genetics | 3 |
| ISG 5146: Research Methods | 3 |
| ISG 5147: Clinical Risk Assessment for Genetic Counselors | 1 |
| ISG 5200: Communication and Counseling Skills for Effective Health Care Conversations | 3 |
| ISG 5715: Current Topics in Clinical Genetics Journal Club I | 1 |
| ISG 5730-002: Professional Skills & Competencies- Communication through Case Review | 1 |
| ISG 5501: Genetic Counseling Fieldwork Rotation I | 1 |
| ISG 5502: Genetic Counseling Fieldwork Rotation II | 1 |
Summer Semester- 2 credits
| Course Name | Credits |
| ISG 5801: Genetic Counseling Capstone Project I | 1 |
| ISG 5503: Genetic Counseling Fieldwork Rotation III | 1 |
Semester 3 (Fall Y2)- 13 credits
| Course Name | Credits |
| ISG 5141: Metabolic and Cardiovascular Genomics | 3 |
| ISG 5142: Clinical Cancer Genetics | 3 |
| ISG 5203: Death, Dying, Grief and Coping | 3 |
| ISG 5730-003: Professional Skills & Competencies: Communication through Case Review | 1 |
| ISG 5504: Genetic Counseling Fieldwork Rotation IV | 1 |
| ISG 5802: Genetic Counseling Capstone Project II | 1 |
Semester 4 (Spring Y2)- 10 credits (minimum)
| Course Name | Credits |
| ISG 5145: Professional Skills & Competencies: Clinical Practice for Genetic Counselors II | 1 |
| ISG 5601: Interpreting Clinical Genomic Data | 3 |
| ISG 5716: Current Topics in Clinical Genetics Journal Club II | 1 |
| ISG 5505: Genetic Counseling Fieldwork Rotation V | 1 |
| ISG 5506: Genetic Counseling Fieldwork Rotation VI | 1 |
| ISG 5803: Genetic Counseling Capstone Project III | 1 |
| Elective of choice | 1-3 credits |
Degree Requirements
To earn the degree, students must successfully complete the 51-credit curriculum, five 10-week core clinical rotations and a 10-week enrichment rotation (meeting the ACGC standard of at least 50 participatory cases), required credits, exams, research/capstone requirements as detailed in the Student Handbook and capstone course syllabi, and professional development training. Full course details can be found in Course descriptions; read more about rotations in Fieldwork and Rotations. Students must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 and earn a grade of B- or better in each required graded course (or S for courses graded on a Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory basis), submit an approved Plan of Study form and formally apply to graduate in the Student Administration system within the final semester in order to graduate.