Class Prerequisites
At least one semester of each of the following six (6) pre-requisite classes:
- Biology OR Molecular Biology
- Psychology
- Genetics (coursework must include aspects of Mendelian and molecular genetics)
- Biochemistry
- Statistics
- Embryology* OR Developmental Biology
Classes must have been completed at the undergraduate or graduate level from a regionally accredited university/college.
Note: All pre-requisite classes must be completed by the application deadline. Fall final grades can be submitted to the program by uploading an unofficial transcript to the UConn Online Application Portal before December 30th of the application cycle.
*The Institute for Systems Genomics offers a 7-week online, asynchronous class – Principles of Human Embryology and Teratology (ISG 5101) if embryology or developmental biology is not offered at your university.
Timing Matters
Genetics and genomics is a rapidly changing field of study. Applicants with a genetics class > 5 years old are strongly encouraged to complete a basic or more advanced genetics class from a regionally accredited college or university prior to application. An example of a pre-approved, 7-week, online, graduate 3-credit class at UConn is ISG 5100: Foundations of Genetic and Genomic Medicine.
ECE, COOP, and AP courses will only be accepted with the addition of an advanced course in the same content taken at the university level.
Expectations
- To be considered for admission to a UConn graduate program, applicants must have a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 for their entire undergraduate or prior graduate degree. In exceptional circumstances, considerations for an exemption from this regulation may include:
- A grade-point average of at least 3.0 for your last two undergraduate years, or
- Exceptional work in your entire final undergraduate year (3.5 or better), with a credit load >12-credits each semester
- Applicants must have strong written and oral communication skills in English.
- The UConn Graduate School admissions policy is that if English is not your primary language, you may be required to submit evidence of your proficiency in the English language. A primary language is defined as a language used to communicate since childhood.
- The UConn Graduate School does not require a third-party credential evaluation; however, the UConn Graduate School does accept evaluations from specific services as outlined on the Graduate School Admissions Page.
Career-Related Experience
You must have experience developing and/or using skills relevant to the genetic counseling profession. These experiences may include, but are not limited to:
- providing paid or volunteer service for crisis hotlines, domestic violence programs, reproductive health clinics, or similar
- teaching, leadership, or advocacy to promote genetic counseling, genetics education, or to increase diversity, equity, and inclusion
- conducting research or scholarly activities toward the advancement of the discipline and/or profession
Follow this link to our Pre-GC student checklist for more information about where and how to get career-related experience.