What is a Professional STEM Master’s (PSM) Program?

A Professional STEM Master's (PSM) is an MS degree that goes beyond a traditional MS degree by having dedicated courses that prepare graduates for careers outside of traditional genetic counselor roles. The UConn GC PSM equips graduates with professional skills such as business, management, communication, and data analysis skills, all of which are integral to a successful genetic counselor in today's world. Students are exposed to science careers in business, government and the non-profit sector through various courses throughout their training.

What courses will I take?

Students take a Professional Skills and Competency Series (5 credits) throughout their training that address PSM-related competencies. These courses focus on career skills development toward effective practice in health care research, clinical, and business settings. 

Course Title  Course Description
ISG 5730-001: Career Development
  • Equips students with the tools to market themselves in a rapidly changing world of genetics and genomics.
  • Multifaceted preparation for career attainment including traditional methods such as crafting resumes, CVs, cover letters, and self-assessments of technical and soft skills.
  • Student-led networking opportunities, interview strategies, business development avenues, and career goal-setting, while learning how to market themselves to diverse audiences through both verbal and written communication.
ISG 5144 & ISG 5145: Clinical Practice for Genetic Counselors I & II
  • Prepares students for the full scope of professional life as a clinical genetic counselor.
  • Practices communication and counseling skills while exploring day-to-day operations of a clinical genetic counseling setting
  • Emphasize managing psychosocial and ethical considerations in medical genetics.
  • Builds readiness for key career milestones, including:
    • Job interviews
    • Salary negotiations
    • Preparing for the board certification exam
    • Obtaining and maintaining state licensure
    • Relationship dynamics of supervisor/supervisee
ISG 5730-002 & ISG 5730-003: Communication through Case Review I & II
  • Students present and analyze cases they personally participated in while completing assignments that require them to adapt their language, format and level of detail for different audiences based on the patient indication.
  • Practice the professional skill of giving and receiving constructive feedback on peers' presentations.

 

Is this degree program the right one for me?

  • The UConn Genetic Counseling PSM is designed for baccalaureate students with backgrounds in biology, genetics, psychology, public health, or other related fields who are interested in genetic counseling careers in clinical care, research, public health, biotechnology, or industry‑based genetics roles. This program is well‑suited for recent graduates looking to strengthen their hiring potential, as well as non‑traditional students seeking updated training for new career opportunities or advancement within their current employers.
  • Professional Science Master’s (PSM) programs are tailored for students pursuing graduate degrees in science who recognize the importance of developing workplace skills valued by employers. PSM training prepares graduates for science careers in clinical practice, industry, business, government, and nonprofit organizations, where workforce needs continue to grow. Graduates of PSM programs nationwide work across a wide range of scientific and health‑related sectors. In genetic counseling, this includes roles in biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies, clinical and research laboratories, digital health organizations, public health agencies, academic medical centers, and nonprofit or government programs focused on genomics and population health. The PSM model equips students with the communication, leadership, and applied professional skills that make them competitive in both traditional clinical roles and emerging positions across the growing genomics workforce.

 

Why does this benefit me as a future genetic counselor?

  • The PSM model enhances traditional genetic counseling training by integrating the professional, communication, and leadership skills that are needed to succeed in today's genomics workforce. As genetic counseling expands beyond clinical settings, employers seek professionals who can collaborate across disciplines and communicate effectively with diverse audiences. The PSM framework prepares students for the rapidly evolving field of genetics and genomics medicine.
  • Students in the UConn GC PSM gain applied skills that strengthen their readiness for both clinical practice and non‑clinical roles. PSM programs nationwide are designed to meet growing workforce needs across science, health care, and industry, and graduates work in a wide range of sectors. By combing advanced genetic counseling training with professional skill development, the UConn GC PSM provides graduates with a competitive advance when entering the field.