Spartan Alert

School of Health and Human Sciences

Guiding students to become culturally sensitive, ethical genetic counselors

Students participating in a simulated session and class activity.

What is Genetic Counseling?

Genetic counselors work with individuals and families to help them understand how genetics influence someone’s health, future health, disease diagnosis or treatment. Genetic counseling is a master’s-terminal field where graduates complete two years of intensive coursework and fieldwork prior to sitting for a board exam.

Genetic counselors work in healthcare settings across the lifespan, as well as in research, public health and policy, education, leadership, laboratories and industry.

Learn About Our Programs

Students are participating in a simulated session and class activity.

MASTER OF SCIENCE (M.S.)

Our program is designed to prepare students with the knowledge and proficiency to practice as genetic counselors in a variety of settings, including non-clinical and clinical prenatal, pediatric, adult, and cancer genetics.

LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR MASTER’S PROGRAM

Graduate students participating in mock counseling

Undergraduate Minor

An undergraduate minor in genetic counseling can be a valuable addition for students majoring in biology, nursing, as well as students interested in pursuing a master’s in the future.

LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR MINOR

Facts and figures

$77,600

average starting salary of a genetic counselor

98%

board pass rate since 2010

100%

job placement rate within three months of graduation

Students Create Podcasts on Genetic Topics of their Choice

Nancy Adams: NC’s first genetic counselor

Then and Now

Nancy James Adams ’60, ’77 M.S. has worked longer as a genetic counselor than anyone else in this state. That’s because this UNC Greensboro alumna was the very first.

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