Genetic Counseling Program
School of Health and Human Sciences
Guiding students to become culturally sensitive, ethical genetic counselors
![Students participating in a simulated session and class activity.](https://genetic-counseling.uncg.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/GEN-Hero-Image-scaled-e1688393878147-1024x576.jpg)
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.](https://genetic-counseling.uncg.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/HHS-GEN-MS-scaled.jpg)
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.
![Graduate students participating in mock counseling](https://genetic-counseling.uncg.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Gen-Minor.jpg)
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.
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
FEATURED STORIES
NEWS
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Genetic Counseling Professor, Alumna Discusses AI Chat Tools in Genetic Testing
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How the Roe v Wade Decision Impacts Genetic Testing
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.
![Nancy Adams, Class of 1960, Class of 1977](https://genetic-counseling.uncg.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Nancy-Adams-Spotlight.jpg)