Program Curriculum
Degree Plan for the Classes of 2025 and 2026
The following 59 credits are required in the Master of Science in Genetic Counseling Program:
Year One Fall
| Course ID | Course Title | Semester Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| GENC 50003 | Introduction to Molecular Genetics and Genomics | 3 |
| GENC 50102 | Fieldwork Orientation | 2 |
| GENC 50203 | Counseling Theory and Skills for Genetic Counselors | 3 |
| GENC 50402 | Professional Issues in Genetic Counseling I | 2 |
| GENC 50503 | Medical Genetics I | 3 |
| GENC 50601 | Technical Writing and Genetics Education | 1 |
| GENC 51102 | Research Methods and Critical Analysis in Genetic Counseling | 2 |
| GENC 52202 | Genetic Counseling Ethics I | 2 |
| Total Hours | 18 |
Year One Spring
| Course ID | Course Title | Semester Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| GENC 50301 | Clinical Observation II | 1 |
| GENC 51002 | Human Embryology and Dysmorphology | 2 |
| GENC 51201 | Research II | 1 |
| GENC 51302 | Human Cytogenetics | 2 |
| GENC 51403 | Counseling and Interviewing | 3 |
| GENC 51602 | Reproductive Genetic Counseling | 2 |
| GENC 52102 | Cancer Genetics | 2 |
| Total Hours | 13 |
Year One Summer
| Course ID | Course Title | Semester Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| GENC 55003 | Novice Clinical Clerkship | 3 |
| GENC 5700V | Thesis in Genetic Counseling | 2 |
| Total Hours | 5 |
Year Two Fall
| Course ID | Course Title | Semester Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| GENC 51502 | Population Genetics | 2 |
| GENC 51701 | Teratology | 1 |
| GENC 51803 | System Disorders for the Genetic Counselor | 3 |
| GENC 52001 | Professional Issues in Genetic Counseling II | 1 |
| GENC 53201 | Genetic Counseling Ethics II | 1 |
| GENC 56003 | Intermediate Clinical Clerkship | 3 |
| GENC 5700V | Thesis in Genetic Counseling | 2 |
| Total Hours | 13 |
Year Two Spring
| Course ID | Course Title | Semester Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| GENC 52302 | Metabolic Genetics | 2 |
| GENC 53001 | Public Health Genomics | 1 |
| GENC 53102 | Medical Genetics II | 2 |
| GENC 5700V | Thesis in Genetic Counseling | 2 |
| GENC 57103 | Advanced Clinical Clerkship | 3 |
| Total Hours | 10 |
Curriculum Summary
| Semester | Hours |
|---|---|
| Year One Fall | 18 |
| Year One Spring | 13 |
| Year One Summer | 5 |
| Year Two Fall | 13 |
| Year Two Spring | 10 |
| Total Program Hours | 59 |
A letter grade of B or better is required for the student to progress in the program. A minimum GPA of 3.0 is required to earn the degree.
Successful completion of all the academic requirements, including each of the fieldwork clerkships and an individual master’s thesis in an approved topic, earns the candidate the Master of Science in Genetic Counseling degree from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences and entitles him or her to apply for eligibility with the American Board of Genetic Counseling to sit for the national board examination required to become a certified genetic counselor. Please see program handbook for all degree requirements.
The list of required textbooks is published on the UAMS Bookstore website in compliance with State of Arkansas General Assembly Act 175 of the 2007 Regular Session.
