Masters Degrees (Genetic Counseling)

The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences is a thriving center of intellectual excellence that encompasses 14 academic departments and 80 degree programs. Its more than 2,500 students are engaged in a wide variety of challenging courses and hands-on learning experiences that extend across all areas of the humanities and sciences – from the great philosophers and classic literature to the world economy and environmental sustainability.

At the core of each department are faculty members who have garnered national acclaim for their best-selling books, ground-breaking research and creative endeavors. Together, students and their professors explore globally significant subjects and work towards the goal of improving every aspect of the way in which human beings live. To learn more about a specific area of study, click on the left-hand navigation bar for a full listing of academic departments.

Genetic Counseling

As genetic testing becomes more available and patients gain unprecedented access to information about birth defects and the likelihood of diseases and medical conditions, the need for professionals who can help them understand and act on genetic test results is increasing rapidly.

The LIU Post master's program in Genetic Counseling is the first of its kind on Long Island and only the third in New York State. It is one of just 32 genetic counseling master’s degree programs nationwide accredited by the Accreditation Council for Genetic Counseling.

The program is committed to developing a new generation of genetic counselors with the knowledge and skill to help patients make the best decisions. With a diverse, interdisciplinary academic and clinical faculty, the two-year program is geared toward students who desire a rigorous and comprehensive training in the field of clinical genetics. The program emphasizes the scientific, clinical and psychosocial aspects of genetic counseling. Skills learned through classroom-based didactics pave the way for students to enter their clinical rotations for “real-world” training. Additionally, a number of supplementary activities ensure that students will be exposed to non-traditional careers in genetic counseling along with traditional, clinic-based careers.

M.S. Genetic Counseling

The LIU Post M.S. in Genetic Counseling is the first of its kind on Long Island and only the third in New York State. It is one of just 31 genetic counseling master’s degree programs nationwide accredited by the Accreditation Council for Genetic Counseling.

The mission of the Genetic Counseling program is to develop genetic counselors that have the knowledge, skill and experience to succeed in all areas of the field by providing comprehensive training emphasizing scientific, clinical and psychosocial aspects of genetic counseling.

As genetic testing becomes more available and patients gain unprecedented access to information about birth defects and the likelihood of diseases and medical conditions, the need for professionals who can help them understand and act on genetic test results is increasing rapidly.

The 46-credit Master of Science program in Genetic Counseling at LIU Post is committed to developing a new generation of genetic counselors with the knowledge and skill to help patients make the best decisions. With a diverse, interdisciplinary academic and clinical faculty, the two-year program is geared toward students who desire a rigorous and comprehensive training in the field of clinical genetics. The program emphasizes the scientific, clinical and psychosocial aspects of genetic counseling. Skills learned through classroom-based didactics pave the way for students to enter their clinical rotations for “real-world” training. Additionally, both classroom work and numerous supplementary activities ensure that students will be exposed to expanded roles in genetic counseling in addition to traditional, clinic-based careers.

The M.S. in Genetic Counseling at LIU Post is dedicated to training a diverse group of students to become leaders in the field of clinical genetics. We believe in embracing a supportive and collaborative atmosphere between our students and faculty. We encourage you to learn more about this program, and look forward to reading your application.

Students conduct important, life saving research in the Joseph, Tita, and Don Monti Genetics Lab.

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The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences is a thriving center of intellectual excellence that encompasses 14 academic departments and 80 degree programs. Its more than 2,500 students are engaged in a wide variety of challenging courses and hands-on learning experiences that extend across all areas of the humanities and sciences – from the great philosophers and classic literature to the world economy and environmental sustainability.

At the core of each department are faculty members who have garnered national acclaim for their best-selling books, ground-breaking research and creative endeavors. Together, students and their professors explore globally significant subjects and work towards the goal of improving every aspect of the way in which human beings live. To learn more about a specific area of study, click on the left-hand navigation bar for a full listing of academic departments.

The department

The Department of Biology is renowned for its work in behavioral ecology, animal behavior, and marine biology. Here, you can study fish, turtles, and crustaceans in the Aquatic Research Laboratory, an advanced center that is equipped with high capacity fresh and saltwater tanks. Our Miracle-Gro Greenhouse offers the ideal environment to study plant anatomy, ecology and photosynthesis.

The first of its kind on Long Island and only the third in New York State, our Master of Science in Genetic Counseling program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Genetic Counseling and is one of just 32 genetic counseling master’s degree programs nationwide.

Our campus is located close to outstanding natural resources, where students and faculty members conduct field research. Internships are available at well-known institutions such as North Shore-Long Island Jewish Health System, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, and the New York Hall of Science.

M.S. in Biology

The master’s degree program in biology affords students the opportunity to engage in world-class research alongside acclaimed professors, with state-of-the-art facilities and challenging, dynamic curricula. The M.S. in Biology is designed to prepare you for research, teaching and other disciplines within biology, which may lead you toward entry into a medical, dental or veterinary school, as well as for a wide variety of rewarding careers.

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Masters in Genetic Counselling

What is a Genetic Counsellor?

Genetic counsellors are health care professionals with specialized graduate training in the areas of medical genetics and counselling. Genetic counsellors usually work as members of a healthcare team, providing information and support to families who have members with birth defects or genetic disorders and to families who may be at risk for a variety of inherited conditions. Genetic counsellors work in a wide variety of settings, these include: general genetics, prenatal care and family planning, pediatrics, oncology, cardiology, neurology, laboratories, research, education, public health settings, and corporate environments. (NSGC website, accessed Oct 7, 2012).

GENERAL PROGRAM OVERVIEW

The Department of Medical Genetics, through Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies (G+PS) at the University of British Columbia, offers a unique two year graduate program leading to an MSc degree in Genetic Counselling. The program has full accreditation status by the American Board of Genetic Counseling (ABGC). Students, upon graduating, will be eligible to apply for “Active Candidate” status for both the ABGC and the Canadian Association of Genetic Counsellors (CAGC) certification exams.

Six students are accepted into the Program each year to begin their studies in September. Genetic counsellors, geneticists, other healthcare professionals and UBC faculty members instruct and supervise students during their course of study.

The program balances strong academic grounding, direct clinical experiences and independent research to prepare graduates for the dynamic field of genetic counselling.

Academic coursework provides a comprehensive overview of:
- Molecular genetics and genomics
- Clinical genetics
- Counselling techniques and psychology
- Bioethics

Clinical experiences cover a broad range of specialties, preparing graduates for the expanding professional role. These include both private and public settings in the areas of:
- Prenatal genetics
- Pediatric and adult genetics
- Reproductive medicine
- Cancer
- Psychiatric genetics
- Focused practical rotations in embryofetopathology, fetal ultrasound and prenatal procedures, prenatal biochemistry laboratory, molecular biochemical and cytogenetic laboratories.

Interprofessional health education prepares graduates for a patient centred, team-based approach to healthcare delivery. Collaborating with the College of Health Disciplines, unique experiences include:
- Health Mentorship Program
- The Interprofessional Education (IPE) Passport
- Rounds and educational seminars held by the Department of Medical Genetics, Hereditary Cancer Program, Child and Family
Research Institute, BC Clinical Genomics Network and other departments within the hospital and university network.

While this is not a thesis program, all graduates complete an independent research project. The program provides mentorship, research skills development and encouragement towards contributing to the published literature in genetic counselling outcomes.

Quick Facts

- Degree: Master of Science
- Specialization: Genetic Counselling
- Subject: Health and Medicine
- Mode of delivery: On campus
- Program components: Coursework only
- Faculty: Faculty of Medicine

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