Program Directors:
Anne E. Greb, M.S., C.G.C. - Genetic Counseling Graduate Program
3216 Scott Hall
Wayne State University School of Medicine
540 E. Canfield Avenue
Detroit, Michigan 48201
313.577.6298
agreb@genetics.wayne.edu
Angela Trepanier, MS,
C.G.C. - Genetic Counseling Graduate Program
3216 Scott Hall
Wayne State University School of Medicine
540 E. Canfield Avenue
Detroit, Michigan 48201
313.577.6298
atrepani@genetics.wayne.edu
The graduate program in genetic counseling is offered in cooperation
with the
Center
for Molecular Medine and Genetics (CMMG)
Genetic counselors help families understand their risks for inherited
conditions and birth defects so they can make informed decisions about
their health, including reproduction, medical management and lifestyle.
Genetic counselors are medical professionals trained at the graduate
level in the area of medical genetics and counseling. They usually
work in large hospitals or university-based medical centers and are
often associated with pediatric, obstetric or internal medicine departments.
Genetic counselors are also involved in teaching and research activities.
Because many of the advances in human genetics can be applied to medicine,
tremendous career opportunities are currently available for genetic
counselors.
The Degree Program.
The graduate program in genetic counseling is designed
to integrate scientific knowledge and counseling skills with a variety
of clinical and laboratory experiences. The diverse population found
in the greater Detroit area provides a unique opportunity to explore
how ethnic and cultural differences influence the effectiveness of
clinical genetic services and the genetic counseling process.
The curriculum consists
of course work and clinical internships. Theory and techniques of
counseling, human and medical genetics, molecular
biology, and genetic counseling are among the required courses.
The Detroit Medical Center and surrounding metropolitan hospitals
offer
the clinical sites where students receive supervised experience
in a variety of genetics clinics. Additional rotations include training
in two genetic service laboratories and exposure to disease-specific
subspecialty clinics.
The program’s overall goal is to provide students with
the skills and knowledge to function successfully as productive
and
responsible genetic counselors in a variety of work settings.
Students are expected
to complete the program in two years (five semesters) on a
full-time basis.
Approximately four students are accepted into the genetic counseling
program each academic year. The program has received accreditation
as a new program by the American Board of Genetic Counseling.
Degree Requirements. The Master of Science in Genetic Counseling is
offered only as a Plan B Graduate School program, requiring an essay
project. Approximately thirty-six credits are required including: twenty-two
credits from core courses, six credits in clinical internships, two
credits for the research project, and six elective credits. A detailed
listing of the required courses is available from the Program Directors.
All course work must be completed in accordance with the academic rules
and regulations of the Graduate School and the School of Medicine,
respectively.
Admissions. Admission to this program is contingent upon admission
to the Graduate
School and the Graduate
Programs of the School of Medicine.
Applicants must have a bachelor's degree with a grade point average
of at least 3.0. Undergraduate course work in each of the following
is required: one year in biology and chemistry, one semester each in
genetics, organic chemistry, biochemistry, calculus, statistics and
psychology. Also required are three letters of recommendation, a personal
statement and Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores. Prospective
students are encouraged to obtain exposure to a clinical setting with
relevance to developmental disabilities, genetic diseases, advocacy
experience or related areas.
How to Apply. Students who have completed the admissions requirements
and are committed to a career in genetic counseling are encouraged
to apply to the master’s program in genetic counseling.
A completed Graduate Admissions Application Form and original
transcripts
should
be sent to the Wayne State University Graduate Admissions Office.
Copies of each of these, as well as a completed Graduate Program
in Genetic
Counseling Application Form, three letters of recommendation,
GRE scores and a personal statement should be sent directly
to:
Anne Greb, MS/Angela Trepanier, MS, Co-Directors
Graduate Program in Genetic Counseling
Center for Molecular Medicine and Genetics
3216 Scott Hall
540 E. Canfield Ave.
Detroit, MI 48201
Attn: Willia Lake
The application deadline for acceptance into the fall class is February
1. After review of all applications, selected candidates will be invited
for an interview.
For Applications and More Information. Additional information about
the MS program in genetic counseling can be obtained by contacting
the Program Directors. For an application packet, please call (313)
577-6298 or email at wlake@med.wayne.edu.
For more information about the field of genetic counseling, please
contact the National Society of Genetic Counselors at http://www.nsgc.org and
the American Board of Genetic Counseling at http://www.faseb.org/genetics/abgc/abgcmenu.htm.
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