image of Rutgers University Logo

Rutgers University
Genetic Counseling Master's Program

Location: Piscataway, NJ
Program Length:  22 months

Mission:  To provide excellent, innovative, and interdisciplinary training that prepares our students for the evolving field of genetic counseling.

Vision:  Graduates of Rutgers GCMP will be empathic and competent counselors, self-directed learners, and respected leaders who strive to advance the profession and are prepared to fulfill a variety of roles in a healthcare system that increasingly utilizes genetic and genomic medicine.

Our training involves rigorous coursework, a variety of clinical rotations offered throughout the state, and a Master’s research project. Housed within the Microbiology and Molecular Genetics Program, our program provides students with resources from the School of Graduate Studies, as well as the Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences. Our dedicated academic and clinical faculty are experienced genetic professionals, representing a variety of specialties. Our students have the opportunity to work with a vast network of talented genetic counselors across the state of New Jersey working in a great variety of professional settings.

Program Website

Prerequisite Information 

  • GRE –
  • International students –
  • GPA requirement =  3.2
  • In-state priority –
  •  Interviews -Virtual
  • In-state: $40,000
  • Out-of-state: $68,000
  •  International: $68,000
  • Tuition reduction options –
  • On-campus work opportunities –
  • Match and/or Application Waivers –
  • New Jersey
  • Flexible summer rotation opportunities –
  • Among all national universities ranked by U.S. News & World Report rankings, Rutgers is topped in campus ethnic diversity only by University of California schools and the University of Texas at Austin. Among Big Ten schools, Rutgers–New Brunswick ranks first in campus ethnic diversity and social mobility.
  • New Jersey comes in fourth for the most diverse U.S. states. New Jersey ranks fifth for Socioeconomic Diversity, seventh for Cultural Diversity, and fourth for Political Diversity, which is reflected in the diversity of patients seen through our clinical rotations.
  • Rutgers is one of 5 universities who are in the Alliance to Increase Diversity in Genetic Counseling. AID-GC – AID-GC
  • All First-Year students will participate in a monthly DEIJ seminar. Additionally, a discussion of these topics and more has been incorporated into all course and clinical training aspects of the program.
  • Scholarships are available for underrepresented applicants, including the Warren Alpert Foundation (WAF) Scholarship (Full Tuition & living expenses)   AID-GC Scholarship (rutgers.edu)
  • GCMP Students participate in the mentorship of undergraduate students who receive WAF summer internships Summer Internship (rutgers.edu)
  • Option of focused thesis project work on DEIJ issues in genetic counseling
  • GCMP Student/Faculty focused committees, including student/faculty committee for diversity recruitment.
  • Collaboration with University groups, including the Office of Diversity and Academic Success in the Sciences  Home (rutgers.edu)
  • Numerous ongoing learning activities, including through the Rutgers Office of University Equity and Inclusion   Building Inclusive Community | Rutgers University Equity and Inclusion
  • Participation in recruitment events for underrepresented prospective students
  • Students attend various grand rounds addressing a variety of topics, including DEIJ seminars
  • Students can apply to the LEND program to participate in the second year of study NJLEND (rutgers.edu)

For more information, please contact gcmp@dls.rutgers.edu.

To request more information about this program, please complete this form.