The Stanford MS Program in Human Genetics and Genetic Counseling began in 2008 and is fully accredited by the Accreditation Council for Genetic Counseling (ACGC). This exciting translational two-year program is located in a world renowned Genetics department and a top 10 medical school alongside two nationally ranked hospitals in one of the most beautiful and culturally diverse areas of the country. This all-in-one campus allows students to learn from a range of academic and clinical experts and thought leaders.

Our faculty utilize state-of-the-art testing laboratories, research facilities, and genomics resources to train students to work with patients and clients in a wide range of settings and from multicultural backgrounds. The curriculum provides a balance of cutting-edge genomics technology with strong psychosocial counseling techniques and research training. We emphasize critical thinking skills that will be increasingly needed as genetics and genomics is translated into new professional settings. All aspects of the training are tailored so that content is clinically applicable from the start. 

Vision: Our vision is to build a genetic counseling community that embraces, empowers, includes, respects, educates, and supports patients, colleagues, students, and partners from all walks of life.
 
Mission: We are committed to prioritizing innovative, personalized, and applied genetic counseling education and practice, through a combination of dynamic coursework, fieldwork, research, introspection, and supportive mentoring.
 
Program objectives:

1. Provide students with the appropriate knowledge and experience to become discerning, empathic, independent, openminded, adaptable, strategic, and inclusive genetic counselors.
2. Utilize a cutting-edge curriculum that
   1. includes a balance of psychosocial, medical, scientific, and research components
   2. evolves dynamically with the students, faculty, and with the profession
   3. allows students to develop personalized areas of interest and expertise.
3.  Prepare students to
   
   1. counsel effectively with all populations and cultures in a variety of clinical settings, including multilingual practice whenever possible
   2. critically evaluate information and conduct clinical research
   3. develop proficiency in inter- and intra-disciplinary teamwork, personal evaluation, goal-setting, and professional ethics
   4. establish strong oral and written communication skills
   5. demonstrate each of the ACGC Practice-Based competencies
   6. achieve ABGC certification, obtain licensure (in states where it is available), and sustain continuing education and self-reflective practices
   7. promote the field of genetic counseling through clinical care, teaching, research, advocacy, and leadership

To receive a Master of Science degree in Human Genetics and Genetic Counseling from Stanford University, students must successfully complete the following:  

1. 84 units, including all of the required coursework (minimum grades of B- or better, Satisfactory, or Credit). Please refer to our Education page for details.
   
2. Approximately six quarters of rotations and independent study projects in diverse settings
3. All required aspects of the Graduate Student Research Project
4. All required aspects of the Service and Outreach Requirement
5. Formal presentations in Medical Genetics Grand Rounds and Human Genetics Journal Club

Students' educational experience is supplemented through:

• Human Genetics Journal Club - monthly presentations from small groups of trainees and faculty in the Division of Medical Genetics focused on assessing complex literature and engaging in team science
• Genetics Department Retreat - typically a 2-3 day department-wide event in Monterey focused on cutting-edge science and community building
• Current Issues in Genetics - weekly presentations by trainees and faculty in the department of Genetics
• Stanford Center for Biomedical Ethics Seminars - weekly talks examining issues at the juncture of medicine, law, and ethics
• Work-study position wiht a genetics service at Stanford - opportunity for students to receive tuition support while learning hands-on, behind-the-scenes skills used by practicing genetic counselors
• Local, regional, and/or national genetics meetings
• Other relevant Stanford events