Requirements

Degree and Coursework:

• Bachelor's degree in biology, chemistry, psychology, social work, nursing, or a related field
• Undergraduate course work: at least one semester each of (or their equivalents):
  • General biology
  • General and organic chemistry
  • General and/or human genetics
  • Biochemistry
  • Psychology
  • Statistics
  • Molecular/cell biology

Grade Point Average:

• Undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or above
• Applicants with a GPA less than 3.0 may be considered if they have post degree coursework demonstrating higher grades or another graduate degree with a GPA of 3.0 or higher

Graduate Record Examination (GRE):

• General GRE is required (No subject examination is required)
• The GRE must be taken no later than December for admission in the fall
• Official scores must be sent using 1565 as the institution code and 0210 as the program code

Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL):
(Nonresident applicants whose native language is not English must submit scores of the Test of English as a Foreign Language)

• The minimum acceptable paper-based TOEFL score is 600
• The minimum acceptable computer-based TOEFL is 250

Suggested, but not required:

• Counseling Experience: Applicants are encouraged to have some counseling experience which may be obtained in a number of ways, including, but not limited to crisis counseling, peer counseling, domestic abuse, or planned parenthood
• Genetic Counseling Exposure: Shadowing a genetic counselor or having a genetic counseling internship are both valuable experiences, however, we understand these may be difficult to arrange. Speaking with a genetic counselor about the field is also a valuable experience.
• Exposure to chronic illness or disabilities through volunteer work with Special Olympics or camps specific for children with disabilities.
• Laboratory experience
• Research experience
• Varied volunteer and work experiences

Northwestern values many different experiences in our applicants including past work and life experiences. We accept both applicants who have recently graduated, and those who have worked for several years before making the decision to attend graduate school.

If you have any questions regarding admissions requirements, please contact the graduate program at geneticcounseling@northwestern.edu or call 312-926-7467.

Note: It is the policy of Northwestern University not to discriminate against any individual on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, age, handicap, or veteran status in matters of admission, employment, housing or service or in the educational programs or activities that it operates, in accordance with civil rights legislation and University commitment. Northwestern University reserves the right to change without notice any statement concerning, but not limited to, rules, policies, tuition, fees, curricula, and courses.