How to Apply
Applications for our program are processed through the University of South Carolina Graduate School. You can begin your application online.
Our program participates in the Association of Genetic Counseling Program Directors national admissions match. All applicants must register for the match at National Match System, Inc.
Prerequisites
Applicants must have earned a baccalaureate degree at an accredited institution and have completed the following coursework. If any prerequisites were completed online, please ensure they were completed through an accredited institution. In general, if prerequisites were not completed as part of a science degree, we prefer applicants to have taken these courses at a level required of a science major.
- One year of general biology
- One year of general chemistry
- One semester of biochemistry
- One semester of genetics
- One semester of statistics
* GRE is not required
Suggested (Not Required)
Applicants are encouraged to have varied volunteer and work experience for preparation in the field of genetic counseling. Experiences may include:
- Crisis/Peer counseling
- Shadowing/Genetic Counseling Internship
- Exposure to individuals with a chronic illness or disability through volunteer work
- Laboratory/Research experience
Supplementary Materials
You'll need to include these materials with your application:
- Your personal statement responding to three prompts found in the application
- A one-minute video response to one prompt found in the application
- Your curriculum vitae documenting experiences to date
- Official undergraduate transcripts
- Three letters of recommendation
The mailing address for transcripts and supporting materials is:
Graduate School
University of South Carolina
1705 College Street, Suite 552
Columbia, South Carolina 29208
Application Timeline
Your application to the University of South Carolina Genetic Counseling Program is due by December 1.
Applications are reviewed in January and February. Selected applicants are invited to interview in March and April, annually.
Please note that all applicants must be registered by the National Matching Service via the Genetic Counseling Admissions Match website. Please register for the national match in genetic counseling admissions by December 15.
Equal Opportunity & Affirmative Action
The University of South Carolina does not discriminate in educational or employment opportunities on the basis of race, sex, gender, gender identity, transgender status, age, color, religion, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, genetics, protected veteran status, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions.
Important Information About Genetic Counselor Licensure
The Genetic Counseling Program at the University of South Carolina is fully accredited by the Accreditation Council for Genetic Counseling, thereby making our graduates eligible to sit for the American Board of Genetic Counseling national certification examination. Some states have licensure for genetic counselors and some have not enacted licensure legislation/regulations. States with licensure have a licensing board with their own genetic counselor licensure requirements. State licensing laws typically require graduation from an ACGC accredited program and passing the ABGC national certification examination in order for a genetic counselor to apply for professional licensure. We cannot guarantee that the program meets the requirements for genetic counselor licensure in every state. Candidates for licensure must apply and meet the requirements for professional licensure in the state of choice and meet that state’s current regulations for genetic counselor licensure. Current information for states that have enacted genetic counselor licensure can be found here. Additional information can be found at the Academic Programs Professional Licensure website.
Join Us
The future of genetic counseling is yours. Invest your talents ... you'll be amazed at the deeply satisfying opportunities to serve. We welcome your interest and look forward to helping you take the next step on your path to becoming a genetic counselor.