Campuses:
This is archival data. This system was retired as of August 21, 2023 and the information on this page has not been updated since then. For current information, visit catalogs.umn.edu.
Twin Cities Campus
Molecular, Cellular, Developmental Biology and Genetics M.S.Genetics, Cell Biology, and Development TCBS
Genetics, Cell Biology, and Development TMED
Graduate School
Link to a list of faculty for this program.
Contact Information
MCDB&G Graduate Program, 6-160 Jackson Hall, 321 Church Street SE, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, 55455 (612-624-7470, fax: 612-626-6140)
Email:
gcgrad@umn.edu
Along with the program-specific requirements listed below, please read the
General Information section of
this
website for requirements that apply to all major fields.
The MCDB&G MS degree offers genetic counseling track that integrates selected coursework with first-hand experience in diagnostic medical genetics laboratories and supervised work in clinical settings with patients and families. Students who pursue the track have the opportunity to participate in the Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities (LEND) program.
Applications to a free-standing research MS degree are not accepted.
Program Delivery
Prerequisites for Admission
Genetic counseling track: http://cbs.umn.edu/genetic-counseling/admissions
Joint MCDBG PhD/Genetic Counseling MS Program: https://cbs.umn.edu/genetic-counseling/program-information/phdprogram
Special Application Requirements:
MS/genetic counseling track:
Experiences where you have developed skills transferable to genetic counseling practice. There are numerous skill-based components of genetic counseling and many ways to develop these skills. For example, you might develop counseling skills by volunteering with people in distress, patient-education skills by working as a teacher or tutor, confidential data management skills from time spent as a research assistant, collaboration/teamwork skills from organizing events, or advocacy skills from helping your family navigate the medical system. In your application, help us see how your experiences will inform your work as a genetic counselor.
Strong understanding of the field of genetic counseling, including the varied roles available to genetic counselors, the dynamics of providing both education and counseling in our work, and current issues/debates. This may be from shadowing experiences, informational interviews, webinars, reading blogs, listening to podcasts, or many other avenues. Application deadline is December 1 for the following fall semester
International applicants must submit score(s) from one of the following tests:
Key to test
abbreviations
(TOEFL, IELTS).
For an online application or for more information about graduate education admissions, see the
General Information section of this
website.
Program Requirements
Plan A: Plan A requires
20
major credits,
0
credits outside the major,
and
10
thesis credits.
The final exam is written and oral.
Plan B: Plan B requires
30 to 55
major credits and
0
credits outside the major.
The final exam is written.
This program may not be completed with a minor.
Use of 4xxx courses towards program requirements is not permitted.
A minimum GPA of 3.00
is required for students to remain in good standing.
Coursework (20 to 30 credits)
Required Coursework (3 credits)
Select 1 of the following courses. GCD 5005: Computer Programming for Cell Biology (Fall) or GCD 8141: Computational Genomics (Spring)
GCD 8141 - Computational Genomics
(3.0 cr)
or
GCD 5005 - Computer Programming for Biology
(3.0 cr)
Electives (17 to 27 credits)
Plan A students take 17 credits, and Plan B students not pursuing the genetics counseling track take 27 credits from the following. Additional coursework may be selected in consultation with the advisor and the director of graduate studies.
MCDG 8900 can be taken for 1 credit up to 4 semesters for a maximum of 4 credits. MCDG 8950 can be taken for 1 credit up to 2 semesters for a maximum of 2 credits. Students pursuing the genetics counseling track exempt from this requirement.
GCD 8131 - Advanced Molecular Genetics and Genomics
(3.0 cr)
GCD 8151 - Cellular Biochemistry and Cell Biology
(2.0-4.0 cr)
GCD 8161 - Advanced Cell Biology and Development
(2.0 cr)
GCD 8171 - Literature Analysis
(1.0-2.0 cr)
GCD 8401 - Ethics, Public Policy & Careers in Molecular Cell Biology
(1.0 cr)
MCDG 8900 - Student Research Seminar
(1.0 cr)
MCDG 8950 - Teaching Practicum
(1.0 cr)
Plan Options
Plan A
Thesis Credits
Plan A students take at least 10 master's thesis credits.
MCDG 8777 - Thesis Credits: Master's
(1.0-18.0 cr)
Joint- or Dual-degree Coursework:
MCDBG PhD/Genetic Counseling MS Joint Program
Students may take a total of 21 credits in common
among the academic programs.
Program Sub-plans
A sub-plan is not required for this program.
Students may not complete the program with more than one sub-plan.
Genetic Counseling
This sub-plan is limited to students completing the program under Plan B.
Students must earn a passing grade in the 5 clinical internship rotations.
Students must present a log of at least 50 clinical cases to be eligible for the final written examination.
Students accepted into the Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities (LEND) program must take OLPD 5356 (3 credits) in addition to the genetic counseling track curriculum.
First Year (25 credits)
Students will gain experience in the clinical laboratories one day per week.
Take 2 credits of GCD 8921 (2 semesters; 1 credit each).
Take GCD 8993 for 2 credits.
GCD 8073 - Genetics & Genomics in Human Health
(2.0 cr)
GCD 8911 - Introduction to Genetic Counseling Skills and Practice
(4.0 cr)
GCD 8912 - Genetic Counseling in Practice
(4.0 cr)
GCD 8916 - Genetic Counseling Research Seminar
(2.0 cr)
GCD 8917 - Medical Genetics I
(3.0 cr)
GCD 8918 - Medical Genetics II
(3.0 cr)
GCD 8921 - Professional Development Seminar I
(1.0 cr)
GCD 8993 - Directed Studies
(1.0-5.0 cr)
PSY 5137 - Introduction to Behavioral Genetics
(3.0 cr)
Summer (3 credits)
During the summer between the first and second year of the program, students will begin their first clinical internship rotation with patient responsibilities. This clinical rotation includes the expectation that students will spend between 2-3 days per week in the clinic.
GCD 8001 - Genetic Counseling Clinical Internship I
(3.0 cr)
Second Year (24 credits)
Students will complete internships in a clinical setting 2-3 days per week.
Take 2 credits of GCD 8922 (2 semesters; 1 credit each).
Take 4 credits of GCD 8994 (2 semesters; 2 credits each).
Students admitted Fall 2020 and later will complete GCD 8914 for 2 credits.
GCD 8002 - Genetic Counseling Clinical Internship II
(5.0 cr)
GCD 8003 - Genetic Counseling Clinical Internship III
(5.0 cr)
GCD 8913 - Psychosocial Issues in Genetic Counseling I
(3.0 cr)
GCD 8914 - Ethical and Legal Issues in Genetic Counseling
(2.0 cr)
GCD 8915 - Psychosocial Issues in Genetic Counseling II
(3.0 cr)
GCD 8922 - Professional Development Seminar II
(1.0 cr)
GCD 8994 - Research
(1.0-5.0 cr)
LEND Program Participants
Students participating in the Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities (LEND) program complete an additional 3-credit required course. LEND program participants may be advised to complete all 4 credits of GCD 8994 in one semester.
Second Year Required Course (3 Credits)
Take the following course. A Policy & Advocacy module and policy project may be substituted for OLPD 5356 with approval of the director of graduate studies.
OLPD 5356 - Disability Policy and Services
(3.0 cr)
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Credits: | 3.0 [max 3.0] |
Typically offered: | Every Spring |
Credits: | 3.0 [max 3.0] |
Typically offered: | Every Fall |
Credits: | 3.0 [max 3.0] |
Typically offered: | Every Fall & Spring |
Credits: | 2.0 -4.0 [max 4.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F only |
Typically offered: | Every Fall |
Credits: | 2.0 [max 3.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F only |
Typically offered: | Every Spring |
Credits: | 1.0 -2.0 [max 2.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F only |
Typically offered: | Every Fall |
Credits: | 1.0 [max 1.0] |
Course Equivalencies: | Bioc 8401/GCD 8401 |
Grading Basis: | S-N or Aud |
Typically offered: | Every Spring |
Credits: | 1.0 [max 10.0] |
Grading Basis: | S-N or Aud |
Typically offered: | Every Fall & Spring |
Credits: | 1.0 [max 2.0] |
Grading Basis: | S-N or Aud |
Typically offered: | Every Fall & Spring |
Credits: | 1.0 -18.0 [max 50.0] |
Grading Basis: | No Grade |
Typically offered: | Every Fall, Spring & Summer |
Credits: | 2.0 [max 3.0] |
Typically offered: | Every Spring |
Credits: | 4.0 [max 4.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F only |
Typically offered: | Every Fall |
Credits: | 4.0 [max 4.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F or Aud |
Typically offered: | Every Spring |
Credits: | 2.0 [max 3.0] |
Typically offered: | Every Spring |
Credits: | 3.0 [max 3.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F only |
Typically offered: | Every Fall |
Credits: | 3.0 [max 3.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F only |
Typically offered: | Every Fall |
Credits: | 1.0 [max 1.0] |
Grading Basis: | S-N only |
Typically offered: | Every Fall & Spring |
Credits: | 1.0 -5.0 [max 15.0] |
Grading Basis: | S-N or Aud |
Typically offered: | Every Fall, Spring & Summer |
Credits: | 3.0 [max 3.0] |
Typically offered: | Every Fall |
Credits: | 3.0 [max 6.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F only |
Typically offered: | Every Summer |
Credits: | 5.0 [max 10.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F only |
Typically offered: | Every Fall |
Credits: | 5.0 [max 10.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F only |
Typically offered: | Every Spring |
Credits: | 3.0 [max 3.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F only |
Typically offered: | Every Fall |
Credits: | 2.0 [max 3.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F or Aud |
Typically offered: | Every Spring |
Credits: | 3.0 [max 5.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F only |
Typically offered: | Every Spring |
Credits: | 1.0 [max 2.0] |
Grading Basis: | S-N only |
Typically offered: | Every Fall & Spring |
Credits: | 1.0 -5.0 [max 20.0] |
Grading Basis: | S-N or Aud |
Typically offered: | Every Fall, Spring & Summer |
Credits: | 3.0 [max 3.0] |
Typically offered: | Every Spring & Summer |