Genetic Counseling Program Admission Requirements

1. Baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution, with a grade point average of at least 3.0 out of a possible 4.0.
   
2. Completion of the following courses or their equivalents:

   Genetics

   Human Genetics (may be taken during the first semester of the Program)

   Embryology

   Biochemistry

   Statistics

   Psychology or Counseling

   Introduction to Special Education (may be taken in the summer before matriculation or in the first semester of the Program)

3. The Graduate Record Examination (general).
4. One year of experience in working with people in crisis, as shown, for example, by direct counseling intervention work in agencies such as crisis intervention centers, student health centers, family planning clinics, etc. Programs should include a minimum of 40 hours of training in crisis counseling as well as ongoing supervision. Applicants are advised to obtain a letter of recommendation from a supervisor.
5. Applications are accepted for the fall semester only and must be received by January 15. Candidates lacking one or more of the prerequisites will be considered for admission to the Genetic Counseling Program, and may be admitted conditionally, however such incomplete applications may be less competitive than complete applications.
   
6. Applications must be submitted both to the Graduate School at California State University, Northridge, and to the Genetic Counseling Program itself.

Admissions Procedure

1. Submission of the application, official undergraduate transcripts, GRE scores (general) and fee to the Graduate School by January 15, 2007 (CSUN Admissions and Records)
2. Submission of a separate on-line application to the Program and two letters of recommendation preferably one academic and one from a counseling supervisor) to the Genetic Counseling Program by January 15, 2007
3. Evaluation of the application and selection of candidates for interview by the Admissions Committee Interviews, followed by acceptance of successful candidates for the Fall semester on an acceptance date selected by the Association of Genetic Counseling Program Directors, a national organization.