Watch this webinar to learn more about the UAB Genetic Counseling Program, including what makes the UAB Program unique, admissions information, and tips for applications.
Can’t find what you’re looking for? You might find the answers in our Frequently Asked Questions.
View Application Checklist Opens a PDF.
Application and Review Process
Application Deadlines:
The application deadline is January 7.
Students should complete and submit all application materials by this deadline. Please reference the 
application checklist for a summary of material requirements and recommendations.
We strongly recommend international students to submit and complete all application materials by December 1.
Application Review Process:
Applications are reviewed after the admissions deadline of January 7. Invitations to interview are sent via email in February. Interviews are conducted virtually.
Application Fees:
- Domestic applicants and green card holders: $50
- International applicants: $60
There is an additional fee of $100 USD to register with National Matching Services (NMS) (see more information below), which facilitates admissions for all genetic counseling graduate programs in the United States. The NMS fee is only paid once (regardless of how many genetic counseling programs you apply to).
UAB cannot consider applicants who are not registered with NMS. Domestic and international applicants must both register with NMS.
Instructions for Completing the NMS Application
National Matching Services Registration: The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) Genetic Counseling Graduate Program is participating in the Genetic Counseling Admissions Match through National Matching Services (NMS) beginning with admissions for Fall 2018.
Before completing the UAB Graduate school application, please visit the NMS website to register for the match, review detailed information about the matching process, and to view a demonstration of how the matching algorithm works. Applicants will be asked to input their NMS registration number as part of the UAB Genetic Counseling Program online application. There is a fee of $100 USD to register for the Match. The registration fee is non-refundable, non-transferable and irrevocable.
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Match Fee Waiver Application
Match Fee Waiver Application
GCEA has established a waiver for the $100 fee associated with the NMS Match. Prospective students who demonstrate financial need AND have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or greater can apply for a match fee waiver. Prospective students should apply for a fee waiver BEFORE registering for an NMS number. Match fee waivers cannot be awarded to applicants who have already registered for the Match and paid the registration fee.
Applications for the match fee waiver are due by October 4, 2024. Applicants will be notified by October 30, 2024 as to whether they have received a waiver. There are a limited number of waivers, so not all applicants will receive a waiver. Instructions for how to register for the NMS match will be provided to those who receive a waiver.
Waivers are non-transferable to future match cycles or other prospective students. Prospective students who are applying for a match fee waiver will be required to write a short essay and to upload at least one of the following documents demonstrating financial need:
- A copy of a letter verifying unemployment benefits received within the past two years.
- A copy of a letter on official letterhead from a government agency verifying that you or your family have qualified for public assistance based on low income criteria anytime within the past 5 years
- A copy of your financial aid award letter from another / previous institution dated within 5 the past years
- A copy of your approved GRE fee waiver (for tests taken within 5 years of the application deadline)
- A copy of your federal Student Aid Report (SAR) that verifies you qualified for financial aid within the past 5 years based on a family contribution of:
- Not more than $1,500 if the student is a dependent student
- Not more than $1,900 if the student is an independent student
Apply for Match Fee Waiver Opens an external link.
Please direct any questions about the Match Fee Waiver process or requirements to
gcmatchwaivers@gcea.onmicrosoft.com .
Click or Scan to Apply Now!Instructions for Completing the UAB Application
Applications are submitted online through the UAB Graduate School. All required Admissions documents must be received by the UAB Graduate School by January 7. Materials received after this date will not be considered. Please reference the application checklist for a summary of material requirements and recommendations.
Official transcripts from each institution where college credit was received can be mailed to:
UAB Graduate School
LHL G03, 1720 2nd Avenue South
Birmingham, AL 35294-0013
Transcripts can be submitted electronically by choosing University of Alabama at Birmingham - Graduate Admission or using the email
Example for Completing Application:
- Register with the National Matching Service and obtain your NMS registration number.
- Complete the UAB application
- For which of the following are you applying? Master’s Degree
- Intended program of study: Genetic Counseling
- Concentration: Not Applicable – Selected program does not offer concentrations
- Term: Fall 20XX
Requirements
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Academic Prerequisite Requirements
The following coursework must be completed or in progress at the time of application to the program:
- Biology I (with lab) - 3-4 hours
- Biology II (with lab) - 3-4 hours
- Biochemistry (with or without lab) - 3-4 hours
- Genetics - 3-4 hours
- Statistics - 3 hours
- Psychology (general, developmental, abnormal) - 3-4 hours
Admission to the program will be dependent on successful completion of all prerequisite coursework. Students must have a BA or BS degree and meet all UAB Graduate School requirements. AP credit for Biology I and II, Statistics, and Psychology meets the prerequisite requirements.
If you have questions about whether a course you have taken meets the prerequisite requirements, then please email the course syllabus and schedule to
askcds@uab.edu .A minimum cumulative undergraduate grade point average of at least 3.0 (A = 4.0) is required for acceptance into the UAB Graduate School.
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Additional Activities
In addition to academic transcripts, we evaluate each applicant’s experience outside of their academic record.
Required activities:
- Exposure to the genetic counseling field.
It is strongly recommended for applicants to speak with or meet with a genetic counselor and/or observe clinical genetic counseling activities prior to applying to the program. Additional activities included under “exposure to the field” include but are not limited to viewing recorded genetic counseling sessions, reading the literature, podcasts/online video content, attending informational sessions, or through genetic counseling professional organization websites.
Recommended activities:
Successful applicants have experience across multiple recommended activities categories. The experiences summarized in this section are examples of possible activities applicants may engage in and is not comprehensive.
Any and all activities or experiences that fall under these categories should be represented on your application materials and CV.
Counseling Experience
Peer counseling
- Peer support group
- Academic mentorship
- Big Brothers Big Sisters
Crisis counseling
- Suicide hotline
- Crisis text line
- Domestic violence shelters or hotlines
Advocacy Experience
Work or volunteer with organizations advocating for or individuals with:
- Genetic disorders or risk
- Chronic illnesses
- Disabilities
Teaching Experience
- Teaching assistant (TA)
- Tutor
- Instructor
Teaching in life sciences (ex: genetics, biology, physiology) or psychology is ideal.
Research Experience
- Research assistant or technologist
- Honors or other thesis work
- Research publications or poster presentations
Research in life sciences (ex: genetics, biology, physiology) or psychology is ideal.
Campus and/or Community Involvement
- Involvement in campus or community clubs or organizations
- Other volunteer experiences
- Undergraduate or post-graduate job
- Fundraising efforts for campus or community causes
- Undergraduate sports team
Leadership Experience
- Management or team leader experience at job
- Trainer for other employees or organization members
- Leadership role in organization
- Captain of undergraduate sports team
- Student government
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Application Requirements
- NMS registration number.
- Personal Statement: A statement that highlights your motivation to become a genetic counselor, and emphasizes your prior and current experiences, and how they will benefit you in the profession. (No more than 500 words.)
- Official Transcripts: Unofficial transcripts will be accepted for application review. We recommend applicants send transcripts that include their most recent fall grades. Applicants are required to provide official transcripts in accordance with the requirements of the UAB Graduate School prior to matriculation.
- Letters of Recommendation: Three (3) letters of recommendation.
- A minimum cumulative undergraduate grade point average of at least 3.0 (A = 4.0).
- Resume or CV: This should account for a description and timeline of any paid or volunteer work experience in a crisis or peer counseling setting, shadowing/internships, working with individuals with genetic conditions or disabilities, technical work in laboratories, or teaching experience.
- Additional prerequisites: Exposure to genetic counseling, paid or volunteer experience in a crisis counseling or peer counseling setting, advocacy experience with individuals with genetic conditions or disabilities, technical work in genetics or life science laboratories, and teaching experience in life sciences are recommended and encouraged prior to applying to the program. It is also strongly recommended for applicants to speak with or meet with a genetic counselor and/or observe clinical genetic counseling activities to gather details about the profession.
*The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) General Test is not required. GRE scores will not be reviewed.
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International Requirements
Please visit the Graduate School's International Admissions page for information about deadlines, requirements, English proficiency exams, and the application process.
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Essential Functions
In order to successfully complete the degree requirements for the Curriculum for the Master of Science (M.S.) in Genetic Counseling Program, students must complete the academic and clinical practice requirements of the program in preparation to practice as an entry-level genetic counselor(s). As defined by the program’s accrediting body, the Accreditation Council for Genetic Counseling, an entry-level genetic counselor may demonstrate mastery of a broad body of genetics knowledge, and develop skills in the following domains: Communication Skills; Critical-Thinking Skills; Interpersonal, Counseling and Psychosocial Assessment Skills; and Professional Ethics and Values. Graduate training is a rigorous and intense training process that places specific requirements and demands on enrolled students.
The essential functions below extend beyond academic requirements for admission and are standards that all enrolled students must possess in order to successfully complete graduate training.
All genetic counseling students must meet the following requirements:
- Communicate effectively and sensitively with patients and members of the health care team.
- Possess the mental capacity for critical thinking including the ability to assimilate, analyze, synthesize, and integrate concepts and to problem solve in a timely fashion.
- Possess the emotional health and psychological stability required for full utilization of his/her intellectual abilities, exercise good judgment, prompt completion of all responsibilities and the development of mature, sensitive and effective relationships with patients and other members of the health care team.
- Adapt to changing environments and function effectively under stress.
- Students must be able to demonstrate proficiency of all ABGC Practice Based Competencies.
Additional Information
Learn more about options for paying for the program on the UAB Admissions website. Tuition information can be found on the Graduate tab of the Tuition and Fees page, and additional fees are listed in the Health Professions section of the Institutional Fees tab.
Select scholarships are available through the School of Health Professions based on student need, for minorities, and for some otherwise qualified students. UAB's Financial Aid Office may also be able to answer additional questions regarding costs of the program.
UAB’s Genetic Counseling Program participates in the Academic Common Market. If you are a student from the Southeast and your state participates in this program, you may be eligible to attend our program for in-state tuition.