UAB Graduate School Application
All prospective students must meet the UAB Graduate School admissions requirements, and must apply for admission through the Graduate School (UAB Graduate School On-line Application). The admission requirements can be found on the UAB Graduate School website in Section 2 of the Policy Listings.
The UAB Graduate School On-Line Application requires the following items, which you need to give consideration to before completing the on-line application:
- 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.)
- Letters of Recommendation - Three (3) letters of recommendation
A link to a Genetic Counseling Admissions Checklist is provided below to assist you with the process.
Prerequisite Coursework
The following coursework must be completed or in progress at the time of application to the program:
Biology (one full year freshman level course sequence)
Chemistry (one full year freshman level course sequence)
Biochemistry (one upper level semester course)
Genetics (one semester course to include Mendelian and molecular genetics)
General Psychology (one semester)
Statistics (one semester)
Admission to the program will be dependent on successful completion of all prerequisite coursework.
Work or Volunteer Experience
Paid or volunteer experience in a crisis counseling setting, peer counseling setting, with individuals with genetic conditions or disabilities, technical work in genetics laboratories or teaching experience in biology or genetics are recommended and encouraged in preparation for entering the genetic counseling field. It is also strongly recommended for applicants to speak with or met with a genetic counselor and/or observe clinical genetic counseling activities to gather details about the profession.
Applicant Review Process
Qualified applicants will be invited for an onsite interview with members of the admissions committee in March and April. Each accepted student will be notified on the national acceptance date as determined by the Association of Genetic Counseling Program Directors. Individuals will have 5 days to respond to the program director in writing to accept or decline their offer in the program.
Application deadline
January 15th (earlier applications will be accepted)