Applying to the Genetic Counseling Program

All prospective students for the Genetic Counseling Graduate Program must apply through the Wayne State University Office of Graduate Admissions. More general information about Wayne State University Graduate admissions process is available here. The online application system is available here. The application deadline is January 5th for consideration of fall admission. NOTE: THIS IS A NEW DEADLINE FOR THE FALL 2025 ADMISSIONS CYCLE.

A completed application includes:

  • Completed online application. Wayne State is not currently charging an application fee for the Fall 2025 admissions cycle.
  • Original transcripts from all post-secondary institutions. Please see this website for transcript submission information: https://gradschool.wayne.edu/admissions/domestic-process-transcripts
  • Applicants whose native language is other than English are required to take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or other English proficiency examination. There are some exceptions to these requirements. See here for additional details: https://gradschool.wayne.edu/admissions/english-proficiency
  • Three letters of recommendation.
  • A statement describing personal and professional reasons for pursuing a career in genetic counseling. In addition, please include personal experiences and/or attributes that would prepare you to provide inclusive genetic counseling to a diverse patient population. Please limit the essay to 1000 words, double-spaced.
  • Proof of Genetic Counseling Admissions Match registration through National Match Services (NMS) at https://natmatch.com/gcadmissions. See below for additional information. 
  • International applicants should also visit the Graduate School International Admissions webpage for additional admissions requirements.

NOTE:  The Wayne State University Genetic Counseling Program does not require the Graduate Record Examination for admission. Further, any scores submitted will not be taken into consideration.

All applications that are complete by January 5th will be reviewed by the Genetic Counseling Graduate Program Admissions Committee. NOTE: THIS IS A NEW DEADLINE FOR THE FALL 2025 ADMISSIONS CYCLE. 

Selected applicants will be offered a day long interview. Over the course of the interview day, applicants meet individually with each program director and four additional admissions committee members. Interviews are currently being conducted virtually (by Zoom) to help reduce the cost of admissions. However, applicants are welcome to come to campus for a visit. In addition, we plan one, optional on-campus visit event after all interviews have been conducted.  

The Wayne State University Genetic Counseling Graduate Program is participating in the Genetic Counseling Admissions Match through National Matching Services (NMS) beginning with admissions for Fall 2018.  The GC Admissions Match has been established to enhance the process of placing applicants into positions in masters-level genetic counseling programs that are accredited by the Accreditation Council for Genetic Counseling (ACGC). The Match uses a process that takes into account both applicants’ and programs’ preferences. 

All applicants must first register for the Match with NMS before applying to participating genetic counseling graduate programs.  It is recommended that applicants register for the Match by December 15th.  Applicants may register after this date, however they should register early enough to ensure sufficient time for evaluations, interviews and rankings. Please visit the NMS website at  https://natmatch.com/gcadmissions to register for the match, review detailed information about the matching process, and to view a demonstration of how the matching algorithm works. 

At the conclusion of all program interviews, both applicants and programs will submit ranked lists of preferred placements to NMS according to deadlines posted on the NMS website.  The binding results of the Match will be released to both applicants and programs simultaneously in late April.

Application Financial Assistance

The Association of Genetic Counseling Program Directors has established a waiver for the $100 fee associated with the Genetic Counseling Admissions 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 a Match Code 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. There are a limited number of waivers, so not all applicants will receive one. Please visit https://natmatch.com/gcadmissions/applicants/register.html for additional details and direct any questions to gcmatchwaivers@gcea.onmicrosoft.com.  

The Michigan Association of Genetic Counselors (MAGC) is offering up to 10 scholarships in the amount of $200 for prospective genetic counseling students residing in the state of Michigan to assist in reimbursement of genetic counseling training program application costs. The application deadline has been extended to October 14, 2024, with awardees announced in late October. See application link here. For more information, click here or direct any questions to shadowing@magcinc.org. 

 

 

 

Contact Information

Genetic Counseling Graduate Program
Center for Molecular Medicine and Genetics
Wayne State University School of Medicine
3127 Scott Hall
540 E. Canfield Avenue
Detroit, MI 48201

Administrative Office:
(313) 577-6298
Fax: (313) 577-9137
Email: geneticcounseling@med.wayne.edu