Genetic Counseling Program Curriculum

Student coursework covers a broad variety of topics, including genetics, embryology, psychosocial counseling, and biomedical ethics. A diversity of classroom settings provides genetic counseling students with the opportunity to learn alongside students from the other School of Health Professions programs, medical students, residents, and fellows at Baylor College of Medicine as well as students from other programs within the Texas Medical Center. The first year of the curriculum includes a combination of didactic, thesis and clinical courses totaling 31 credit hours (this is unchanged). During the second year, the combined course load totals 24.5 credit hours, including six credit hours of thesis related course work. Overall, 55.5 credit hours are required for graduation.

View course descriptions. See the curriculum below.

The Baylor Genetic Counseling Program offers a dynamic and comprehensive rotation experience, immersing students in diverse clinical settings. All students will rotate through Prenatal, Pediatric, and Adult/Cancer clinics at Baylor College of Medicine and our affiliated hospitals, such as Texas Children’s Hospital. Baylor College of Medicine is home to the largest clinical genetics program in the country.  We offer an array of clinical opportunities through telehealth and a multitude of subspecialty practice areas in a variety of clinical settings. 

Students begin their rotations in the Fall of year one. In their first semester, students will observe their supervisors conduct visits, complete associated assignments, and eventually will be expected to complete a live pedigree in clinic. During the second semester, students will begin to take on increasing roles to expand their knowledge and skill set in the clinical setting. As they progress through their second year, students will continue to add skills and take on additional roles. Ultimately, they will progress to the point where they are taking on the role of primary counselor for the session.

Below are some examples of the common clinics our students will rotate through:

 Prenatal Rotation

• Preconception Clinics
• Reproductive Clinics I
• Infertility and Assistant Reproductive Clinics
• Maternal Cardiovascular Clinic
• Fetal Center
• Consultagene

Pediatric Rotation

• General Genetics Clinic
• Neurology Clinics
• Hematology and Oncology Clinics
• Allergy and Immunology Clinics
• Syndrome Specific Specialty Clinics
• Cardiology Clinics
• Inpatient

Adult Rotation

• General and Specialty Cancer Clinics
• Neurogenetics Clinics
• Cardiogenetics Clinics
• Hereditary connective tissue disorders
• Renal genetics

Students at Baylor College of Medicine also have the unique opportunity to gain laboratory experience in the world-renowned Baylor Genetics laboratory. The first year of the program includes three credit hours of clinical training. During the summer, students rotate through a two-credit-hour clinical rotation at the clinical site of their choice. During the second year, the focus shifts to clinical training with at least two days a week of clinical training for a total of four credit hours.

See the curriculum below.

The program requires a thesis for the completion of the M.S. degree. This scholarly project may be original research or an extension of existing research involving a clinical or counseling project or may be laboratory based and should relate to some aspect of genetic counseling. The faculty will advise students regarding appropriate topics and projects. They will assist each student in identifying an appropriate thesis advisor and other faculty members from the Department of Molecular and Human Genetics or other departments to compose the student’s thesis committee. At least one member of the program faculty will sit on each thesis committee. The committee is charged with assisting the student in defining the area of research and carrying out the project. As students near completion of their projects, an oral defense is held with the student’s thesis committee. In the spring of their second year, students will be required to present their thesis at an open colloquium that will be held at the Baylor College of Medicine.

Current students are researching a variety of topics, including:

• How are adolescents and young adults with Noonan syndrome transitioning from pediatric to adult healthcare?
• What are the genetic testing practices and clinical characteristics of pediatric patients with thyroid nodules and/or cancer?
• What are the life limiting factors contributing to mortality in individuals with Cardiofaciocutaneous syndrome (CFC)?
• Does the Minority Tax influence professional satisfaction of Black Genetic Counselors?
• Is there a neuropsychiatric phenotype for individuals with EBF3 related disorder?
• How are individuals with Down syndrome transitioning from pediatric to adult care in Texas?
• What factors contribute to patient panel breadth selection in a hereditary cancer clinic?
• What factors contribute to patient decision making following an atypical NIPT result?
• What are parent perspectives on genetic testing following a stillbirth?
• What are caregivers’ experiences with attending a multidisciplinary clinic for individuals with genetic neurodevelopmental conditions?

Students enrolled in the Baylor College of Medicine Genetic Counseling Program have the opportunity to apply for a waiver of their second-year tuition through a Post Graduate Genetic Counseling Research Fellowship. During the fall of their second year, interested students submit a research project proposal for review and possible approval by our Program Research Committee.  If the project is approved, the student will be granted a tuition waiver for their second year through a loan payback agreement that is contingent upon completion of their 12-month PI mentored Research Fellowship. This unique opportunity allows the student to enhance their research skills beyond those that they acquired during their Genetic Counseling Master’s Degree training.