Genetic Counseling: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Genetic counseling is a specialized field dedicated to helping individuals and families understand the implications of inherited genetic conditions. Professionals in this domain interpret complex genetic information, assess risks for hereditary diseases, and support informed decision-making regarding testing, treatment, and family planning. The program equips students with the scientific and interpersonal expertise needed to navigate the ethical, emotional, and medical dimensions of genetic health.
- Clinical and medical genetics: Study of genetic mechanisms underlying human disease, including chromosomal abnormalities, single-gene disorders, and multifactorial conditions.
- Genetic testing methodologies: Exploration of diagnostic and predictive testing techniques, including karyotyping, molecular sequencing, and non-invasive prenatal testing.
- Genetic counseling techniques: Development of communication strategies for delivering sensitive genetic information with empathy, clarity, and cultural competence.
- Genetic and support services integration: Training in coordinating care with healthcare providers, support groups, and community resources to ensure holistic patient support.
- Public health principles: Application of population-level approaches to genetic screening, disease prevention, and health equity in genetic services.
- Medical ethics and legal frameworks: Examination of ethical dilemmas in genetic testing, informed consent, privacy, and compliance with healthcare regulations.
- Patient advocacy and psychosocial support: Emphasis on empowering patients through informed choices, emotional resilience, and navigation of healthcare systems.
- Professional standards and practice: Adherence to national guidelines, accreditation requirements, and ongoing competency in a rapidly evolving field.
Genetic Counseling Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Genetic Counseling Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Genetic Counseling degrees, including Genetic Counselors. These career paths represent common employment outcomes but are not guaranteed for all graduates. Salary ranges vary by location, employer, experience level, and specific role requirements. Nationally, these occupations employ approximately 3,510 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Genetic Counselors 29-9092 | $98,910 | $78,680 - $137,780 | 3,510 | $47.55 |
Genetic Counseling Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $81,760 in Indiana to $135,090 in California—a 65% difference. The highest-paying states include California, New Jersey, and Virginia. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 3,510 professionals across all states. Explore the interactive map below to compare regional compensation and identify optimal markets for your career goals.
Average Salary Range:
Top Universities for Genetic Counseling by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 35 institutions offering Genetic Counseling programs for the 2023-2024 academic year (the most recent data reported as of 2025), ranked by the number of graduates. The highest graduate enrollment in Genetic Counseling is found at Sarah Lawrence College (SLC) (27 graduates), Bay Path University (21 graduates), MGH Institute of Health Professions (MGH IHP) (21 graduates), Keck Graduate Institute (KGI) (20 graduates), and University of Pennsylvania (Penn) (18 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 378 graduates across all degree levels. Program availability varies by award level, including Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees at participating universities and schools.
| College Name | Award Levels | Graduates | Location | Control | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sarah Lawrence College (SLC) |
Master's
|
27 | Bronxville, New York | Private | sarahlawrence.edu |
| Bay Path University |
Master's
|
21 | Longmeadow, Massachusetts | Private | baypath.edu |
| MGH Institute of Health Professions (MGH IHP) |
Master's
|
21 | Boston, Massachusetts | Private | mghihp.edu |
| Keck Graduate Institute (KGI) |
Master's
|
20 | Claremont, California | Private | kgi.edu |
| University of Pennsylvania (Penn) |
Master's
|
18 | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania | Private | upenn.edu |
| Northwestern University |
Master's
|
17 | Evanston, Illinois | Private | northwestern.edu |
| University of Washington (UW) |
Master's
|
16 | Seattle, Washington | Public | washington.edu |
| Boise State University (BBU) |
Master's
|
13 | Boise, Idaho | Public | boisestate.edu |
| Boston University (BU) |
Master's
|
13 | Boston, Massachusetts | Private | bu.edu |
| Columbia University in the City of New York |
Master's
|
12 | New York, New York | Private | columbia.edu |
| Icahn School of Medicine (ISMMS) |
Master's
|
12 | New York, New York | Private | icahn.mssm.edu |
| University of Pittsburgh |
Master's
|
12 | Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania | Public | pitt.edu |
| University of California (UCSF) |
Master's
|
11 | San Francisco, California | Public | ucsf.edu |
| Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) |
Master's
|
11 | Richmond, Virginia | Public | vcu.edu |
| University of California (UCLA) |
Master's
|
10 | Los Angeles, California | Public | ucla.edu |
| Case Western Reserve University (CWRU) |
Master's
|
10 | Cleveland, Ohio | Private | case.edu |
| Ohio State University |
Master's
|
10 | Columbus, Ohio | Public | osu.edu |
| The University of Texas Health Science Center (UTHealth) |
Master's
|
10 | Houston, Texas | Public | uth.edu |
| University of Maryland (UMB) |
Master's
|
9 | Baltimore, Maryland | Public | umaryland.edu |
| Baylor College of Medicine (BCM) |
Master's
|
9 | Houston, Texas | Private | bcm.edu |
| Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW) |
Master's
|
9 | Milwaukee, Wisconsin | Private | mcw.edu |
| University of Alabama (UAB) |
Master's
|
8 | Birmingham, Alabama | Public | uab.edu |
| Wayne State University (WSU) |
Master's
|
8 | Detroit, Michigan | Public | wayne.edu |
| Kean University |
Master's
|
8 | Union, New Jersey | Public | kean.edu |
| Wake Forest University (WFC) |
Master's
|
8 | Winston-Salem, North Carolina | Private | wfu.edu |
| Johns Hopkins University (JHU) |
Master's
|
7 | Baltimore, Maryland | Private | jhu.edu |
| University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) |
Master's
|
7 | Omaha, Nebraska | Public | unmc.edu |
| Vanderbilt University (VU) |
Master's
|
7 | Nashville, Tennessee | Private | vanderbilt.edu |
| University of Arizona |
Master's
|
6 | Tucson, Arizona | Public | arizona.edu |
| University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus |
Master's
|
6 | Denver, Colorado | Public | ucdenver.edu |
| University of California (UCI) |
Master's
|
5 | Irvine, California | Public | uci.edu |
| University of Oklahoma (OUHSC) |
Master's
|
5 | Oklahoma City, Oklahoma | Public | ouhsc.edu |
| Arizona State University Campus Immersion (ASU) |
Master's
|
4 | Tempe, Arizona | Public | asu.edu |
| Southern California University of Health Sciences (SCU) |
Postbac Cert.
Master's
|
4 | Whittier, California | Private | scuhs.edu |
| Washington University in St Louis (WashU) |
Master's
|
4 | Saint Louis, Missouri | Private | wustl.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Genetic Counseling programs
How much can I earn with a Genetic Counseling degree?
Salaries for Genetic Counseling graduates vary by role and location. Genetic Counselors earn a median of $98,910 annually. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in California average $135,090 compared to $81,760 in Indiana. Approximately 3,510 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program, May 2024. Earnings vary by experience, employer, and market conditions.
Which universities have the largest Genetic Counseling programs?
Currently 35 accredited institutions offer Genetic Counseling degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include Sarah Lawrence College (SLC) (27 graduates), Bay Path University (21 graduates), and MGH Institute of Health Professions (MGH IHP) (21 graduates).
Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated.
Is enrollment in Genetic Counseling growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have increased over the past decade, rising from 113 in 2010 to 378 in 2023-24. This represents a 235% increase overall from 2010.
The field remains specialized with steady interest, though opportunities are most concentrated in major metropolitan areas with active arts scenes like New York, California, and Illinois.
Graduate enrollment data from IPEDS, 2010-2024 academic years. Trends reflect reported completions at participating institutions.
What career paths are available with a Genetic Counseling degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Genetic Counselors. Related occupations employ approximately 3,510 professionals nationwide.
Skills in project management, creative leadership, and collaboration also transfer to event planning, arts administration, marketing, and corporate training roles. Many professionals work freelance or on a project basis across theatre, film, and live events.
Career pathways mapped using CIP-SOC crosswalk from the National Center for Education Statistics. Employment data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
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