Graduate Certificate in Pre-Genetic Counseling – Online​

Overview

Genetic counselors work at the forefront of personalized, precision medicine—helping individuals and families understand their unique genetic makeup, assess potential health risks, and navigate life-changing choices with confidence. They provide not just scientific expertise but also compassionate support, guiding patients through both the medical and the emotional aspects of genetic conditions.

SCU’s four-course, fully online Pre-Genetic Counseling certificate program will help you prepare for master’s level Genetic Counseling programs and launch a career in this dynamic and rewarding field.*

You’ll complete the program with a strong foundation in genetic counseling principles, practices, and ethical considerations—and be guaranteed an interview with SCU’s Master of Science in Genetic Counseling (MSGC) program.

*To become a genetic counselor, one must earn a Master of Science in Genetic Counseling degree from an Accreditation Council for Genetic Counseling (ACGC) accredited program and then pass a licensing examination administered by the American Board of Genetic Counselors (ABGC). SCU’s Pre-Genetic Counseling Certificate provides the opportunity for students to strengthen their applications to these highly competitive master’s programs.

Program at a Glance

• Fully online, completed in as little as 15 weeks (3.5 months)
• A series of 4 classes, all delivered asynchronously, meaning that you may watch lectures and complete assignments whenever it works best for you during a given week
• Unique course schedule through which you’ll take Just 2 classes at a time (each lasting just 7.5 weeks), improving learning while reducing overload
• Guaranteed interview with SCU’s Master of Science in Genetic Counseling (MSGC) program
• Fixed tuition guarantee, federal financial aid for those who qualify, and a range of institutional scholarship opportunities

Upcoming Start Dates

• Fall: September 2nd, 2025
• Spring: January 5th, 2026
• Summer: May 4th, 2026

What Sets Our Program Apart?

FAST, CONVENIENT, AND ENGAGING

All four of your courses will take place online and be delivered asynchronously, meaning that you may watch lectures and complete assignments whenever it works best for you during a given week. Taking two courses at a time, you’ll complete the program in just 15 weeks but without feeling overwhelmed. To keep you interested and fully engaged, each course will be taught and facilitated by seasoned faculty members and will include peer-to-peer discussion board posts and replies, self-directed exercises, written assignments, case studies, and assessments.

ALIGNED WITH NATIONAL GENETIC COUNSELING ADMISSIONS CALENDARS

Our Pre-Genetic Counseling certificate program is offered three times per year and is purposefully aligned with the application, interview, and match dates of Master of Science in Genetic Counseling programs nationwide.

A GUARANTEED INTERVIEW WITH SCU’S GENETIC COUNSELING PROGRAM

After completing the certificate program (and if you meet the admissions standards) you’ll be guaranteed an interview with our highly competitive Master of Science in Genetic Counseling (MSGC) program.