Best programs to become a genetic counselor
BLS lists a master's degree as the typical entry-level education for genetic counselors. The fields of study that lead most directly to this job are Genetics and Genetic Counseling/Counselor (IPEDS completions).
6 college programs at 111 schools train genetic counselors, graduating 2,116 people a year (IPEDS completions). The job pays a median of $100,040 (BLS OEWS May 2025).
About genetic counselors
Assess individual or family risk for a variety of inherited conditions, such as genetic disorders and birth defects. Provide information to other healthcare providers or to individuals and families concerned with the risk of inherited conditions. Advise individuals and families to support informed decisionmaking and coping methods for those at risk. May help conduct research related to genetic conditions or genetic counseling.
Best programs to study to become a genetic counselor
Ranked by graduates per year (IPEDS completions). Graduate earnings and debt are College Scorecard figures for people who finished the program, reported at the 4-digit CIP level, so specializations within one field share a figure. That is a different measurement from the occupation-wide wages further down this page.
| # | Program | Graduates / yr | Share of pipeline | Schools | Grad earnings (1 yr) | Median debt |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Genetics, Generalmain feeder CIP 26.0801 | 766 | 36.2% | 38 | $31,800 | $21,424 |
| 2 | Human/Medical Geneticsmain feeder CIP 26.0806 | 477 | 22.5% | 40 | $31,800 | $21,424 |
| 3 | CIP 51.1509 | 402 | 19.0% | 36 | $37,335 | $22,861 |
| 4 | Molecular Geneticsmain feeder CIP 26.0802 | 253 | 12.0% | 16 | $31,800 | $21,424 |
| 5 | Genome Sciences/Genomicsmain feeder CIP 26.0807 | 210 | 9.9% | 20 | $31,800 | $21,424 |
| 6 | Genetics, Othermain feeder CIP 26.0899 | 8 | 0.4% | 1 | $31,800 | $21,424 |
Top 50 schools by graduates into this job
Counting every feeder program a school offers, not just its largest one.
| # | School | Graduates / yr | Top feeder program | Grad rate | Net price | Acceptance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of Wisconsin - Madison Madison, WI Public · 2 feeder programs | 131 | Genetics, General | 90% | — | 45% |
| 2 | University of California - Davis Davis, CA Public · 1 feeder program | 93 | Genetics, General | 86% | — | 42% |
| 3 | University of Georgia Athens, GA Public · 1 feeder program | 80 | Genetics, General | 90% | — | 38% |
| 4 | Ohio State University - Main Campus Columbus, OH Public · 2 feeder programs | 66 | Molecular Genetics | 88% | — | 61% |
| 5 | University of Alabama at Birmingham Birmingham, AL Public · 3 feeder programs | 65 | Genetics, General | 64% | — | 88% |
| 6 | Michigan State University East Lansing, MI Public · 2 feeder programs | 62 | Molecular Genetics | 81% | — | 85% |
| 7 | Rutgers University - New Brunswick New Brunswick, NJ Public · 1 feeder program | 62 | Molecular Genetics | 84% | — | 58% |
| 8 | Johns Hopkins University Baltimore, MD Private not-for-profit · 3 feeder programs | 59 | Genome Sciences/Genomics | 94% | $11,888 | 6% |
| 9 | Southern California University of Health Sciences Whittier, CA Private not-for-profit · 3 feeder programs | 57 | Human/Medical Genetics | 50% | $45,633 | — |
| 10 | University of Pittsburgh - Pittsburgh Campus Pittsburgh, PA Public · 3 feeder programs | 53 | Human/Medical Genetics | 85% | — | 58% |
| 11 | Texas A&M University - College Station College Station, TX Public · 1 feeder program | 48 | Genetics, General | 84% | — | 57% |
| 12 | Yale University New Haven, CT Private not-for-profit · 1 feeder program | 44 | Genetics, General | 96% | $27,025 | 4% |
| 13 | North Carolina State University at Raleigh Raleigh, NC Public · 2 feeder programs | 42 | Genetics, General | 85% | — | 42% |
| 14 | Iowa State University Ames, IA Public · 1 feeder program | 40 | Genetics, General | 75% | — | 89% |
| 15 | Temple University Philadelphia, PA Public · 1 feeder program | 40 | Genome Sciences/Genomics | 75% | — | 80% |
| 16 | University of Michigan - Ann Arbor Ann Arbor, MI Public · 1 feeder program | 35 | Human/Medical Genetics | 93% | — | 16% |
| 17 | Keck Graduate Institute Claremont, CA Private not-for-profit · 2 feeder programs | 34 | Genetic Counseling/Counselor | — | — | — |
| 18 | Purdue University - Main Campus West Lafayette, IN Public · 1 feeder program | 31 | Genetics, General | 83% | — | 50% |
| 19 | Columbia University in the City of New York New York, NY Private not-for-profit · 2 feeder programs | 30 | Genetics, General | 96% | $15,315 | 4% |
| 20 | University of Chicago Chicago, IL Private not-for-profit · 3 feeder programs | 30 | Genetics, General | 96% | $13,333 | 4% |
| 21 | Virginia Commonwealth University Richmond, VA Public · 3 feeder programs | 30 | Human/Medical Genetics | 63% | — | 93% |
| 22 | University of Washington - Seattle Campus Seattle, WA Public · 3 feeder programs | 29 | Genetic Counseling/Counselor | 85% | — | 39% |
| 23 | University of Pennsylvania Philadelphia, PA Private not-for-profit · 1 feeder program | 28 | Genetic Counseling/Counselor | 97% | $22,055 | 5% |
| 24 | Sarah Lawrence College Bronxville, NY Private not-for-profit · 1 feeder program | 27 | Genetic Counseling/Counselor | 71% | $22,119 | 62% |
| 25 | Stanford University Stanford, CA Private not-for-profit · 1 feeder program | 27 | Human/Medical Genetics | 92% | $12,032 | 4% |
| 26 | Missouri State University - Springfield Springfield, MO Public · 1 feeder program | 25 | Human/Medical Genetics | 58% | — | 91% |
| 27 | Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia Philadelphia, PA Private not-for-profit · 1 feeder program | 25 | Genome Sciences/Genomics | 79% | $34,418 | 89% |
| 28 | Washington University in St Louis St. Louis, MO Private not-for-profit · 3 feeder programs | 25 | Molecular Genetics | 94% | $14,126 | 12% |
| 29 | Duke University Durham, NC Private not-for-profit · 2 feeder programs | 23 | Molecular Genetics | 97% | $16,260 | 6% |
| 30 | Auburn University Auburn, AL Public · 1 feeder program | 22 | Genetics, General | 82% | — | 46% |
| 31 | MGH Institute of Health Professions Boston, MA Private not-for-profit · 1 feeder program | 22 | Genetic Counseling/Counselor | — | — | — |
| 32 | University of Connecticut Storrs, CT Public · 3 feeder programs | 22 | Human/Medical Genetics | 83% | — | 52% |
| 33 | Bay Path University Longmeadow, MA Private not-for-profit · 1 feeder program | 20 | Genetic Counseling/Counselor | 44% | $16,859 | 85% |
| 34 | Baylor College of Medicine Houston, TX Private not-for-profit · 2 feeder programs | 20 | Molecular Genetics | — | — | — |
| 35 | University of Oregon Eugene, OR Public · 1 feeder program | 20 | Genome Sciences/Genomics | 72% | — | 88% |
| 36 | Manchester University North Manchester, IN Private not-for-profit · 1 feeder program | 19 | Genome Sciences/Genomics | 46% | $17,980 | 71% |
| 37 | Northwestern University Evanston, IL Private not-for-profit · 1 feeder program | 19 | Genetic Counseling/Counselor | 95% | $14,799 | 8% |
| 38 | University of California - Irvine Irvine, CA Public · 2 feeder programs | 19 | Genetic Counseling/Counselor | 87% | — | 29% |
| 39 | University of New Hampshire - Main Campus Durham, NH Public · 1 feeder program | 19 | Genetics, General | 76% | — | 88% |
| 40 | Washington State University Pullman, WA Public · 1 feeder program | 19 | Genetics, General | 60% | — | 87% |
| 41 | University of Utah Salt Lake City, UT Public · 1 feeder program | 18 | Human/Medical Genetics | 65% | — | 86% |
| 42 | Long Island University Brookville, NY Private not-for-profit · 1 feeder program | 17 | Human/Medical Genetics | 57% | $24,639 | 86% |
| 43 | University of California - Los Angeles Los Angeles, CA Public · 2 feeder programs | 17 | Genetic Counseling/Counselor | 93% | — | 9% |
| 44 | Boston University Boston, MA Private not-for-profit · 2 feeder programs | 16 | Genetic Counseling/Counselor | 89% | $21,956 | 11% |
| 45 | Indiana University - Indianapolis Indianapolis, IN Public · 1 feeder program | 16 | Human/Medical Genetics | 54% | — | 76% |
| 46 | Thomas Jefferson University Philadelphia, PA Private not-for-profit · 1 feeder program | 16 | Human/Medical Genetics | 69% | $26,034 | 81% |
| 47 | University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Chapel Hill, NC Public · 1 feeder program | 16 | Genetics, General | 91% | — | 15% |
| 48 | Case Western Reserve University Cleveland, OH Private not-for-profit · 2 feeder programs | 15 | Genetic Counseling/Counselor | 87% | $27,976 | 37% |
| 49 | University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center Dallas, TX Public · 1 feeder program | 15 | Human/Medical Genetics | — | — | — |
| 50 | Medical University of South Carolina Charleston, SC Public · 1 feeder program | 14 | Genetic Counseling/Counselor | — | — | — |
Fields of study that lead to this job
Grouped at the 4-digit CIP level, the tier our program pages are built on. Numbers are graduates per year.
What genetic counselors earn
What people already working in this job earn (BLS OEWS May 2025). Not graduate earnings.
Top-paying states
Top-paying metro areas
Job outlook
Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections, 2024 to 2034.
Where the jobs are, state by state
Pick a state for in-state pay, the schools there, and the programs they run.
| State | Median pay | Jobs | Concentration | Schools | Graduates / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| California | $137,650 | 440 | 1.02× | 8 | 262 |
| Pennsylvania | $94,930 | 230 | 1.55× | 6 | 165 |
| New York | $107,450 | 240 | 1.04× | 10 | 144 |
| Wisconsinlimited | $92,170 | 110 | 1.53× | 2 | 139 |
| Michigan | $84,970 | 80 | 0.80× | 5 | 115 |
| North Carolina | $93,570 | 80 | 0.71× | 6 | 101 |
| Ohiomoderate | $100,670 | 120 | 0.92× | 4 | 99 |
| Texasmoderate | $99,450 | — | — | 4 | 97 |
| Georgialimited | $82,750 | — | — | 2 | 88 |
| Connecticutmoderate | $101,640 | 50 | 1.18× | 4 | 71 |
| Marylandmoderate | $94,050 | 50 | 0.78× | 3 | 70 |
| New Jerseylimited | $117,750 | 240 | 2.35× | 2 | 70 |
| Indianamoderate | $89,640 | 40 | 0.52× | 3 | 66 |
| Massachusetts | $97,240 | 200 | 2.26× | 6 | 66 |
| Illinoismoderate | $95,880 | 90 | 0.59× | 3 | 51 |
| Missourimoderate | $83,980 | 40 | 0.59× | 3 | 51 |
| Washingtonlimited | $102,920 | 100 | 1.16× | 2 | 48 |
| South Carolinamoderate | $93,600 | 40 | 0.78× | 4 | 36 |
| Virginialimited | $99,960 | 100 | 1.06× | 1 | 30 |
| Floridamoderate | $102,330 | 100 | 0.43× | 3 | 28 |
| Arizonamoderate | $102,730 | 50 | 0.64× | 3 | 19 |
| Utahlimited | $98,430 | 50 | 1.28× | 2 | 19 |
| Tennesseelimited | $94,380 | 340 | 4.38× | 1 | 14 |
| Coloradolimited | $106,100 | 40 | 0.54× | 1 | 8 |
| District of Columbialimited | $100,380 | 40 | 2.50× | 2 | 3 |
| Kentuckylimited | $99,770 | 50 | 1.03× | 1 | 3 |
Skills and knowledge
From O*NET, the U.S. Department of Labor's occupational database. Importance is a 1 to 5 scale.
What they do day to day
- Interpret laboratory results and communicate findings to patients or physicians.
- Discuss testing options and the associated risks, benefits and limitations with patients and families to assist them in making informed decisions.
- Analyze genetic information to identify patients or families at risk for specific disorders or syndromes.
- Provide counseling to patient and family members by providing information, education, or reassurance.
- Write detailed consultation reports to provide information on complex genetic concepts to patients or referring physicians.
- Provide genetic counseling in specified areas of clinical genetics, such as obstetrics, pediatrics, oncology and neurology.
- Determine or coordinate treatment plans by requesting laboratory services, reviewing genetics or counseling literature, and considering histories or diagnostic data.
- Interview patients or review medical records to obtain comprehensive patient or family medical histories, and document findings.
Skills
- Reading Comprehension4.1
- Active Listening4.0
- Active Learning3.9
- Critical Thinking3.9
- Speaking3.9
- Writing3.9
- Science3.3
- Learning Strategies3.0
Knowledge areas
- Biology4.8
- Psychology4.6
- Medicine and Dentistry4.4
- Therapy and Counseling4.3
- English Language4.1
- Customer and Personal Service3.9
Abilities
- Written Comprehension4.3
- Deductive Reasoning4.1
- Oral Comprehension4.0
- Oral Expression4.0
- Inductive Reasoning4.0
- Problem Sensitivity4.0
Core activities
- Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others4.7
- Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge4.7
- Getting Information4.7
- Documenting/Recording Information4.4
- Assisting and Caring for Others4.4
- Working with Computers4.3
How to get in
How to become a genetic counselor
- Typical entry education
- Master's degree
Most of these occupations require graduate school. For example, they may require a master's degree, and some require a Ph.D., M.D., or J.D. (law degree).
Extensive skill, knowledge, and experience are needed for these occupations. Many require more than five years of experience. For example, surgeons must complete four years of college and an additional five to seven years of specialized medical training to be able to do their job.
Employees may need some on-the-job training, but most of these occupations assume that the person will already have the required skills, knowledge, work-related experience, and/or training.
Every major mapped to this job
The official federal mapping behind the rankings above.
All 7 majors mapped to Genetic Counselors6 of them graduated someone in the latest IPEDS year. NCES CIP 2020 → SOC 2018 crosswalk.+
- 26.0801Genetics, General
- 26.0802Molecular Genetics
- 26.0806Human/Medical Genetics
- 26.0807Genome Sciences/Genomics
- 26.0899Genetics, Other
- 51.1509Genetic Counseling/Counselor
- 51.2214Public Health Genetics(no graduates reported)
Related careers
Jobs O*NET identifies as close to this one, with their own pay and outlook.
Common questions
What degree do you need to become a genetic counselor?+
BLS lists a master's degree as the typical entry-level education for genetic counselors. The fields of study that lead most directly to this job are Genetics and Genetic Counseling/Counselor (IPEDS completions).
Which college majors lead to becoming a genetic counselor?+
The fields of study that lead most directly to this job are Genetics and Genetic Counseling/Counselor (IPEDS completions). In all, the NCES CIP-to-SOC crosswalk maps 6 programs to this job, which together graduate about 2,116 people a year.
How much do genetic counselors earn?+
The median is $100,040 a year (BLS OEWS May 2025). The middle range runs from $78,270 at the 10th percentile to $138,760 at the 90th. This is pay for people already working in the occupation, not the same thing as graduate earnings one year after finishing a degree.
Is demand for genetic counselors growing?+
BLS projects a +9.3% change in employment between 2024 and 2034, much faster than average, with roughly 300 openings a year nationally once retirements and job changes are counted.
How many schools offer programs for this career?+
111 institutions reported graduates from at least one of the 6 programs that feed this occupation in IPEDS 2024-25. Rankings on this page use graduates per year, because the federal data publishes no enrollment count by program.
What other job titles do genetic counselors work under?+
Employers advertise this work under many names. O*NET records Genetic Counselor, Certified Genetic Counselor, Prenatal and Pediatric Genetic Counselor, Reproductive Genetic Counseling Coordinator among the most commonly reported, all mapping to SOC 29-9092.
About the data on this page
Rankings use IPEDS completions 2024-25, degrees awarded per year. That is the closest federal measure of how many people a program puts into a career, because no federal dataset publishes enrollment by program. Wages and employment come from BLS OEWS May 2025, growth and openings from BLS Employment Projections 2024-34, and which majors lead to which jobs from the NCES CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 crosswalk. Occupation descriptions, tasks, skills and tools are O*NET 30.3 (CC BY 4.0, U.S. Department of Labor/ETA).
BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics
May 2025Wages, employment counts, location quotients and metro breakdowns.
BLS Employment Projections
2024–34Projected growth, annual openings and typical entry-level education.
IPEDS Completions
2024-25 (provisional)Graduates per year by program and institution — the ranking metric.
College Scorecard, Field of Study
2020-21 cohortsMedian graduate earnings one year after completion, and median debt.
Census Post-Secondary Employment Outcomes
latest availableGraduate earnings 1/5/10 years out, where the state participates.
NCES CIP 2020 and the CIP-to-SOC 2018 crosswalk
CIP 2020 / SOC 2018Which college programs officially lead to this occupation.
O*NET Database 30.3
30.3Tasks, skills, knowledge, tools, job zone and alternate job titles.
Official source →CC BY 4.0, U.S. Department of Labor / ETA
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