Genetic Counseling
Graduate Admission Requirements
Accepting Applications for Fall 2025 | Application Deadline: January 10, 2025
The Admissions Committee will review all completed application files submitted. A select sub-group of applicants will be contacted to participate in Zoom interviews with the Admissions Committee in February and March. Students are ranked for admission by the Genetic Counseling Program and are admitted based on the results of the match through the National Matching Services (NMS), with results being released on Match Day - April 2025. Details are available here .
The Genetic Counselor Education Association (GCEA) has established a waiver for the $100 fee associated with the NMS Match.
Learn More About Waiver
The Genetic Counselor Education Association (GCEA) has established a waiver for the $100 fee associated with the NMS 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 an NMS 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. Applicants will be notified by October 30, 2024 as to whether they have received a waiver. There are a limited number of waivers, so not all applicants will receive a waiver. Instructions for how to register for the NMS match will be provided to those who receive a waiver.
Waivers are non-transferable to future match cycles or other prospective students. Prospective students who are applying for a match fee waiver will be required to write a short essay and to upload at least one of the following documents demonstrating financial need:
A copy of a letter verifying unemployment benefits received within the past two years.
A copy of a letter on official letterhead from a government agency verifying that you or your family have qualified for public assistance based on low income criteria anytime within the past 5 years
A copy of your financial aid award letter from another / previous institution dated within 5 the past years
A copy of your approved GRE fee waiver (for tests taken within 5 years of the application deadline)
A copy of your federal Student Aid Report (SAR) that verifies you qualified for financial aid within the past 5 years based on a family contribution of:
Not more than $1,500 if the student is a dependent student
Not more than $1,900 if the student is an independent student
Apply Here
For consideration, applicants must submit the following admission requirements:
A completed application - Apply Now
Our Program participates in the Genetic Counseling Admissions Match through National Matching Services (NMS). Register for the Match .
The following prerequisites are required for consideration in the MS in Genetic Counseling Program. Click here to download and complete our prerequisite verification form . All prerequisite courses should be completed with a grade of B or higher. All prerequisite courses must show the number of credits and grades on the official transcript; no certificates will be accepted. You can apply with your degree and/or prerequisites in progress (with the exception of the embryology prerequisite, which does not need to be taken in advance. If you match with Bay Path, you can take the course in the summer before matriculation).
Biology with lab (2 semesters)
Biochemistry (1 semester)
Official undergraduate and graduate transcripts from one or more accredited institution(s) (a combined GPA of 3.0 or higher is preferred.
Please submit two short original essays on the following topics. Formatting for the essay prompts should follow APA7 guidelines. Your essays should be no more than 3 pages long with both prompts combined . Your submission must be sent as a separate Word attachment and MUST include your full name at the top of each page.
Our program requires a high level of self-directed learning and independent study. Describe your approach to building connections and working relationships with classmates and faculty while studying remotely, seeking out resources and support, and self-directed learning (such as maintaining discipline and accountability, developing strategies for setting and achieving academic goals, and managing distractions and competing priorities). Discuss the importance of cultural awareness for effective communication and personalized care in genetic counseling. Consider the importance of understanding one's own cultural background and biases, as well as being open to learning about and respecting the cultural backgrounds of others in building trust and rapport with patients, colleagues, and coworkers from diverse backgrounds.
A current resume or CV, including your experience in volunteer and advocacy work
Three recommendations - Download the recommendation form
Completed Fieldwork Training Expectations Form - Download the form
Applicants selected for an interview will be contacted by phone or email. Interviews will be conducted in February and March via Zoom. Interview schedules and Zoom links will be emailed to interviewees.
All documentation, including recommendation forms and official transcripts, may be mailed or emailed directly to Bay Path University Office of Graduate Admissions:
By Mail: Bay Path University
By Email: graduate@baypath.edu
Janice Berliner, MS, CGC, program director, answers FAQs.
VIDEO
Please visit the MS in Genetic Counseling program page to learn about the curriculum, faculty, program options, and more!
International Students Please Note:
At this time, international students are not permitted to apply to Bay Path University's genetic counseling program.
