Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Human Genetics /Master of Science (M.S.) in Genetic Counseling [dual degree]

Advanced study in human genetics and genetic counseling is available through a dual degree program sponsored by the Department of Human and Molecular Genetics in the School of Medicine. The dual degree Ph.D. in Human Genetics and M.S. in Genetic Counseling program allows students to earn two degrees with a minimum of 122 credits (or 123 with a concentration) rather than the 146 credits necessary if the two were pursued separately. This efficiency lowers the overall cost of tuition while also reducing time to earning both degrees.

In order to be considered for this dual degree program, an applicant must apply to and be accepted into both the M.S. and Ph.D. programs and meet each program’s admissions requirements.Applicants to the dual degree program must complete individual applications for each program (Ph.D. in Human Genetics and M.S. in Genetic Counseling):Applications for the Ph.D. program must be submitted to the Biomedical Sciences Doctoral Portal – School of Medicine – Ph.D. selected from the drop-down menu of programs on the VCU online application form. The dual degree box on the application must also be checked.Applications for the M.S. in Genetic Counseling are submitted through the VCU Office of Admissions (graduate programs). To apply for the master’s program, in the “Intended Program of Study” screen, select the appropriate term of entry, then “Masters” as your intended level of study, and then “Genetic Counseling-MS” as your planned course of study. The dual degree box on the application must also be checked.