Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I learn more about the Genetic Counseling Admissions Match system?

Genetic Counseling Graduate programs now utilize a match system for all accredited program applications.  In addition to the required application process for each individual school, applicants must also register in the National Match System.  More information can be obtained at https://natmatch.com/gcadmissions. 

When are applications due?

Applications are submitted through the University of Arizona Graduate College. Applications for the Fall of '24 will open on September 5th, 2023. The application deadline will be the end of the day on 12/15/23 --  applicants do NOT need to wait for all your letters of recommendation to come in to submit your applications.

Is there a cost to apply for your program?

Yes. The non-refundable fee for application to the Graduate College at the University of Arizona is $85 for domestic students and $95 for international students.

Does your program require GRE scores?

No, the UAGCGP discontinued the GRE requirement for applicants applying to our program in 2020. The program no longer requires or reviews GRE scores for applicants.

Are there special Immunization Requirements?

Yes, GCGP students enrolled at the University of Arizona must meet expanded immunization requirements as described on the Campus Health website: https://health.arizona.edu/comcopimmunizationuploads. 

Can I work while I am a student?

It depends on your ability to balance school and work. You will be expected to be available Monday-Friday, 7:30 AM-5:30 PM.  Any employment will have to be outside of those times.

Does the program offer any assistantships, fellowships, or scholarships?

Resources are available at UArizona for assistance with applying for financial aid. Students may contact the Financial Aid Office for assistance - please visit https://financialaid.arizona.edu/ or https://grad.arizona.edu/ofce/welcome for more information on financial aid resources at UA. Students are responsible for all expenses related to completion of the degree requirements, including tuition, mandatory fees, program fees, and course fees where applicable. 

The Graduate College offers a limited number of awards in the form of Grad Access Fellowships (GAF’s) - these are competitive, need-based awards for newly admitted students. Learn more about the eligibility criteria at https://grad.arizona.edu/funding/opportunities/graduate-access-fellowship-andtuition-awards.  Additionally, the Graduate College has limited Financial Hardship Funds available for domestic graduate degree-seeking students who are experiencing a catastrophic, exceptional and unexpected temporary financial difficulty or emergency that is impeding their degree completion in a timely manner. For more information, see https://grad.arizona.edu/funding/opportunities/graduate-college-financial-hardship-funds. 

UAGCGP SCHOLARSHIP

The UAGCGP Scholarship is a need-based award and requires that the student has submitted a FAFSA application. The Scholarship is a $2,000 annual award (up to $4,000 total for 2 years) that will be given to one newly admitted student per year. Students who receive the award in their first year, will automatically receive funding in their second year, as long as funding is available, and they remain in good academic standing in the program. The scholarship can be used to cover any portion of tuition, program fees, and mandatory fees for courses taken at the main campus of The University of Arizona (UArizona). The scholarship is applied directly to graduate tuition/fee charges and has no cash value. This award may not count as taxable income. You are encouraged to consult a professional tax advisor, as UArizona does not provide tax advice.

Eligibility:

University of Arizona GCGP students who:

  • Have been newly admitted for the term of award
  • Are U.S. citizens or permanent residents
  • Have filed the FAFSA form for the academic year of admission
  • Have documented financial need as an undergraduate (e.g., Pell Grant eligibility, Work Study)
  • Have a demonstrated unmet financial need as determined by the federally approved need assessment system.

[Guidance on financial aid eligibility is available by contacting the Office of Scholarships & Financial Aid at 520-621-1858.]

What is the job outlook for genetic counselors?

Employment of genetic counselors is projected to grow much faster than the average for all other occupations. The most up-to-date job outlook for genetic counselors can be found in the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook.

Will I need a car?

Yes. Many of our fieldwork rotation sites are in Phoenix, which is approximately 2 hours from Tucson by car.

Can I visit the UAGCGP?

Yes. We would be happy to arrange a meeting or phone contact with our Program Administration. Please contact us for details.

Who should I ask for letters of recommendation? 

Three professional letters of recommendation are required for admissions from individuals who can speak to your prior experiences and preparation for a graduate program in genetic counseling. At least one must be from an employer or individual who supervised your work in some capacity. Letters from personal friends or family members are not acceptable. No more than four letters of recommendation will be accepted.

What is the word limit for the Statement of Purpose in the UAGCGP application?

The Statement of Purpose can be a maximum of 500 words. It is a personal statement describing your journey to the field of genetic counseling and your academic and professional goals. Please describe any unique qualifications or experiences, your motivation for pursuing the field of genetic counseling, and your interest in the profession. If there are significant gaps in education or employment history, please describe these in the statement. Please write only one statement and submit it in 500 words or less in a PDF file. 

Is a curriculum vitae (CV) or resume required?

Yes, a CV is required for all applicants. The CV should include details on education, employment, teaching, advocacy, volunteer, counseling, healthcare and research experiences. In addition, competitive applicants will show a demonstrated interest in the field of genetic counseling. This can include shadowing genetic counselors, participating in genetic counseling internship programs, meeting and speaking with local genetic counselors or attending in-person or virtual meeting/conferences/webinars on the field of genetic counseling. Individuals with experience working in other healthcare or counseling settings will also be considered as strong applicants for the program. 

Where do I send applications and supporting documents?

Applications for the UAGCGP are submitted online to the University of Arizona Graduate College. The Graduate College uses the GradApp Graduate Admission Application, which can be found at https://apply.grad.arizona.edu/.

You can use this link to submit your application and to check the status of your application. Supporting documents can be sent to the Graduate College:

Graduate College
The University of Arizona
Administration 322
PO Box 210066
Tucson, AZ 85721-0066

Express mail (for FedEx, DHL, etc):Graduate College
The University of Arizona
1401 E University Blvd, #322
Tucson, AZ 85721

Please send official electronic transcripts to: transcripts@grad.arizona.edu. (for admitted students only)

How many students are accepted into the program?

The UAGCGP will accept a maximum of 5 students for the Fall 2024 term.

How much does tuition cost?

Tuition rates for the University of Arizona change frequently. Finalized tuition rates for the 2019 – 2020 school year were announced following the Arizona Board of Regents Tuition and Fee meeting in April 2019. Graduate tuition and fees for the GCGP for the 2019 - 2020 Fall and Spring semesters totals at $19,271 for Arizona residents and $39398 for non-Arizona residents. Summer tuition for the Clinical Practicum was $2,139 for the Summer 2020 term for both Arizona residents and nonresidents.

Finalized tuition rates for the school year are announced by the Arizona Board of Regents each spring. As they are subject to change, we suggest you use the following link: https://tuitioncalculator.fso.arizona.edu/#/

From the menu, select term, main campus, graduate degree, term 2017 or after and Medicine: Genetic Counseling Graduate Program. The UAGCGP has approval from the Arizona Board of Regents for a special program fee. This $3,000 per semester fee will be added to the cost of tuition. There is no difference in program fee rates for Arizona residents and nonresidents. These fees are automatically included in the above tuition calculator.

Please note there may be additional out-of-pocket expenses incurred for professional development seminars and workshops and membership fees. There is no special program fee for the summer semester between the 1st and 2nd year. Summer tuition for the Clinical Practicum can be calculated at the tuition calculator site above. Under “Select College, Program, or Differential Tuition” choose “Not Listed”.

For more information on tuition rates at the University of Arizona, visit http://bursar.arizona.edu/students/fees. Please review the General Residency Guidelines at http://www.registrar.arizona.edu/residency/general-residency-guidelines to determine if you qualify as an Arizona Resident. If you are claiming Arizona Resident status, you will need to complete the Residency Classification Process at https://www.registrar.arizona.edu/sorc/student.