by our College Data Analytics TeamStudying Genetic Counseling/Counselor covers Genetic Counseling/counselor. A Program That Prepares Individuals To Counsel Patients And Families Concerning Inherited Genetic Disorders And Diseases; Assess Risk Factors And Planning Options Associated With Potential And Actual Inherited Conditions; And Serve As Patient Advocates And Provide Referral Services In Relation To Private And Public Support Services. Includes Instruction In Clinical/medical Genetics, Methods Of Genetic Testing, Interviewing And Counseling Skills, Genetic And Support Services Delivery, Principles Of Public Health, Medical Ethics, Law And Regulations, Patient Advocacy, And Professional Standards. Continue reading for the important information every genetic counseling/counselor student should know — including career paths, salary data, the skills you will develop, and the best colleges offering genetic counseling/counselor programs.
In the U.S., genetic counseling/counselor is a widely-pursued major, with 378 degrees awarded annually.
Our 2026 Best Genetic Counseling/Counselor Schools ranking analyzes these 35 schools to determine the best overall colleges for genetic counseling/counselor students. Continue reading to check out one of our many unbiased rankings of genetic counseling/counselor programs later in this article.
Coursework for Genetic Counseling/Counselor build a specific mix of skills, knowledge, and abilities — derived from O*NET surveys of workers in the occupations genetic counseling/counselor graduates commonly enter.
The skill set developed in a genetic counseling/counselor program reflects the day-to-day work of related occupations:
Based on O*NET data, a genetic counseling/counselor major emphasizes the following knowledge areas:
There are several genetic counseling/counselor degree levels. The table below shows the typical length of the most common levels, and how many graduates earn each one.
| Degree | Typical Program Length | Graduates Annually |
|---|---|---|
| Master’s Degree | 1-3 years | 378 |
People currently working in careers related to genetic counseling/counselor tend to have obtained the following education levels.
| Level of Education | Percentage of Workers |
|---|---|
| Master’s degree | 100% |
View the chart below to get an idea of what level of education most of those in genetic counseling/counselor careers hold.
Source: ONET Online education / training / experience requirements.*
Majoring in genetic counseling/counselor can lead to numerous career paths. These are some of the most common occupations related to genetic counseling/counselor.
The following options are some of the most in-demand careers related to genetic counseling/counselor.
| Occupation | Projected Jobs | Expected Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Genetic Counselors | 3,289,795 | 13.4% |
Federal data tracks median earnings of genetic counseling/counselor graduates 1, 4, and 5 years after completion. Wages typically rise as graduates gain experience.
| Years Out | Median Earnings |
|---|---|
| 1 year | $46,066 |
| 4 years | $46,824 |
| 5 years | $52,641 |
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, field-of-study earnings tracker.
Salaries for genetic counseling/counselor graduates vary widely by occupation. The following table shows the top highest-paying careers genetic counseling/counselor grads often go into.
| Occupation | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Genetic Counselors | $58,726 |
With 35 different genetic counseling/counselor programs to choose from, finding the best fit can be a challenge. We have analyzed these schools to produce unbiased genetic counseling/counselor school rankings to help you.
If you are interested in genetic counseling/counselor, you may also want to explore other closely related fields of study within the same broad area.
More about our data sources and methodologies.
