May 2005: Last posted update of program information supplied by institution.
If applicable, accreditation has been confirmed as of May 2006.
BRANDEIS UNIVERSITY
Biology Department
Degree granted: M.S. in Genetic Counseling
Training available: Masters
Current enrollment: 19 Masters
Number of graduates in last 2 years: 17 Masters
Faculty status: 5 M.S., 8 Ph.D., 1 M.D./Ph.D., 1 J.D., 30 MD and GC at area hospitals
Areas of concentration: genetic counseling
Clinical training fellowships: genetic counseling
ABMG accreditation:
ABGC accreditation: Full status
Financial support: Brandeis University Financial Aid and Scholarships; GSL/Stafford; SLS
Application deadline: February 1
Contact: Judith E. Tsipis, Ph.D., Director, Brandeis University, Biology Department, Waltham, MA, 02454, Tel: 781-736-3165, Fax: 781-736-3107, E-mail: tsipis@brandeis.edu

Nathalie McIntosh,M.Sc., Co-Director, Brandeis University, Tel: 781-736-3108, Fax: 781-736-3107, E-mail: nathalie@brandeis.edu

Web homepage: http://www.bio.brandeis.edu/gc01/index.html
The Brandeis program in genetic counseling places a strong emphasis on human molecular genetics while providing in-depth coursework in counseling theory and technique as well as extensive clinical training. The two-year interdisciplinary program is located in the Biology Department but faculty are drawn from the Biology, Biochemistry, Legal Studies, Philosophy, Psychology and Sociology Departments, The Heller Graduate School, and Boston-area hospitals. The curriculum consists of courses in molecular biology, human genetics, medical genetics, reproductive biology, counseling skills, and biomedical law and ethics; seminars in genetic counseling; a broad choice of electives; and a research project.
Fieldwork and clinical internships are an important, integral part of the program. First-year students carry out a community-based rotation during the first semester and several short clinical genetics laboratory rotations in the second semester. First year students also meet several times with a family with a young child with a genetic disorder or other disability to further the students awareness of disability issues. Throughout the first year students spend time observing genetic counseling sessions and shadowing counselors in their job. Second-year students participate in three clinical internships. Working under the supervision of genetic counselors and clinical geneticists in area hospitals and genetics centers, students develop their research, counseling and communication skills and receive the on-site training necessary for certification by the ABGC. Internship opportunities exist at Baystate Medical Center, Beth Israel Hospital, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Children's Hospital, Harvard Vanguard Health Plan, Massachusetts General Hospital, Women's and Infants Hospital, Foundation for Blood Research, New England Medical Center, Rhode Island Hospital, National Birth Defects Center, the University of Massachusetts Medical Center, as well as at other New England area medical centers.