Essential Courses

Course # Title
BI 101 General Biology I
BI 102 General Biology II
CH 142 Integrated Chemistry Principles I
CH 143 Integrated Chemistry Principles I Lab
CH 144 Integrated Chemistry Principles II
CH 145 Integrated Chemistry Principles II Lab
CH 232 and CH 233 Organic Chemistry I and Lab
CH 312 Biochemistry
CH 247 Bioanalytical Chemistry Lab
BI 305 Biostatistics
OR  
PY 260 Research Methods and Statistics I
BI 460 Genetic Analysis
PY 101 Introduction to Psychology
EN ___ English Course (in addition to CWS)

Important Notes

  • Also strongly recommend Physiology, Developmental Biology, Environmental Science and an additional Psychology course, as some schools require these. Also recommend Calculus I and II, Communication courses, Ethics of Health Care, Mental and Physical Handicaps, The Life Cycle, Counseling Theories and Techniques, economics, and sociology courses. 
  • The core courses reflect minimal requirements for most schools. Students are encouraged to take those courses that are strongly recommended. Although this course list will be sufficient for most programs, make sure to check requirements of schools in which you are interested no later than your sophomore year.
  • This course list does NOT represent a POE, nor does it cover College requirements. Design a POE in consultation with your advisor.
  • Make sure to have an advisor on the Health Professions Committee.
  • In addition to your course work you are required to gain some experience in crisis counseling (ex. Planned Parenthood or a crisis hotline), preferably for at least 6 months. It would also be helpful to shadow a genetic counselor, if possible.

Competitive credentials: Science and overall GPA of 3.0 and GRE of 500 or better in each section

Helpful Websites

Suggested Core Progression for Pre-Genetic Counseling*

Bolded courses are offered only in the indicated semester and/or require a specific sequence due to Juniata prerequisites. Non-bolded courses are either offered in both semesters or represent open-ended choices, making them more flexible in when they can be taken. Keep in mind that each Genetic Counseling program has specific course prerequisites. Be sure to verify prerequisite courses with the schools you plan to apply to. 

  FALL SPRING
Freshman Year BI 101 BI 102
  CH 142/143 CH 144/145
    PY 101
  FALL SPRING
Sophomore Year CH 232/233 CH 312
  English Course CH 247
  FALL SPRING
Junior Year BI 305 BI 460

If you study abroad the SAFEST strategy is to take ALL prerequisite courses for professional school in the U.S., which may require you to take courses in the U.S. over the summer, preferably at a 4 year institution. However, if this is extremely difficult for your situation, check with the professional schools you wish to attend to see if they will accept courses taken abroad and if so, get their response in writing.

Be mindful of your POE courses, which are NOT indicated here.