Genetic counselors are health care professionals who support individuals seeking information about inherited diseases. The workforce demand for genetic counselors continues to accelerate nationally, alongside the tremendous explosion of knowledge in the field of genetics and genetic testing. Learn more about a career in genetic counseling.
About KU's Program
While there are more than 50 accredited genetic counseling programs in the United States, the University of Kansas School of Health Professions will offer the only professional degree program leading to a master's degree in genetic counseling in the state of Kansas.
Image: the Health Education Building at KU Medical Center in Kansas City, Kansas.
The program will be two years in length and will be held at the University of Kansas Medical Center. While there may be opportunities for online learning, all students in the program will need to relocate to the Kansas City area.
Learn more about our program's eligibility and admission requirements.
Mission Statement
The mission of the University of Kansas master's degree program in genetic counseling is to educate future genetic counselors and guide their development to become insightful, empathic, collaborative, life-long learners who improve the lives of their patients, colleagues and the greater community.
Our objectives:
- Providing an innovative and diverse curriculum with robust clinical experiences.
- Instilling professionalism and integrity.
- Creating advocates for individuals with genetic conditions.
- Cultivating a passion for clinical research.
Program Leadership
Program Director
As a certified genetic counselor, Erin Youngs, M.S., CGC, has practiced at health care facilities in Kansas City and Oklahoma City for 14 years with a primary clinical focus in oncology. She has worked in genetic counseling program leadership roles for the last eight years serving as assistant director and program director in Oklahoma City before taking on her role for KU's program. View Youngs' faculty bio.
Assistant Program Director
Lauren Bartik, M.S., CGC, joined KU in 2022 as the assistant director of the genetic counseling master’s degree program. As a certified genetic counselor, Bartik has practiced at Children’s Mercy Hospital for ten years. Her primary specialty has been pediatrics with a focus on cardiology, craniofacial, inpatient consults and 22q11.2 deletion/duplication syndrome.
Accreditation Status
The University of Kansas master's degree program in genetic counseling has been granted candidacy status. Members of program leadership are currently working on the new program application which has been approved for submission May 15, 2023. The review process for this application can take up to one year. Please check back for updates on our progress.
Student Outcomes Data
Cumulative board examination pass rates (first-time test takers) for the three most recent classes:
| Year | Overall Pass Rate |
|---|---|
| 2026 | |
| 2027 | |
| 2028 |
Attrition rate for the past three years:
| Class of 2026 | Class of 2027 | Class of 2028 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entering Class Size | |||
| Graduates | |||
| Attrition Rate | |||
| Graduation Rate |
Job placement rate in a genetic counseling or related position for the past three years:
| Graduation Year | Number of Graduates | Percentage of Graduates Employed Within Three Months of Graduation |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | ||
| 2027 | ||
| 2028 |