Join the world-renowned Joan H. Marks Graduate Program in Human Genetics at Sarah Lawrence College. Integrating education, healthcare, and humanism, this celebrated program prepares genetic counselors to work in a growing, dynamic field.
The mission of the Human Genetics program is to improve health care for all people by educating and training individuals to become genetic counselors so they are prepared to meet current and future needs of their clients, their communities, their profession, and society at large.
Established in 1969, the program was the first of its kind in the United States. It remains the largest graduate program in genetic counseling in the world.
About Genetic Counseling
Genetic counseling is the process of helping people understand and adapt to the medical, psychological, and familial implications of genetic contributions to disease. This process integrates:
- Interpretation of family and medical histories to assess the chance of disease occurrence or recurrence.
- Education about inheritance, testing, management, prevention, resources, and research.
- Counseling to promote informed choices and adaptation to the risk or condition. (National Society of Genetic Counselors Definition Task Force. Journal of Genetic Counseling (2006); 15(2):77-83.)
The American Board of Genetic Counseling and the National Society of Genetic Counselors provide additional information about the field as well as a function that allows you to find a genetic counselor in your community. The Accreditation Council for Genetic Counseling lists the accredited genetic counseling training programs. Sarah Lawrence College offers opportunities to learn about the profession and connect with genetic counselors through a variety of events.
Academic Program
The Joan H. Marks Graduate Program in Human Genetics gives students a comprehensive understanding of the medical, scientific, and counseling aspects of human genetics. The program places equal emphasis on clinical genetic and genomic sciences and psychological approaches to working with patients.
The interdisciplinary curriculum enables students to integrate both theoretical and practical knowledge while developing research, analytical, and communication skills.
The program has a worldwide reputation for excellence and attracts a rich array of students from around the world.
What do our alumni become?
- Genetic counselors who provide information and support to the families of people who either suffer from or are at risk of genetic conditions
- Community educators and health information specialists who educate and empower patients and the general public
- Research coordinators and managers who facilitate the research process and translate information for study participants in government, nonprofit, or industry settings
- Policy developers in government or nonprofit organizations who address issues such as reproductive genetics, cloning, and the screening of infants
- Public health genetics specialists who design and implement clinical and information-gathering programs, and interpret genetic or genomic information for the public
Scholarships Available
Sarah Lawrence was one of five genetic counseling programs in the U.S. to receive grant funds from the Warren Alpert Foundation to increase diversity in the field of genetic counseling. This allows for two scholarships for applicants from underrepresented backgrounds to be awarded each fall semester. Multiple other scholarships are also available. Learn more