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 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
As defined by the National Society of Genetic Counselors, 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.
The American Board of Genetic Counseling discusses the profession in general terms and lists the accredited genetic counseling training programs. The National Society of Genetic Counselors provides additional information about the field as well as a function that allows you to find a genetic counselor in your community. Sarah Lawrence College provides a wide array of information about the profession and offers opportunities to 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 mix of students from around the world.
Scholarships Available
Sarah Lawrence is 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. Two scholarships for applicants from underrepresented backgrounds are available for the fall 2023 semester. Learn more