Genetic Counseling About
The Genetic Counseling Graduate Program at the University of Arizona is a graduate program offered through the School of Health Professions at the Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health. Graduates of this two-year long program will graduate from the University of Arizona with a Master of Science degree in Genetic Counseling, preparing them for a career in this rapidly growing field. Our program combines classroom-based coursework with real-world experience working with practicing genetic counselors and physicians in the clinic.
The mission of our program is to provide a well-rounded education in genetic counseling through rigorous and diverse academic, clinical and research experiences, preparing the next generation of genetic counselors in an ever-evolving landscape.
Our program's objectives are to prepare graduate students who will be able to:
- Work as a member of a genetic/genomic health care team.
- Interpret family and medical histories to assess the likelihood of disease occurrence or recurrence.
- Provide patient counseling to promote informed personal and medical choices, as well as adaptation to the risk or condition.
- Foster inclusion, belonging, and empowerment within professional practice.
- Educate clients, clinicians and the public about genetic conditions, inheritance, testing, management, prevention, resources and research on inherited conditions.
Please contact our program at GCGPinfo@arizona.edu if you have questions.
School of Health Professions
The School of Health Professions was established in July 2025 as part of the Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health. With a focus on health professions, health science design, translational science and global medicine, the school is committed to training students and developing a workforce of health professionals to serve the needs of Arizona’s communities and beyond with compassionate and culturally sensitive care through inclusive and innovative translational research as scientists. The school offers five graduate-level degree programs: Physician Assistant, Doctor of Physical Therapy, Genetic Counseling and Clinical Translational Sciences, as well as a variety of courses in our Health Science Design center that includes transdisciplinary education for both graduate and undergraduate students. These programs were previously part of the U of A College of Health Sciences, established in 2023, before transitioning to the Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health.
University of Arizona Health Sciences
The University of Arizona Health Sciences is one of the top-ranked academic medical centers in the southwestern United States, garnering more than $400 million in research grants and contracts annually. U of A Health Sciences comprises the College of Medicine – Phoenix, College of Medicine – Tucson, College of Nursing, R. Ken Coit College of Pharmacy, and Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health. Additionally, 14 centers are dedicated to excellence in cancer, neurodegenerative and respiratory diseases, pandemic preparedness, precision health care and pain and addiction. U of A Health Sciences employs approximately 3,000 people and 900 faculty members, with approximately 6,700 students on campuses in Tucson, Phoenix and Gilbert, Arizona.
Program Accreditation
The University of Arizona Genetic Counseling Graduate Program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Genetic Counseling (ACGC), located at 7918 Jones Branch Drive, Suite 300, McLean, VA 22102. The ACGC can be reached by phone at 703.506.3266 or through their website at www.gceducation.org.
In accordance with ACGC standard A3.2.2, the UAGCGP outcome measures are:
- Cumulative board pass rate, first-time test-takers*: 47%
- ABCG national pass rate, first-time test-takers**: 73%
- Cumulative board pass rate, overall*: 73%
- Retention in program: 100%
- Graduation from program: 100%
- Job placement in the genetic counseling or related professions*: 93%
*For the past three graduating cohorts
**For exams offered in 2024 and 2025
Contact Information
Program Director
Chris Stallman, MLS, MS, CGC
520.626.3410
Stallman@pharmacy.arizona.edu(link sends e-mail)
Associate Program Director; Research Director
Valerie Schaibley, PhD
520.626.1621
vschaibley@arizona.edu(link sends e-mail)