Genetic Counseling M.S. Learning Outcomes

PLO1: Core Knowledge

• Demonstrate knowledge of the central concepts of medical genetics 
• Understand current concepts in genetic counseling 
• Demonstrate ability to apply knowledge to new clinical situations 

PLO2: Research Methods and Analysis 

• Demonstrate ability to critically review current research and appropriately incorporate this into clinical practice 
• Able to introduce research options and issues to clients and families
• Able to formulate hypotheses based on current concepts in the field, and understand how to design, conduct and interpret a research project to test an hypothesis
• Understand and follow research ethics 

PLO3: Counseling Skills 

• Develop skills to establish rapport, identify major concerns, and assess verbal and non-verbal cues 
• Use a wide range of interviewing techniques to elicit individual and family experiences, emotions, perceptions, behaviors and attitudes 
• Engage clients in an exploration of their responses to risks and options, and respond to emerging issues for a client or family
• Assess client understanding and response to information and adjust content of session appropriately
• Promote client decision-making in an unbiased, non-coercive manner, and provide short-term, client-centered counseling and psychological support

PLO4: Clinical and Scholarly Communication 

• Review and discuss relevant literature and its significance 
• Publish research results in a master’s thesis and in peer-reviewed publications 
• Communicate clinical cases and research results effectively through oral presentations at clinical conferences, scientific seminars, and other venues 
• Make clear and cogent oral presentations, including effective use of technology 
• Develop skill to teach at the lay level, for undergraduate students and other formal learners, peer education, as well as one-on-one mentoring and supervision skills

PLO5: Professionalism 

• Able to act in accordance with the ethical, legal and philosophical principles and values of the profession 
• Able to establish and maintain interdisciplinary professional relationships to function as part of a health-care delivery team
• Recognize own limitations in knowledge and capabilities regarding medical, psychosocial, and ethno-cultural issues, and seeks consultation when needed 
• Demonstrate initiative for continued professional growth

PLO6: Independent Research 

• Develop own master’s-level research project that addresses an important intellectual problem, meets high standards of rigor and constitutes an original contribution to the field 
• Clearly communicate own research findings in written and spoken formats

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