When can I enter the Augustana-Sanford Genetic Counseling Graduate Program?
Augustana-Sanford Genetic Counseling Program students enter as part of a cohort that begins in the fall of each year. Students are selected for each cohort in the spring through the National Matching Services Inc. (NMS) Match prior to the start of the next academic year (e.g. selected Spring 2023 for Fall 2023 start date). Each cohort proceeds through courses together.
How many students are admitted to the Augustana-Sanford Genetic Counseling Graduate Program each year?
The Augustana-Sanford Genetic Counseling Program admits 10-12 students per cohort each academic year. The second-year location is determined through the National Matching Services Inc. (NMS) Match process.
Is there a part-time option for the Augustana-Sanford Genetic Counseling Graduate Program?
No. The program does not offer the option to study part time.
What are the ways in which the Augustana-Sanford Genetic Counseling Graduate Program is offered?
Students must be physically present for classes, rotations and other program activities.
How long does it take to complete the Augustana-Sanford Genetic Counseling Graduate Program, and what is the attrition rate?
The Augustana Master of Science in Genetic Counseling degree program is considered a 2-year academic program, but takes 21 months to complete. The first academic year consists of fall, winter and spring sessions. The second academic year consists of summer, fall, winter and spring sessions.
For the three most recent graduating cohorts (ASGCGP Classes of 2024, 2025 and 2026), the degree completion rate is 90.3% (9.7% attrition), and the overall degree completion rate is 96.6% (3.4% attrition).
How are the Sioux Falls, San Diego and Fargo tracks decided?
As part of the National Matching Services Inc. (NMS) Match process, applicants who were interviewed by the Augustana-Sanford Genetic Counseling Graduate Program will rank the tracks based on their preferences. If applicants are interested in all the tracks, they rank all three, ranking the track they prefer most first. If applicants are interested in only the Sioux Falls, San Diego, California, or Fargo, North Dakota, track, they rank only the track in which they are interested. Students can also choose to rank only two of the tracks in the order in which they are preferred and leave the third track off of their rank list.
When the Match results are released, applicants will find out if they matched to a program. If they are matched with the ASGCGP, they will also learn the track in which they match. Applicants who are willing to match with any track are eligible for all open slots, whereas applicants who are willing to match with only one track are only eligible for the number of slots in that track. Although the tracks indicate where a student will spend their second year, all students spend their first year in Sioux Falls.
Where and how are courses held during the first year and second year?
First-year students will have most of their classes in person together on the Augustana campus, with some classes being held at Sanford Imagenetics. Second-year students will attend classes synchronously from their campuses in Sioux Falls, San Diego, California, and Fargo, North Dakota — they remain connected with each other through technology and frequent communication.
Is the GRE required for admission for the Augustana-Sanford Genetic Counseling Program?
No. The program has found that students are able to demonstrate their potential for academic success through GPAs. If a student believes their GPA is not entirely reflective of their academic ability, the GRE may be helpful in demonstrating their academic potential to reviewers. The program welcomes the supplemental submission of GRE General Test scores.
What is the Augustana-Sanford Genetic Counseling Program’s interview process?
Interviews for the Augustana-Sanford Genetic Counseling Graduate Program are held virtually each year via Zoom. Virtual interviews help reduce travel costs for interviewees — providing an interactive opportunity to learn about the program and meet its representatives.
Will the Augustana-Sanford Genetic Counseling Program provide application feedback?
The Augustana-Sanford Genetic Counseling Program will not pre-review application materials or provide feedback during an open admission cycle. The ASGCGP program will provide high-level written feedback on the applicant's most recent ASGCGP application if requested by the applicant between June 1 and Aug. 15. In addition, the program is willing to facilitate campus visits or virtual meetings to provide general information and advice to prospective applicants outside of an open admission cycle.
What is the job outlook for genetic counselors?
From 2018 through 2025, 96% (71 of 74) of Augustana-Sanford Genetic Counseling Program graduates secured employment within a year of graduation. For the three most recent graduating classes (2023-25) 89% (25 of 28) have secured employment within a year of graduation; 82% (23 of 28) within six months of graduation. The most up-to-date job outlook for genetic counselors can be found in the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook.
What is the program's first-time certification exam pass rate?
For the three most recent graduating classes (2024-26), the Augustana-Sanford Genetic Counseling Program has a 79% first-time pass rate on the American Board of Genetic Counseling's Certification Examination.
Do I have to pay and reapply to the program every year?
Yes, students have to reapply to the Augustana-Sanford Genetic Counseling Program every year. Both the Match and ASGCGP application fees must be paid each year and are non-refundable.
Do I have to resubmit application materials if I applied to the program in a previous year?
You will be asked in your current application if you have applied to the program before. If you indicate that you have applied to the program before, you will not need to resubmit official transcripts, your WES Evaluation (international applicants only), GRE scores or TOEFL/IELTS scores (international applicants only) unless they have changed since you last submitted them and/or have become outdated. All other application materials, including letters of recommendation, must be resubmitted annually. If you do not want the program to use your previously submitted GRE scores because GRE scores are not required, you may indicate that on your current Slate application.
Does the Augustana-Sanford Genetic Counseling Program accept international applicants?
Yes, the Augustana-Sanford Genetic Counseling Program will review all international applications. International applicants who are offered an interview will do so via a video conferencing platform, as are domestic interviewees. Graduates of the ASGCGP are eligible for the STEM-OPT visa extension.
→ For more information on the extension, visit the USCIS website.
Does the Augustana-Sanford Genetic Counseling Program offer any assistantships, fellowships or scholarships?
No. The Augustana-Sanford Genetic Counseling Program does not offer any assistantships, fellowships or scholarships. However, students may be able to receive outside financial support from other organizations, such as hospitals or health systems. This type of financial support is handled directly and exclusively by the external organizations.
Is financial aid available for the Augustana-Sanford Genetic Counseling Program?
Yes. Federal financial aid is available to those who qualify. File the FAFSA at fafsa.gov and enter Augustana's school code: 003458. Graduate students, who are eligible, have the option to borrow a federal unsubsidized loan and/or private loans Financial aid is not available during the summer term.
→ More Information on Federal Programs Available to Graduate Students
Can I work while I am a student?
Classes are generally held during the day on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and Wednesday afternoons. Rotations, meetings and events occur during the day on Monday and Friday, and Wednesday mornings. Thus, any job you hold will need to be a night or weekend job. You will be notified in advance of any activities that will occur outside of the normal Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. time frame.
Will I be busy with rotations all summer?
No. Students will have a small break of approximately two weeks during the summer. Students will work out their summer schedule with program leaders and the supervisor for their rotation.
Does the Augustana-Sanford Genetic Counseling Program offer housing and technology?
Housing is the responsibility of the student, regardless of where the student is assigned to rotations. There is limited housing on Augustana’s campus, which is available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Each student should have their own laptop.
Are vaccines required for the Augustana-Sanford Genetic Counseling Program?
Yes. In order to provide our students with rotation opportunities at affiliate institutions, students need to be up to date on routine vaccinations. While in the program, a seasonal flu vaccine is also required each year. Communication with students and potential applicants is important. If you have concerns about your ability to comply with our vaccination policy, program leaders welcome any questions.
