School Finder

Top 15 Master’s in Genetics & Genetic Counseling Degree Programs

A master’s in genetics teaches students the scientific knowledge needed to help understand the genetic information that dictates our physiological nature. By earning a master’s degree in genetics, students will become experts in a variety of topics, including embryology, genetic counseling, cancer research, and more. Those looking for a lucrative and meaningful career path should consider a master’s in human genetics. A master’s in genetics can yield a salary of around $73,000 annually. Below we’ve selected some of the most affordable master’s in genetics programs.

For students who want to pursue one of the top master’s in human genetics, we have compiled a list of the top programs available. The programs have been selected for this ranking based upon a scoring system that considers the cost of tuition and the length of the program. These programs have been accredited by nationally recognized accreditation boards and have had their nonprofit status verified. The programs are ordered from highest to lowest scores. Note that the tuition rates listed below are based on per-credit costs, and individual programs may have additional fees.

A logo of University of South Florida for our ranking of the most affordable master's in genetics.

Students at the University of South Florida can enroll in the school’s Master of Science in public health – genetic counseling degree. This genetic counseling degree is offered to students at the University of South Florida campus. The University of South Florida has received accreditation for this master’s in genetics from the Southern Association of Colleges & Schools Commission on Colleges and the Accreditation Council for Genetic Counseling. This program is designed to be completed in 21 months if pursued full-time. A total of 42 credit-hours are needed to complete this degree. This program is a great option for students that want to gain the skills needed to work with patients to help them better understand their genetics in a variety of different contexts.

Tuition: $9,787

Score: 100

A logo of Indiana State University for our ranking of the most affordable master's in genetics.

Indiana State University students can choose to enroll in this on-campus Master of Science in genetic counseling. Students who enroll in this program will work through a curriculum that is designed to help prepare students for careers as genetic counselors. Students will study various interdisciplinary topics, including biology, genetics, psychology, public health, nursing, and much more. This program is made available affordably, helping Indiana State University to rank among the most affordable masters in genetics programs. A total of 62 credits are needed to complete this degree. Indiana State University estimates that students will be able to complete this degree in three years. The Higher Learning Commission has provided Indiana State University with accreditation for this degree.

Tuition: $12,996

Score: 99.75

A logo of Indiana University for our ranking of the most affordable master's in genetics.

This Master of Science in genetic counseling degree is offered to students by Indiana University. Students seeking an affordable way to gain the skills needed for a career as a genetic counselor should consider this program. Offered at an affordable tuition rate, Indiana University’s Master of Science in genetic counseling is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and the Accreditation Council for Genetic Counseling. Students should expect to be able to complete this degree in about two years. Courses in this program include basic human genetics, embryology for genetics clinicians, cytogenetics of malignancies, and more.

Tuition: $13,036

Score: 99.5

A logo of Boise State University for our ranking of the most affordable master's in genetics.

Aspiring Boise State University students can enroll in this Master of Science in genetic counseling degree. This program is offered to students in a full-time format. Students can expect to complete this degree in about 21 months over the course of five semesters. Courses in this program include principles of human genetics, developmental anatomy and embryology, health care principles & public health, and more. This master’s in genetic counseling has been accredited by the Accreditation Council for Genetic Counseling and the Northwest Commission on Colleges & Universities. Students who complete this degree will have the skills and experience needed for a career as a genetic counselor.

Tuition: $13,237

Score: 99.25

A logo of University of Utah for our ranking of the most affordable master's in genetics.

Students can choose to enroll in this Master of Science in genetic counseling degree offered by the University of Utah. This master’s of genetic counseling is offered to students exclusively on campus. Students can expect to be able to complete this degree in about two years. The Northwest Commission on Colleges & Universities and the Accreditation Council for Genetic Counseling have both provided the University of Utah with accreditation for this degree. This master’s of genetic counseling provides students with the skills and training they need for a career as a genetic counselor. Courses in this program include biochemical genetics, cancer genetics, genetic counseling research, perinatal genetics, and more. The University of Utah has ranked among our top universities for master’s in genetic counseling programs by offering this program at an affordable tuition rate.

Tuition: $13,739

Score: 99

A logo of North Carolina State University for our ranking of the most affordable master's in genetics.

North Carolina State University currently offers students a Master of Genetics degree. This on-campus degree is designed to prepare students with the training and experience in genetics needed to pursue a career in the field. Students in this program of study will be ready to receive credentials for several different career paths upon completion of this degree. North Carolina State University has received accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges & Schools Commission on Colleges. It is estimated that students will be able to complete this degree in approximately three years. Courses in this program of study include principles of biochemistry, molecular genetics, genetic data analysis, and many others.

Tuition: $14,958

Score: 98.75

A logo of University of Georgia for our ranking of the most affordable master's in genetics.

Offered on-campus, this Master of Science in genetics degree program is available to students at the University of Georgia. Throughout the course of this program, students will study several topics related to genetics, including evolutionary biology, molecular genetics, genomics, and much more. This program gives students great access to teachers and faculty by boasting a two-to-one student-to-teacher ratio. The University of Georgia offers this program at an affordable tuition rate, helping to make this degree one of the most affordable master’s in genetics available. The University of Georgia is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges & Schools Commission on Colleges. A total of 30 credit-hours are needed to complete this degree. The University of Georgia estimates that students will be able to complete this degree in three years.

Tuition: $15,961

Score: 98.5

A logo of University of Wisconsin for our ranking of the most affordable master's in genetics.

Offered at the University of Wisconsin, this Master of Genetic Counseling degree is a strong option for students searching for a degree that will provide them the skills and training needed to jumpstart a career in genetics. Through the pursuit of this degree program, University of Wisconsin students will study and undergo training designed to prepare them for careers as genetic counselors. Both the Higher Learning Commission and the Accreditation Council for Genetic Counseling have provided the University of Wisconsin with accreditation for this program. A total of 34 credit-hours are needed to complete this degree. The University of Wisconsin forecasts that students will be able to complete this degree in about 21 months. Courses in this degree include advanced clinical genetics concepts, clinical embryology & prenatal diagnosis, cancer genetics risk assessment & counseling, and more.

Tuition: $16,103

Score: 98.25

A logo of Michigan State University for our ranking of the most affordable master's in genetics.

Students at Michigan State University can enroll in this Master of Science in genetics and genome sciences program. This degree is offered to students on campus and leverages the school’s in-person resources to provide a high-quality, yet affordable, master’s in genetics program. Michigan State University has designed this program to provide students with the skills and concepts needed to succeed in modern genetics. A total of 34 credit-hours are needed to complete this program of study. The Higher Learning Commission has provided Michigan State University with accreditation for this degree. Students in this program will study DNA replication, genetics of development, aging, and much more. By completing this degree, students will be ready to receive credentials for various careers in genetics and genetic counseling.

Tuition: $16,579

Score: 98

A logo of Stanford University for our ranking of the most affordable master's in genetics.

This master’s in human genetics and genetic counseling degree is made available to students by Stanford University. This master’s in genetics and genetic counseling degree builds on over a decade of research. Stanford University has received accreditation for this program from the Accreditation Council for Genetic Counseling and the Western Association of Schools & Colleges. This degree is designed to be completed in about two to three years. A total of 84 credits are needed to complete this degree. Courses in this program include clinical embryology, responsible conduct of research, introduction to molecular genetics, and many others. This master’s in human genetics is a great affordable option for students who want to start a career in human genetics and genetic counseling.

Tuition: $16,779

Score: 97.5

A logo of University of Alabama for our ranking of the most affordable master's in genetics.

Students interested in studying at the University of Alabama at Birmingham can enroll in the school’s Master of Science in genetic counseling degree. This degree program is a comprehensive, on-campus degree designed to prepare students with the skills needed for a career in genetics and genetic counseling. Those who complete this degree will be prepared to seek the credentials needed for a career as a genetic counselor. A total of 57 credit-hours are needed to complete this degree. The University of Alabama at Birmingham has received accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges & Schools Commission on Colleges and the Accreditation Council for Genetic Counseling. Students can expect to complete this degree in about three years. Courses in this program include human embryology, theory & practice of genetic counseling, and others.

Tuition: $17,068

Score: 97.25

A logo of University of Minnesota for our ranking of the most affordable master's in genetics.

The University of Minnesota currently offers this Master of Science in genetic counseling degree to its students on campus. This on-campus degree is offered to students at an affordable tuition rate, helping this program rank among the most affordable master’s in genetics available. Students in this program will be prepared to seek credentials to work as genetic counselors upon completing this degree. The University of Minnesota has designed this degree to be completed in two years if taken full time. Courses in this degree include genetics & genomics in human health, medical genetics for genetic counselors, introduction to behavioral genetics, and more. The Accreditation Council for Genetic Counseling has provided the University of Minnesota with accreditation for this degree.

Tuition: $17,279

Score: 97

A logo of Harvard University for our ranking of the most affordable master's in genetics.

This Master of Science in computational biology and quantitative genetics degree is an affordable, 0n-campus genetics degree offered by Harvard University. Students in this program of study will work through a curriculum designed to combine the latest in big data science with the study of human genetics. Students will learn how to use the latest biomedical research to understand human genetics better through this program. A total of 80 credit-hours are needed to complete this degree. Harvard University has received accreditation for this degree from the New England Commission on Higher Education. Students should expect to be able to complete this degree in three years. Students in this program will develop their skills in computer programming, modern molecular biology, meta-analysis of genes, gene function, and more.

Tuition: $18,030

Score: 96.75

A logo of Ohio State University for our ranking of the most affordable master's in genetics.

Ohio State University offers this Master of Science in genetic counseling degree to its students. This master’s in genetics is offered on campus, but some of the coursework may be completed online. This partially online master’s in genetic counseling is an affordable option for students preparing for a career as a genetic counselor. Students can expect to be able to complete this degree in about three years. A total of 60 credits are needed to complete this degree. The Higher Learning Commission has provided Ohio State University with accreditation for this degree. Courses in this program include foundations in genetics, advanced genetic counseling, pediatric counseling, the business of genetics, and many others.

Tuition: $18,706

Score: 96.5

A logo of Texas A&M University for our ranking of the most affordable master's in genetics.

Students at Texas A&M University can enroll in the school’s Master of Science in genetics degree. This on-campus master’s in genetics prepares students with the skills and training needed to seek credentials as genetic counselors. Texas A&M University estimates that students will be able to complete this degree in approximately three years. The Southern Association of Colleges & Schools Commission on Colleges has provided Texas A&M University with accreditation for this master’s in genetics. Students in this program can choose from concentrations in bioinformatics & genomics, conservation & population genetics, medical genetics, microbial genetics, molecular genetics, cellular & developmental genetics, and plant genetics. A total of 36 credit-hours are needed to complete this degree. This program has ranked among the most affordable master’s in genetics by offering this degree at an affordable tuition rate.

Tuition: $19,237

Score: 96.25

You may also like:

NPCO Staff