Prospective Student Events

We offer a variety of opportunities to explore what makes the Columbia University GC Program unique. Events happening in 2026 are listed below, all times are Eastern. 

WEBINARS

Genetic Counselors, the Future of Genomic Medicine

Join us to discover who genetic counselors are and what they do. This webinar provides an overview of the profession of genetic counseling, including example clinical cases, various career paths, and next steps to prepare for graduate school. 

• Tuesday, July 21 at 8pm

• Wednesday, August 12 at 8pm 

• Thursday, September 17 at 8pm

A "How-To" Guide for Applying to the Columbia University MS in Genetic Counseling Program

Join us to learn more about the application process at Columbia. This webinar provides an overview of admission, including information about program prerequisites and other recommended pre-graduate experiences.​ 

• Wednesday, June 24 at 8pm 

• Tuesday, August 18 at 8pm
  Register for August 18
• Thursday, November 5 at 8pm
  Register for November 5

Financing a Genetic Counseling Graduate Degree

Join us to learn more about resources to assist you in successfully financing a graduate education in genetic counseling. This webinar provides an overview of anticipated financial costs of completing a graduate degree, including opportunities for scholarships and work-study, and planning ahead for loan repayment.

• Monday, June 29 at 8pm

• Tuesday, October 6 at 8pm

Student Research: Developing Skills to Affect Change

Join us to explore student research at the Columbia GC Program. Student research topics, courses, mentoring, grant writing, and dissemination/publication are included. 

• Wednesday, September 9 at 7pm
  Register for September 9

• Thursday, October 15 at 7pm
  Register for October 15

Meet the Columbia GC Program Students

Join representatives from the Class of 2027 and 2028 to hear from them about what drew them to Columbia, their experiences in the program so far, and life as a student in NYC. 

• ​Wednesday, December 2 at 8pm
  Register for December 2

OPEN HOUSES

We invite you to join us virtually to discover the unique strengths of our MS in Genetic Counseling program and learn more about the Columbia University Irving Medical Center campus. Meet faculty and students, explore our curriculum, and hear more about how to strengthen your admission application. 

• Tuesday, September 22 from 7:00-8:30pm
  Register for September 22

• Monday, October 26 from 7:00-8:30pm 
  Register for October 26

EXPERIENTIAL PRACTICUM

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Gain hands-on experience with the clinical practice of genetic counseling. This in-depth exploration of the profession is essential prior to applying to graduate school. We realize that access to shadowing and genetic counseling internships may be limited and have developed the Experiential Practicum to assist prospective students in gaining meaningful exposure to clinical work of genetic counselors.

Participants will engage online/remotely with our genetic counselor faculty, observing and debriefing about client sessions in various specialty clinics, including:

• Reproductive genetics
• General/pediatric genetics
• Cancer genetics
• Neurogenetics

Participants will also have the opportunity to attend an interdisciplinary genetics meeting on our campus (remotely) and participate in a journal club focused on the clinical specifics of genetic counseling and work with clients.

Applications for the Summer 2026 Practicum are now closed. Check back here for information about applying to our next cycle in the fall.