Q: Can you review my application and transcripts to see if I meet the application requirements? A: We'll review your application and transcripts, but not before you submit your application. Check our webpage for detailed application requirements.
Q: Do I need to have a thesis supervisor in advance of applying? A: No, thesis projects and supervisors are determined after enrollment in the program.
Q: Do all placements take place in Winnipeg or are there other locations as well? A: All clinical placements (rotations) happen in Winnipeg during the academic year. Summer rotations can be arranged at centers with certified genetic counselors outside of Manitoba.
Q: Are GRE scores required? A: No.
Q: Are there scholarships available? A: Yes, there are scholarships available to our students locally and nationally. The program offers a Genetic Counselling Entrance Award, which supports students who self-identify as a marginalized identity in the genetic counseling profession. After enrollment, scholarship opportunities include the Canadian Graduate Scholarships-Masters and the University of Manitoba Graduate Fellowship, among others.
Q: I met the requirements, why did I not get an interview? A: Meeting the minimum program requirements doesn't guarantee an interview or admission. The applicant pool for an MSc in Genetic Counselling is highly competitive. If you'd like feedback on your application, we're happy to provide it.
Q: I have previously applied, is there a special process for re-applicants? A: Your account remains active for 2 years since your first application. Certain data will pre-populate, and the Admissions office may upload transcripts from your last application. Otherwise, you'll need to submit a new application and documents.
Q: I have courses/prerequisites in progress, what do I do? A: Courses in progress are acceptable, and admission depends on successful completion. List them on your transcripts or provide a letter from your course coordinator.
Q: I did not receive a grade for a required course due to COVID-19. Can this course still be used to meet requirements? A: Due to COVID-19, we accept a "pass" or "complete" grade in required/recommended courses for the Spring 2020 term, with an explanation on the transcript. These grades won't be included in GPA calculations.
Q: How many credit hours are required? A: Applicants need to complete a 4-year degree or equivalent (120 credit hours).
Q: What if I completed my previous education at multiple institutions? A: Upload transcripts from all institutions attended, including those with courses in progress. For a BSc, GPA is calculated based on the most recent 60 credit hours taken at a degree-granting institution.
Q: How do I submit my transcripts? A: Scan and upload transcripts from all institutions attended in the application package, including completed and in-progress courses. Admission depends on completing in-progress courses. Degree certificates aren't required initially, but may be requested later.
Q: How much coursework is required for prerequisites? A: Applicants should have completed undergraduate genetics, cell biology, and molecular biology courses. At least one course in psychology is required. Courses in developmental biology, statistics, and embryology are beneficial but not mandatory.
Q: What are examples of the required "counseling experience"? A: Examples include supportive counseling (e.g., mental health, bereavement, elder, cancer, victim, distress, cultural support), crisis intervention/response (e.g., suicide, trauma support, campus resident advisor), options counseling (e.g., contraceptive, pregnancy care, STI support), and support group facilitating. Most experiences provide training, can be in-person or over the phone, and can be paid or volunteer. Successful applicants typically have part-time experience in this capacity for over a year.
