CDU is Urban, health-focused, community-centered, and student-supportive, with a strong emphasis on real-world clinical experience and serving underserved populations.

Affiliated / Partner Housing

Diversity at Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science reflects a commitment to serving and supporting individuals from historically underserved and underrepresented communities, while fostering an inclusive environment that values equity, cultural humility, and social justice.

Varies by Program

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CDU, disability services are provided through the Office of Student Accessibility Services (OSAS).

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• CDU Student Government (CDUSG)
• Health & Medical Interest Groups
• Academic & Program-Based Clubs
• Community Service & Outreach Groups
• Cultural & Identity-Based Organizations
• Leadership & Professional Development Groups

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Master of Science, Genetic Counseling 

• Doctoral Programs
• Graduate (Master’s) Programs
• Undergraduate Majors (Bachelor’s & Associate
• Certificate & Post-Baccalaureate Programs

Computer Labs & Access, Learning Management System (LMS), Specialized Software (Program-Based)

Applicants to the Genetic Counseling Program must meet the following academic, professional, and technical requirements before applying.

• Candidates must hold a minimum of a Bachelor’s degree (BA/BS) or equivalent from an accredited institution. 
• Candidates must have a grade point average of 3.0 (B) or higher on a 4.0 scale. 
• All academic prerequisites must be completed prior to applying to the program. 
• Transcripts must be from a regionally accredited institution or a US equivalent Bachelor’s degree, based on a foreign credential evaluation. 
• Course requirements
  • Introductory Genetics 
  • Biochemistry (with lab) 
  • Organic Chemistry (with lab) 
  • Biology with Laboratory (minimum 2 semesters/quarters) 
  • Introductory Statistics 
  • Psychology  
• Highly recommended courses
  • Cellular and/or Molecular Biology  
  • Anatomy and/or physiology  
  • Additional genetics courses  
• Additional Suggested Activities
  • Demonstrated interest in the field of genetics (summer internship in a genomics/genetics lab, undergraduate projects, or additional coursework in genetics)
  • Volunteer work in a crisis center, crisis hotline, or other similar environment
  • Direct patient care experience is preferred but not required. This can be substituted with volunteer work in a crisis center, etc. Shadowing of genetic counseling not required. 
• Three Letters of Recommendation. One must be an Academic reference from a college professor. If you are unable to obtain an academic reference, please contact admissionsinfo@cdrewu.edu
• One Admissions Essay/Statement of Purpose. Essays should have a 500-750 word count and be uploaded as a Microsoft Word document or PDF.
• Resume/CV demonstrating interest in the field of genetics.
• Applicant Interviews: Personal interviews will be offered to candidates selecting our program through NMS after review by the Admissions Committee. Interviews are conducted between January and March.
• Proficiency in English is mandatory. All applicants whose first language is not English must take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). The TOEFL requirement may be waived for applicants with a post-secondary degree from an accredited US institution. The scores must be sent directly from the Educational Testing Service to the Office of Admissions. Only the IBT (Internet-Based Test) form of the TOEFL will be accepted. A total score of 100 and a speaking score of 26 will be a prerequisite for entry into the program. 
• Pre-Matriculation Contingency: if admitted, matriculation into the program will be contingent upon:
  • Timely submission of the intent to enroll and the required deposit
  • Successful completion of background check, drug screen, and submission of health and up-to-date immunization records
  • Current health insurance
  • OSHA and HIPAA training
  • Mandatory in-person attendance at the program orientation in August. 
• All candidates must be able, with or without reasonable accommodation, to independently meet general and program-specific technical and ethical standards throughout the program.  These standards have been developed in consideration of the demands of didactic and clinical training in the graduate health sciences and of clinical practice as a genetic counselor. 
• Academics
  • Master of Science, Genetic Counseling Toggle submenu
    • Admission Requirements
    • Cost of Attendance
    • Program Faculty
    • Advisory Board
    • Accreditation Information

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Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science is a private non-profit student-centered University that is committed to cultivating diverse health professional leaders who are dedicated to social justice and health equity for underserved populations through outstanding education, research, clinical service, and community engagement.

Health is a human right, and every individual deserves access to quality healthcare
Education is a tool for social change, especially in underserved communities
Diversity strengthens healthcare, and a diverse workforce improves outcomes
Community engagement is essential to addressing health disparities
Equity and social justice must be at the center of healthcare, education, and research

About CDU Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science (CDU) is a private, nonprofit, community founded, student-centered University committed to cultivating diverse health professions leaders who are dedicated to social justice and health equity for underserved populations through outstanding education, clinical service, and community engagement. The University, located in the Watts-Willowbrook area of South Los Angeles, was founded in 1966 in the wake of the Watts Uprising with a vision of creating a world without health disparities. CDU offers undergraduate degree, graduate degree, and certificate programs across a range of health and medical professions including nursing, X-ray technology, medicine, biomedical science, public health, computed tomography, physician assistant, and psychology. Since its inception, CDU has helped nearly ten thousand students start or accelerate their careers in the medial and health professions. 

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CDU provides study abroad and international experiences through its Office of International Affairs

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