Student: Anna Duffy

Minor: Genetic Counseling

Genetic Counseling is an interdisciplinary minor housed in the College of Health Sciences. Students take courses that include Biology, Medical and Molecular Sciences, Psychology, Human Development, and more. Along with a designated major, this minor helps prepare students to pursue a Master of Science degree in Genetic Counseling. Genetic Counseling is the process of educating individuals and families about the risk of inheriting a genetic disorder. Professionals in this field help patients understand their genetic risk, provides them with resources to treat disorders, and counsels them through the medical and personal implications of the disease. There are different specialties within Genetic Counseling that include prenatal, pediatric, oncology, and psychiatry.

This is a growing field, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Students in the minor take 22 credits (along with pre-requisites) from the following courses: Program: Genetic Counseling Minor – University of Delaware – Modern Campus Catalog™

One current Genetics Counseling minor is former UST student, Anna Duffy. Anna is a junior from Goshen, NY. When she initially enrolled at the University of Delaware, Anna knew she was interested in science but was unsure about a specific direction. University Studies advising helped introduce her to numerous majors, minors, clubs, and activities that aligned with her personal interests. She had heard about genetic counseling in high school and quickly gravitated towards the community of students at UD who were working towards becoming genetic counselors. Anna notes that, “it felt almost meant to be that UD had this very niche minor along with the Future Genetic Counselors Club (FGCC)”.

After attending some FGCC meetings during her freshman year, Anna decided to declare her major as Biological Sciences with a Cell and Molecular Biology and Genetics Concentration. During her sophomore year she declared minors in Genetic Counseling, as well as Women and Gender Studies. She has really been enjoying her courses and looks forward to more experiences with like-minded students interested in the future of genetics.

Anna encourages all students who are unsure about their direction to investigate specific minors and clubs UD offers because there are more than expected! She recommends getting involved with people who have similar interests, and id there’s difficult finding a niche, students can create their own community! “Putting myself out there is ultimately what I owe to my success as a student”, Anna says.