Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Justice

The USC Genetic Counseling Program strives to consistently foster an environment of inclusion for students, and we recognize that more can be done to improve sociocultural perspectives and representation in our program and in the genetic counseling profession. Our committee which fosters these efforts includes students, faculty, alumni and administrators. We have outlined ways in which we take responsibility to improve inclusion for our current, former, and future students.

Our Initiative

The USC Genetic Counseling Program will lead by example through enhancing sociocultural inclusivity within our curriculum and among our faculty, students, and staff. Achieving a genetic counseling workforce that proportionately reflects the population of our state, region, and nation is a priority. To foster an environment where genetic counseling candidates from underrepresented backgrounds flourish, we offer the following opportunities:

One of our three Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities (LEND) Fellowship tracks reserved for a candidate from an underrepresented background who has demonstrated cultural and social resiliency.

Since Fall 2022 admissions, we have offered a Cultural and Social Resiliency Award Track also reserved for a candidate from an underrepresented background.

As a national outreach to prospective students, there is a need-based opportunity for reduced registration fees for our online course, Genetic Counseling: Career for the Future. 

Our Mentoring Program also has national outreach. We connect prospective students with USC GC students and alumni who are committed to fostering professional development and introducing potential applicants to the field of genetic counseling.

Our Summer Internship gives preference to regional prospective students of underrepresented backgrounds, providing a hands-on experience in preparation for graduate education in genetic counseling.

Our Community Engagement curriculum integrates outreach to Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and other learning institutions with diverse student bodies. Our students gain experience in education as they inform students from all backgrounds about the genetic counseling field.

The Program's required reading and discussion materials have been infused with literature and other media exploring cultural insights so that we keep this conversation going.

And the list goes on! As a Program we recognize these efforts will grow, evolve and, with measurable impact, make a difference to the genetic counseling profession and ultimately to those we serve.