About Us

Since 1990, the Graduate Program in Genetic Counseling has continually evolved to meet the changing needs of our field and the future of the profession. We welcome your interest in our program and invite you to learn more.

Director's Message
Learn more about our program's mission from our director Debra Duquette, MS.
About Chicago
Discover the vibrant city we call home.
Why Northwestern?
Learn more about the benefits of choosing our program.
Giving
Help our program reach our goals.
Contact Us
Connect with our program leadership and staff.

Who We Are

We are a collaborative community of experienced leadership and highly engaged faculty across Chicagoland and beyond. Our students bring talent, commitment and diverse perspectives to the genetic counseling profession.

Mission, Vision & Values

Our Mission

We foster students to be adaptable, resilient and lifelong learners. These professionals will intentionally challenge current practice and professional norms, provide informed and intersectional service and advocacy for their patients and communities, produce cutting-edge research and advance innovative education.

Our Vision

We will be on the forefront of genomic healthcare as change-leaders of educational and professional progress in the field of genetic counseling.

Our Values

We value these characteristics in our students and graduates:

Advocacy: Initiating or participating in existing efforts to create improvements for areas of need
Accountability: To oneself, to others, to responsibilities
Diverse Perspectives: Contributing one's own unique voice and lived experiences
Humility: Valuing the perspectives of others through self-awareness, open-mindedness, and collaboration
Innovation: Thinking creatively to identify novel solutions to challenges

Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Justice

The Northwestern Graduate Program in Genetic Counseling is committed to increasing diversity of our students to help address the underrepresentation of marginalized individuals in the field of genetics and genetic counseling. Diversity can be reflected in areas such as: socioeconomic status, race or ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, nationality or place of origin, disability, neurodiversity, and unique work or life experience.