In evaluating University of Wisconsin - La Crosse and (UWLC) and University of Minnesota Twin Cities (UMTC) for a biologoy degree for a student interested in pursuing a career as a genetics counselor, a question has come up re: undergraduate degrees. UMTC offers a major in Genetics, Cell Biology and Development, while the closest thing UWLC offers is Cellular and Molecular Biology concentration. Over the course of four years (at today’s tuition rates), UMTC will cost $45,000 more. Is the $45,000 worth it to get the genetics component of a four year biology degree?
Also, to go on to study genetics counseling, two years of post graduate schooling would be required, and I see that the Graduate Studies in Genetic Counseling school at UMTC only accepts 10 new students per year. Which would seem to mean that added importance is placed on the undergraduate biology degree, if the genetics counseling career path does not play out as expected. Would having the genetics as part of the biology undergrad degree offer more opportunities in the workforce?