WNE and Bay Path University have signed a new articulation agreement that creates a streamlined academic pathway between two rapidly expanding fields—genetic counseling and pharmacogenomics. The partnership is designed to support the significant regional workforce demand for professionals trained in precision medicine, genomic testing, and personalized therapeutics.
Under the agreement, WNE will reserve at least two seats annually in its Master of Science in Pharmacogenomics (MSPGx) program for qualified graduates of Bay Path’s Master of Science in Genetic Counseling (MSGC) program. Conversely, Bay Path will reserve at least five interview seats in its MSGC program annually for WNE MSPGx graduates. Students accepted through this pathway will also receive six transfer credits toward the MSPGx or MSGC degree, which may reduce the cost of their graduate studies.
Genetic counseling and pharmacogenomics are increasingly critical to modern healthcare. Genetic counselors help patients interpret genomic information and make informed decisions about inherited risks and treatment options, while pharmacogenomics focuses on how genes influence an individual’s response to medications—enabling physicians to prescribe more effectively and safely.
These skills are in high demand across Massachusetts and New England. The 2025 MassBio Industry Snapshot reports that the Commonwealth will face a significant life sciences talent gap over the next decade, particularly in roles requiring molecular diagnostics, genomic analysis, and precision-medicine expertise.
In Western Massachusetts, health systems such as Baystate Health, Cooley Dickinson Hospital, and Berkshire Health Systems are expanding their use of pharmacogenomic testing in oncology, cardiology, psychiatry, and chronic disease management. Providers increasingly depend on genomic data to guide chemotherapy dosing, tailor cardiovascular medications, and improve the effectiveness of behavioral health treatments. As precision medicine becomes more integrated into everyday care, these organizations continue to seek graduates with advanced training in genomic interpretation and pharmacogenomic decision-making.
“This partnership supports the growing precision-medicine ecosystem in our region by preparing professionals who can bridge genomic evaluation with personalized therapeutic decision-making,” said Shannon Kinney, Ph.D., MSPGx Program Coordinator and Professor of Pharmacology at WNE. “Bay Path’s talented MSGC graduates arrive with a strong foundation in patient-centered genetic interpretation. By continuing their studies in pharmacogenomics at WNE, they can expand their expertise and play a vital role in improving patient outcomes across New England’s evolving healthcare landscape.”
To qualify for the reserved seats and transfer credits, interested students must meet established academic standards, including maintaining at least a 3.5 GPA and completing designated prerequisite coursework. Applications for the pathway must be submitted by April 1 for the MSPGx program and December 15 for the MSGC program each year.
The agreement also outlines joint recruitment and advising initiatives, including co-hosted virtual and in-person information sessions to ensure students understand the academic requirements and career opportunities in both fields.
“This collaboration reflects our shared commitment to expanding academic opportunities for students who want to deepen their expertise in genetics and personalized medicine,” said Dr. Susan Capasso, Associate Director of Bay Path University’s MSGC program. “By creating a smooth and supportive pathway between our programs, we are giving students more flexibility, more opportunity, and a direct route into one of the fastest-growing areas of healthcare.”
With precision medicine continuing to reshape how healthcare is delivered, the WNE–Bay Path articulation agreement positions both universities as key contributors to strengthening the genomic and pharmacological workforce pipeline in Western Massachusetts and beyond.
Visit the WNE MSPGx and Bay Path MSGC programs for more information.
