Mar 29, 2024  
2022-2023 Academic Bulletin 
    
2022-2023 Academic Bulletin [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Medical Laboratory Science MSMLS


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The Master of Science in Medical Laboratory Science (MSMLS) degree is a professional degree offered online and face-to-face, designed to meet the needs of the working laboratory medicine professional. The MSMLS allows the student to focus on an area of personal interest by choosing a concentration to further develop technical knowledge and skills beyond that of the baccalaureate level. The MSMLS degree features a variety of program concentrations.

Delivery: This program is offered in an interactive online asynchronous format (see School of Distance Education  definitions). The interactive online degree does not require any on-campus time. Students are encouraged to come to campus for graduation.

Total Credits - 38


Concentration - 16


Choose one of the following concentrations:

Education and Training Concentration


Global Development Concentration


Maintaining Academic Standing


  • No grade lower than C is acceptable.
  • Maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 for the graduate portion of the program.

Admission Requirements


In addition to the general requirements for admission to a graduate program listed in the graduate admission section of this bulletin, the following are program requirements:

  • Applicants must have an overall GPA of at least 3.0 in undergraduate courses and at least 3.0 in the undergraduate life sciences (biology and chemistry), math, and medical laboratory science courses.
  • Applicants must hold professional certification and/or licensure in medical laboratory science acceptable to the admissions committee. Certification may be either general or in one of the recognized areas of specialization. Acceptable certification is typically defined as the Board of Certification sponsored by the ASCP (American Society for Clinical Pathology). Individuals lacking professional certification may request to be admitted on a provisional basis while they pursue the MLS National Certification Eligibility Requirements. These clinical courses and their prerequisites  require a minimum of four academic semesters. Students must receive MLS professional certification before completing more than 9 graduate credits and must meet the GPA requirements as stated above.
  • The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is not required for MSMLS admission but is required for GRE Scholarship consideration.

Individuals with Technologist/Scientist Professional Certification

  • Provide documentation of professional certification and/or licensure in medical laboratory science acceptable to the admissions committee.
  • Certification may be either general or in one of the recognized areas of specialization.
  • Acceptable certification is typically defined as that offered by the ASCP (American Society for Clinical Pathology) Board of Certification.

Individuals without Technologist/Scientist Professional Certification

  • Individuals lacking United States professional certification may request to be admitted on a provisional basis while they either apply to sit for the Board of Certification or pursue the course work required for eligibility to write the Board of Certification.
  • To be eligible for MLS Certification, applicants’ previous course work must include 16 semester (24 quarter) credits of biological sciences, 16 semester (24 quarter) credits of chemistry, and one college-level course in mathematics. Deficiencies must be removed prior to admission to the graduate program.

  • These clinical courses and their prerequisites require a minimum of four academic semesters. 
  • The courses include MLSC 210, 230, 240, 320, 350, 400, 401, 405, 411, 412, 413, 421, 423, 431, 432, 433, 441, 442, 443, 451, 452, 453, 461, 463, 470, 475, and 483.

Graduation Requirements


In addition to meeting the general requirements for graduate degree programs, students must meet the following departmental requirements:

  • Complete a minimum of 38 semester credits including the core of 22 semester credits and 16 semester credits selected from the chosen concentration.
  • Have the graduate program director approve course selections and course sequencing. Students may substitute alternate courses listed in this Bulletin with the consent of the graduate program director and the approval of the dean of the College of Health & Human Services.

Student Learning Outcomes


Upon completion of the MSMLS, the medical laboratory scientist will demonstrate advanced knowledge and skills in: 

  • Application of safety and governmental regulations and standards as applied to laboratory medicine.
  • Principles and practices of professional conduct and the significance of continuing professional development.
  • Communication skills sufficient to serve the needs of patients, the public and members of the health care team.
  • Principles and practices of administration, management, and supervision as applied to laboratory medicine.
  • Educational methodologies and terminology sufficient to train/educate users and providers of laboratory services.
  • Principles and practices of clinical study design, implementation and dissemination of results.

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