Medical Laboratory Science MSMLS

Total Credits - 34-35

Track 1 (Traditional Program) - 34

This traditional track is available to individuals with MLS Certification and it is offered 100% online and in-person. Students choose from two concentrations to further develop technical knowledge and skills beyond that of the baccalaureate level.

Track 2 (Accelerated Program ) - 35

This accelerated track is available in-person only to individuals wishing to complete both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in a shorter timeframe allowing them to enter the MLS workforce with advanced qualifications. Students earn a Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Diagnostics at the end of their fouth year and a Master of Science in Medical Laboratory Science at the end of their fifth year. Upon completion of this track, students are also eligible for the MLS Board Certification.

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 admission requirements for Track 1 and Track 2:

• 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.
• The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is not required for MSMLS admission but is required for GRE Scholarship consideration.

Track 1 applicants must also meet the following requirements:

• 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.
• 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 34-35 semester credits (depending on which track is chosen).
• 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 to: 

• Apply safety and governmental regulations and standards that pertain to laboratory medicine.
• Demonstrate professional conduct.
• Work collaboratively with patients, the public, and healthcare team members.
• Apply principles and practices of laboratory administration, management, and supervision.
• Utilize educational methodologies and terminology sufficient to train/educate users and providers of laboratory services.
• Advance further knowledge in their area of expertise by utilizing principles and practices of clinical study design, implementation, and dissemination of results.
• Integrate principles of ethics and implement interpersonal skills that are culturally sensitive.
• Apply principles of laboratory medicine in innovative ways to address clinical issues or problems.