COURSE CURRICULUM

The Master of Science in Medical Laboratory Science at The University of Southern Mississippi is an advanced graduate program designed to prepare students for leadership, education, research, and specialized clinical roles within medical laboratory science and healthcare environments. Admission to both program pathways requires applicants to meet the general Graduate School requirements and submit official GRE scores from all sections, three recommendation letters from individuals qualified to assess graduate readiness, a résumé, and a statement of purpose. International applicants whose native language is not English must demonstrate English proficiency through approved examinations such as TOEFL or IELTS. Students may receive either regular or conditional admission, and those admitted conditionally must earn at least a 3.0 GPA during their first nine graduate credit hours in designated courses. The program encourages timely application submission, with priority deadlines of April 15 for fall admission and November 1 for spring admission. Academically, the degree requires a minimum of 36 graduate credit hours, with at least 18 hours completed in 600-level courses and a minimum of 18 graduate hours carrying an MLS course prefix. Students may pursue either thesis or non-thesis options, and those without prior medical laboratory science certification must complete a 46-hour graduate practicum that prepares them for national certification eligibility. The curriculum combines advanced laboratory science knowledge with leadership, management, education, and research training through courses such as Clinical Laboratory Program Development, Clinical Laboratory Management, Concepts for Medical Laboratory Science, Professional Development for Medical Laboratory Scientists, Clinical Oncology, Clinical Toxicology, Clinical Endocrinology, and Current Topics in Clinical Microbiology. Additional electives allow students to develop expertise in epidemiology, environmental health, instructional technology, business management, finance, educational research, and online teaching strategies. Students must complete written and oral comprehensive examinations, while thesis-track students must also defend a master’s thesis. Strict academic progression standards apply, including GPA requirements and limitations on grades below a “B.” The program prepares graduates for careers as laboratory managers, educators, researchers, clinical specialists, healthcare administrators, and medical laboratory science faculty while strengthening expertise in laboratory operations, healthcare quality, diagnostics, professional leadership, and scientific research.