COURSE CURRICULUM

The MS in Medical Laboratory Science is a 53-credit professional graduate program designed to prepare students with backgrounds in biology, chemistry, or related sciences for careers in clinical laboratory medicine, particularly for individuals who are not yet certified medical technologists or medical laboratory scientists. The curriculum is structured to provide comprehensive training across all major areas of diagnostic laboratory practice, including clinical chemistry, hematology, immunohematology, immunology, microbiology, and specialized subfields such as mycology, parasitology, virology, hemostasis, urinalysis, and body fluid analysis. Students begin with foundational coursework in phlebotomy, sample processing, and laboratory operations, regulation, and compliance, which establishes essential competencies in specimen handling, quality standards, and healthcare laboratory protocols. Core discipline-specific courses such as clinical chemistry, immunohematology and transfusion medicine, clinical bacteriology, hematology, and clinical immunology with laboratory training provide in-depth scientific and technical knowledge. These are reinforced through extensive clinical practicum experiences (MLSC 6641–6644), where students rotate through different laboratory departments to apply theoretical knowledge in real diagnostic settings. The program also emphasizes professional communication and integration of knowledge through Clinical Seminar I (MLSC 6631), which includes a comprehensive exam requirement that must be passed with a minimum score of 80%. A defining component of the curriculum is the capstone project sequence (MLSC 6651 and MLSC 6652), where students design and complete a research, clinical, or applied project that demonstrates critical thinking, problem-solving, and integration of laboratory science principles. In addition to core requirements, students complete six credits of restricted electives, including approved PUBH or HCAD courses, allowing some interdisciplinary flexibility in public health or healthcare administration. Throughout the program, students must maintain a minimum grade of B- in clinical courses to ensure readiness for professional practice. Graduates are fully prepared for entry-level roles in clinical laboratories and are eligible to sit for the ASCP Board of Certification exam, with program outcomes emphasizing technical mastery, ethical practice, research application, communication skills, and commitment to lifelong professional development in diagnostic healthcare.