Biomedical Laboratory Operations
Master of Science
Online
Course Delivery
31
Total Credits
$893
Credit Hour
2 Years
Minimum Duration
Program Overview
The Michigan State University online Masters degree in Biomedical Laboratory Operations is designed for individuals with previous clinical laboratory experience who seek career advancement as managers, administrators, researchers, entrepreneurs and policymakers in the field. The core of this program resides in three major components: science, management and practice. The science component focuses on post-baccalaureate courses planned to develop a high level of competence within the students chosen biomedical laboratory discipline. The management component provides a solid foundation in general business including resource management, communication skills, organizational structures, decision making, and essential aspects of working in a regulated industry.
The degree is intended to expose individuals to real-life problems with an expectation of generating positive, realistic solutions. The curriculum is customized to the student's interests and to supporting the students research project. Students conduct research projects with resident and adjunct faculty. BLD Masters students choose our program for its clinically relevant courses in diagnostic theory and application, low student to faculty ratio, and program flexibility. This biomedical science program can be completed fully online. For students interested in updating their technical skills, there is also the option to take advanced level lab course(s). BLD Masters program students come from various disciplines, including the medical laboratory, industry, academic research labs and other health related backgrounds.
Program Outcomes
The Biomedical Laboratory Operations Graduate Program faculty help students create the course and research plans that fit their education and career goals. While the focus of this program is biomedical laboratory operations, additional coursework can include topics such as molecular diagnostics, immunodiagnostics, advanced flow cytometry, mass spectrometry, transfusion medicine/hemostasis, cell biology, statistics, information technology, scientific writing and research in the sciences. The student will also complete a research project in an area of interest under the guidance of expert BLD faculty and local mentors.
Through the project, the student investigates a topic in biomedical laboratory science with scientific and management focus. As a part of this process, the student collects data and fine tunes their scientific writing and presentation skills. For some students, this can lead to professional publications and/or presentations. In addition, students can use their Masters of Science in Biomedical Laboratory Operations to meet the Masters eligibility requirement for the Diplomate in Laboratory Management ASCP exam (via route 2). For details on credentialing, please see: https://www.ascp.org/content/board-of-certification/get-credentialed or contact the BLD program to see if we can provide any course plans that would align with your credentialing goals. Unfortunately, our masters program does not provide a path to certification through the ASCP B.O.C.
Career Outlook
This program provides the foundation for career advancement in laboratory operations management, quality assurance specialist roles, policymakers, research, industry and regulatory roles. The BLD faculty mentor students in professional development and networking, and this mentorship also creates career advancement opportunities.
A Top-Ranked Education
- 60th Best Public Universities in America — U.S. News & World Report, 2024
- 123rd Global University — U.S. News & World Report, 2024
Dr. Rachel Morris
Graduate Program Director
Dr. Rachel Morris received her Ph.D. in Biological Science from Marquette University in 2011. She did her postdoctoral work at Michigan State University and the University of Michigan Medical School where she studied the physiological and ecology of bacteria in low oxygen environments, including the human gut. She has been passionate about education throughout her career, teaching and mentoring high school, undergraduate and graduate students.
Course Information
Core
BLD 801 - Biomedical Laboratory Diagnostics Seminar (1 Credit)
BLD 805 - Communication in the Sciences (2 Credits)
BLD 811 - Fundamentals of Scientific Research (1 Credit)
BLD 842 - Managing Biomedical Laboratory Operations (2 Credits)
BLD 844 - Topics in Biomedical Laboratory Operations (1 Credit)
BLD 846 - Decision Processes for Biomedical Laboratory Operations (2 Credits)
BLD 895 - Projects in Biomedical Laboratory Operations (3 Credits)
Admissions Requirements
To be accepted to this program, you must have:
- A bachelor's degree
- Previous work experience - Résumé
- Taken the GRE or have certification as a medical laboratory professional through ASCP
- Taken the TOEFL (Only required if English is not your native language)
- A written personal statement
- 3 letters of recommendation
Please also provide contact information for your recommenders in the MSU Application system. - Official transcripts from all previous schools
To apply to this program:
- Complete a university graduate application and pay the application fee.
- Have transcripts from all colleges and universities you have attended sent directly to MSU. Mailing address is: Michigan State University Hannah Administration Building 426 Auditorium Road, Room 250 East Lansing, Michigan 48824-2604
- Official general GRE (Graduate Record Exam) scores. GRE scores can be up to 5 years old. The MSU GRE code is 1465. The BLD Department Code is 0601.
- For applicants in which English is not their first language, an English Language Proficiency test must be taken. Test takers should use the Michigan State University code 1465. Please read this additional information on test availability and requirements. For applicants with degrees from universities/colleges outside the USA, degree evaluation is required.
Key Dates
Fall
Application Deadline
April 1st
Spring
Application Deadline
November 15th
Tuition & Fees per credit
In-State Tuition
Out-of-State Tuition
Flat fees
$893
$1137
$23 per semester
Cost of Attendance
The university reserves the right to make changes in the types, structures, rates for fees, and tuition. Every effort will be made to give as much advance notice as possible. In addition to tuition and fees, there are other expenses associated with your Cost of Attendance. A breakdown of a graduate student budget can be found here.
Program Overview
The Michigan State University online Masters degree in Biomedical Laboratory Operations is designed for individuals with previous clinical laboratory experience who seek career advancement as managers, administrators, researchers, entrepreneurs and policymakers in the field. The core of this program resides in three major components: science, management and practice. The science component focuses on post-baccalaureate courses planned to develop a high level of competence within the students chosen biomedical laboratory discipline. The management component provides a solid foundation in general business including resource management, communication skills, organizational structures, decision making, and essential aspects of working in a regulated industry.
The degree is intended to expose individuals to real-life problems with an expectation of generating positive, realistic solutions. The curriculum is customized to the student's interests and to supporting the students research project. Students conduct research projects with resident and adjunct faculty. BLD Masters students choose our program for its clinically relevant courses in diagnostic theory and application, low student to faculty ratio, and program flexibility. This biomedical science program can be completed fully online. For students interested in updating their technical skills, there is also the option to take advanced level lab course(s). BLD Masters program students come from various disciplines, including the medical laboratory, industry, academic research labs and other health related backgrounds.
Program Outcomes
The Biomedical Laboratory Operations Graduate Program faculty help students create the course and research plans that fit their education and career goals. While the focus of this program is biomedical laboratory operations, additional coursework can include topics such as molecular diagnostics, immunodiagnostics, advanced flow cytometry, mass spectrometry, transfusion medicine/hemostasis, cell biology, statistics, information technology, scientific writing and research in the sciences. The student will also complete a research project in an area of interest under the guidance of expert BLD faculty and local mentors.
Through the project, the student investigates a topic in biomedical laboratory science with scientific and management focus. As a part of this process, the student collects data and fine tunes their scientific writing and presentation skills. For some students, this can lead to professional publications and/or presentations. In addition, students can use their Masters of Science in Biomedical Laboratory Operations to meet the Masters eligibility requirement for the Diplomate in Laboratory Management ASCP exam (via route 2). For details on credentialing, please see: https://www.ascp.org/content/board-of-certification/get-credentialed or contact the BLD program to see if we can provide any course plans that would align with your credentialing goals. Unfortunately, our masters program does not provide a path to certification through the ASCP B.O.C.
Career Outlook
This program provides the foundation for career advancement in laboratory operations management, quality assurance specialist roles, policymakers, research, industry and regulatory roles. The BLD faculty mentor students in professional development and networking, and this mentorship also creates career advancement opportunities.
A Top-Ranked Education
- 60th Best Public Universities in America — U.S. News & World Report, 2024
- 123rd Global University — U.S. News & World Report, 2024
Dr. Rachel Morris
Graduate Program Director
Dr. Rachel Morris received her Ph.D. in Biological Science from Marquette University in 2011. She did her postdoctoral work at Michigan State University and the University of Michigan Medical School where she studied the physiological and ecology of bacteria in low oxygen environments, including the human gut. She has been passionate about education throughout her career, teaching and mentoring high school, undergraduate and graduate students.
Course Information
Core
BLD 801 - Biomedical Laboratory Diagnostics Seminar (1 Credit)
BLD 805 - Communication in the Sciences (2 Credits)
BLD 811 - Fundamentals of Scientific Research (1 Credit)
BLD 842 - Managing Biomedical Laboratory Operations (2 Credits)
BLD 844 - Topics in Biomedical Laboratory Operations (1 Credit)
BLD 846 - Decision Processes for Biomedical Laboratory Operations (2 Credits)
BLD 895 - Projects in Biomedical Laboratory Operations (3 Credits)
Admissions Requirements
To be accepted to this program, you must have:
- A bachelor's degree
- Previous work experience - Résumé
- Taken the GRE or have certification as a medical laboratory professional through ASCP
- Taken the TOEFL (Only required if English is not your native language)
- A written personal statement
- 3 letters of recommendation
Please also provide contact information for your recommenders in the MSU Application system. - Official transcripts from all previous schools
To apply to this program:
- Complete a university graduate application and pay the application fee.
- Have transcripts from all colleges and universities you have attended sent directly to MSU. Mailing address is: Michigan State University Hannah Administration Building 426 Auditorium Road, Room 250 East Lansing, Michigan 48824-2604
- Official general GRE (Graduate Record Exam) scores. GRE scores can be up to 5 years old. The MSU GRE code is 1465. The BLD Department Code is 0601.
- For applicants in which English is not their first language, an English Language Proficiency test must be taken. Test takers should use the Michigan State University code 1465. Please read this additional information on test availability and requirements. For applicants with degrees from universities/colleges outside the USA, degree evaluation is required.
Key Dates
Fall
Application Deadline
April 1st
Spring
Application Deadline
November 15th
Tuition & Fees per credit
In-State Tuition
Out-of-State Tuition
Flat fees
$893
$1137
$23 per semester
Cost of Attendance
The university reserves the right to make changes in the types, structures, rates for fees, and tuition. Every effort will be made to give as much advance notice as possible. In addition to tuition and fees, there are other expenses associated with your Cost of Attendance. A breakdown of a graduate student budget can be found here.
The MSU Value Promise
You can be ensured a return on your investment at Michigan State University.
As one of the top research universities in the world, Michigan State University has advanced the common good with uncommon will for more than 160 years.
MSU pushes the boundaries of discovery and forges enduring partnerships to solve the most pressing global challenges while providing life-changing opportunities to a diverse and inclusive academic community.
MSU has been offering online degree programs for over 20 years. Our maturity is evident in the high quality of the learning experience enjoyed by our online students.
MSU provides programs and initiatives that support and enhance diversity. We will expand our campus and external partnerships to put in place inclusive recruitment and retention practices. We nurture and promote individuals’ varied experiences and perspectives, ensuring structures and processes make possible full participation by all members of our community.
MSU actively collaborates with campus and external partners to innovate across all dimensions of graduate education. We create and support networks that increase collaboration and improve educational opportunities for our online students.
MSU’s nationally recognized online programs foster student growth and well-being throughout their academic career. We will expand inclusive mentoring practices and accelerate improvement across units to implement evidence-based practices to ensure our students complete successfully.
Continuing education can be one of the most exciting, challenging, and rewarding experiences you undertake in your life. We hope you consider becoming a Spartan, to learn online and reach your career goals. With highly ranked online programs and exceptional professors, we educate students who advance the common good with uncommon will.