Dr. Rachel Morris
Graduate Program Director
Dr. Rachel Morris received her Ph.D. in Biological Sciences 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 physiology 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.
Program Overview
The Michigan State University online Masters of Arts in Biomedical Laboratory Science program is designed to enhance the students knowledge base and broaden their perspectives across the profession. A variety of laboratory science and management courses can be taken to fulfill the degree requirements. The coursework is customized to the student's interests and students may also take electives in other relevant topics. A final capstone project expands the students knowledge of an emerging analyte or technology.
This biomedical science Masters 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). MSU Biomedical Laboratory Diagnostics (BLD) graduate students come from various disciplines, including the medical laboratory, industry, academic research labs and other healthcare related backgrounds.
Program Outcomes
The BLD Graduate Program faculty help students create the course and research plans that fit their education and career goals. This can include advanced coursework in topics such as molecular diagnostics, immunodiagnostics, advanced flow cytometry, mass spectrometry, biomedical laboratory operations, transfusion medicine/hemostasis, cell biology, statistics, information technology, scientific writing and research in the sciences.
Alumni from this masters program have authored peer reviewed publications. Students can also use the coursework from this program to prepare for national credentialing exams in specific content areas such as molecular diagnostics, flow cytometry, etc. Please note that our courses do not directly provide eligibility for national credentialing exams. 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 leadership, hospital specialist roles, and faculty/program director roles in medical laboratory science education. The BLD faculty mentor students in professional development and networking, and this also creates career advancement opportunities.
A Top-Ranked Education
- 29th among Best Public Universities in America — U.S. News & World Report, 2026
- Veteran-Friendly 'Gold Status' 10 Years in a Row — Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency, 2025
- #68 in Graduate Biological Sciences Programs — U.S. News & World Report, 2022
- #41 in Graduate Biostatistics Programs — U.S. News & World Report, 2022
Tuition & Fees per credit
In-State Tuition
Out-of-State Tuition
Flat fees
$955
$1189
$23 tax 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 on the "Estimate Your Cost of Attendance" page.