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MSU Online > Online Programs >

Clinical Laboratory Science, Master of Science

Clinical Laboratory Science

Master of Science

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Online

Course Delivery

30

Total Credits

$955

Credit Hour

2 Years

Minimum Duration

  • Program Details
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    Headshot of Rachel Morris

    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 Masters of Science degree in Clinical Laboratory Science emphasizes the multidisciplinary nature of the laboratory sciences, encourages research that crosses traditional laboratory disciplines, and promotes innovative thinking.

    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. MSU Biomedical Laboratory Diagnostics (BLD) graduate students choose our program for its clinically relevant courses in diagnostic theory and application, low student to faculty ratio, and program flexibility. This program can be completed fully through Michigan State University 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 BLD Graduate Program faculty help students create the curriculum and research plans that fit their education and career goals. This can include 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.

    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 an area of interest, collects data and refines their scientific writing and presentation skills. For some students, this can lead to professional publications and/or presentations. Students can also use the coursework from this program to prepare for national credentialing exams in specific content areas such as molecular biology, 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 our program advisors 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 the biomedical sciences through laboratory leadership, hospital specialist roles, life sciences research, PhD programs, and medical laboratory science education faculty/program director roles. The BLD faculty mentor students in professional development and networking, and this mentorship 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

     

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  • Admissions Requirements
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    Key Dates

    Fall

    Application Deadline

    April 1st

    Spring

    Application Deadline

    November 5th
     

     

  • Tuition & Fees
  • Tuition & Fees per credit

    In-State TuitionOut-of-State TuitionFlat Fees
     $955$1189$23 Taxes 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.

    The MSU Value Promise

    You can be ensured a return on your investment at Michigan State University.

    The MSU Difference

    As one of the top research universities in the world, Michigan State University has advanced the common good with uncommon will since 1855.

    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 since 1998. Our maturity is evident in the high quality of the learning experience enjoyed by our online students.

    Diverse and Inclusive Communities

    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.

    Interconnectedness

    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.

    Student Success

    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.

     

    Next Steps

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    Course Information

    Core Courses
    • BLD 801 Biomedical Laboratory Diagnostics Seminar (2 Credits)
    • BLD 805 Communication in the Sciences (2 Credits)
    • BLD 811 Fundamentals of Scientific Research (1 Credit)
    Electives

    Complete the following

    • One course in Biochemistry or Cell Biology 
    • One 400-level or 800-level course in statistics
    • A Minimum of 4 credits of 800-level Biomedical Laboratory Diagnostics courses
    Further Requirements

    Students may choose between Plan A (with thesis) or Plan B (without thesis)

    Plan A students must complete the following

    • BLD 899 Master's Thesis Research (7 Credits)

    Plan B students must complete the following

    • BLD 890 Selected Problems in Clinical Laboratory Science (3 Credits)

     

     

    Admissions Requirements

    To be accepted to this program, you must have:

    • A bachelor's degree in science from an accredited college or university
    • 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 or letter of intent 
    • 3 letters of recommendation
    • Please provide contact information for your recommenders through 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.
    • Official transcripts sent to 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.