Graduate Degree

The graduate program in clinical laboratory sciences leads to the Master of Science degree. The program 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 project each student identifies. Students may conduct research projects with both resident and adjunct faculty.

In addition to meeting the requirements of the university and of the College of Natural Science, students must meet the requirements specified below.

Admission

Regular admission to the Master of Science degree in Clinical Laboratory Sciences requires completion of a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, with a grade-point average that is indicative of success in the program, including the following course work:

1. Completion of 16 credits of biological science including one semester of microbiology.
2. Completion of 16 credits of chemistry including organic chemistry and/or biochemistry.
3. Completion of 3 credits of statistics.

Applicants must:

1. Submit official transcripts.
2. Submit three letters of recommendation on official letterhead paper from professional references such as supervisors, professors, or project leaders, people who have overseen your work and can speak to your ability to think critically, work independently, and succeed in graduate work. The letter must include the recommender's credentials and contact information.
3. Submit a letter of intent or purpose statement that addresses why you want to enter graduate education, including career goals and educational goals. Highlight exceptional achievements or explain low performance or withdrawal from undergraduate courses.
4. Submit a brief resume.
5. Submit General Record Examination (GRE) scores. The GRE exam score can be waived in lieu of a professional credential.
6. Submit scores from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) if English is not the first language.

Certification as a medical technologist/clinical laboratory scientist is preferred, but not required for admission. Scholastic record, experience, personal qualifications and career goals will be taken into consideration to determine the applicant’s acceptability.
For additional information on admission, contact the Graduate Program Director, 322 North Kedzie Hall, 354 Farm Lane, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824.

Requirements for the Master of Science Degree in Clinical Laboratory Sciences

A total of 30 credits is required for the degree under either Plan A (with thesis) or Plan B (without thesis).  The student's program of study must be approved by the student's academic advisor.

Requirements for Both Plan A and Plan B:
1.	All of the following courses:
	BLD	801	Biomedical Laboratory Diagnostics Seminar				2
	BLD	805	Communication in the Sciences				2
	BLD	811	Fundamentals of Scientific Research				1
2.	At least 4 credits of 800-level Biomedical Laboratory Diagnostics courses approved by the student's academic advisor.
3.	One course in biochemistry or cell biology as approved by the guidance committee.
4.	One 400-level or 800-level course in statistics as approved by the guidance committee.
5.	Not more than 9 credits in 400–level courses. All 400-level courses must be approved by the guidance committee.
Additional Requirements for Plan A:
	BLD	899	Master's Thesis Research				7
Additional Requirements for Plan B:
	BLD	890	Selected Problems in Clinical Laboratory Science				3