Academic Programs Catalog

The master’s degree program 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 student’s 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.

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

Admission

Regular admission to the Master of Science degree in Biomedical Laboratory Operations 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.
4. A minimum of two years’ experience in a clinical laboratory setting beyond the clinical internship.

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.

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 Biomedical Laboratory Operations

The student must complete 31 credits under Plan B (without thesis). The specific program of study includes competence in statistics and completion of a project in Biomedical Laboratory Operations as determined in consultation with the student’s guidance committee. The final oral examination, which covers both course work and research, is administered by the student’s guidance committee.