نظرة عامة على البرنامج

Master of Science in Health Sciences in the Field of Molecular Diagnostic Science (STEM)

Overview

Molecular diagnostic testing uses highly sensitive and specific laboratory techniques to detect and identify biomarkers at the nucleic acid (DNA and RNA) level. Common molecular-based applications include medical diagnosis, establishing prognosis, monitoring the course of disease, and selecting optimal therapies. The master of science in health sciences in molecular diagnostic sciences prepares both MLS certified and noncertified individuals for careers in clinical or public health laboratories, research institutions, law enforcement agencies, as well as biotechnology or pharmaceutical companies.

The proposed curriculum has been designed so that students can complete the entire program in two academic years and offers the flexibility of allowing students to enroll either on a full-time or part-time basis. Furthermore, the program of study provides practical experience to individuals with no previous clinical molecular diagnostic experience in the form of a molecular diagnostics practicum course.

This is a STEM designated program.

Admissions

• Admissions Deadlines:
  • Fall - July 20
  • Spring - December 1
  • Summer - March 20
• The application and all supporting documentation (fees, statement of purpose, letters of recommendation, transcripts) must be received by the deadline in order for the application to be reviewed.
• Standardized Test Scores: Not required
• Recommendations required: Two (2) recommendations
• Prior Academic Records:
  • Transcripts required from all colleges and universities attended, whether or not credit was earned, the program was completed, or the credit appears as transfer credit on another transcript.
  • Transcripts must be forwarded in their original sealed envelopes.
  • If academic records are in a language other than English, a certified English language translation must be provided in addition to the original transcripts; translations alone will not be accepted.
  • Official transcripts from institutions outside the U.S. must be accompanied by an official transcript evaluation from an accredited independent evaluating agency.
• Statement of Purpose:
  • Please include a 250-500 word essay describing your reasons for undertaking study at the George Washington University, your academic objectives, career development plan, and related qualifications, including collegiate, professional, and community activities, relevant to your program of interest.
  • Include any substantial accomplishments not already mentioned on the application form.
• Degree and GPA Requirements:
  • A bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university.
  • 3.0 GPA or above on a 4.0 scale
• Additional Requirements:
  • Resume/CV
  • Completed courses should include: 3 credits English; 3 credits of college math (algebra, statistics, or higher).
  • Additionally, students must have completed a combination of 30 semester hours or 45 quarter hours of biological, chemical and/or medical science courses with a grade of C or higher that includes the following courses: general biology I and II with hands-on lab; general or inorganic chemistry with hands-on lab.
• International applicants:
  • International students should check with individual programs regarding eligibility for visa sponsorship.
  • Generally, online and hybrid programs are not eligible for student visa sponsorship from GW.
  • Applicants who have not completed a post-secondary degree from an institution where English is the sole language of instruction must submit TOEFL, IELTS, PTE Academic, or the Duolingo English Test scores to be considered for admission.
  • The following are the minimum scores for admission consideration:
    • Academic IELTS: An overall band score of 7.0, with no individual band score below 6.0.
    • TOEFL: 600 paper-based or 100 internet-based.
    • PTE: Overall score of 68
    • DET: Overall score of 120
  • Undergraduate applicants who meet one of the following conditions can be considered for admission without submitting TOEFL, PTE or IELTS or DET scores:
    • You have earned an associate’s degree or higher from an institution where English is the sole language of instruction
    • You are a citizen of an English-speaking country

Requirements

The following requirements must be fulfilled: 36 credits, including 33 credits in required courses and one 3-credit elective course.

• Course List:
  • Required:
    • HSCI 6263: Biostatistics Translational Research
    • MLS 6216: Microbial Pathogenesis
    • MLS 6217: Medical Biotechnology
    • MLS 6218: Genetics
    • MLS 6219: Molecular Biology
    • MLS 6158: Advanced Laboratory Management and Operations
    • MLS 6166: Molecular Diagnostics Practicum *
    • MLS 6242: Molecular Pathology
    • MLS 6244: Research Ethics and Integrity
    • MLS 6245: Current Topics in Medical Laboratory Science
    • MLS 6246: Capstone Project
  • Elective:
    • One 3-credit MLS or HSCI course selected in consultation with the academic advisor.
• • May be substituted with an elective course for students with current clinical molecular laboratory experience.