Program Overview

Clinical Laboratory Sciences

Doctorate of Clinical Laboratory Sciences

Admissions & Application Process

Application Deadlines

The application period for Fall 2026 entry is currently open, with applications being accepted from September 15, 2025, to February 1, 2026. All official documents must be received by AHCAS by February 1, 2026, to be considered for Fall 2026 entry. Prerequisites must be completed at the time of application submission, and applications will be evaluated on a rolling basis from September 15 to February 1. Applicants will be notified of their admissions status on May 16, 2026, for Fall 2026 entry.

Admission Requirements

To be eligible for the Doctorate of Clinical Laboratory Sciences program, applicants must meet the following criteria:

1. Completion of a Baccalaureate or Master's degree in Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science or a related biomedical science from a regionally accredited US institution or equivalent.
2. Professional certification as a generalist Medical Laboratory Scientist from the American Society for Clinical Pathology-Board of Certification, MT (ASCP) or MLS(ASCP).
3. A minimum of three years of clinical laboratory experience as an ASCP certified Medical Laboratory Scientist, preferably as a generalist.
4. Completion of an application for admission, including official transcripts of undergraduate and graduate coursework from all institutions attended.
5. Completion of all Medical Laboratory Science courses with a grade of 3.0 or higher (on a 4-point scale).
6. Three letters of recommendation from individuals who have knowledge to evaluate the applicant's academic and professional performance, including:

• Two letters from professional supervisors/pathologists/laboratory managers
• One letter from a college professor

7. A curriculum vitae/resume and personal statement/essay addressing career goals and reasons for pursuing the DCLS degree.
8. A personal interview, which may be conducted on campus or via video-audio conference.
9. International applicants will be considered, with additional requirements including a Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score for non-English speaking countries.

Additional Admission Information

1. Admission to the program is determined by the DCLS Admissions Committee, with consideration of the Technical Standards.
2. As a condition of admission, all matriculating students must complete a security background check at their own expense.
3. Classes for the program begin in the Fall Term.

International Students

International applicants must meet the following additional requirements:

1. Take and score satisfactorily on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), with minimum scores of 550 for the TOEFL PBT (or 79 on the TOEFL iBT) or 6.5 for IELTS.
2. Submit an acceptable English translation of transcripts if they are not in English, and provide a copy of the diploma and/or certificate issued by the school if the degree is not indicated on the transcript.

Application Process

To be considered for acceptance into the UTMB DCLS Program, applicants must:

1. Complete the AHCAS application, including the required application fee and signed supporting statement.
2. Send transcripts from all previously attended universities and colleges to AHCAS, with electronic submission preferred for expedited processing.
3. Include three references, with names and email addresses listed in the application prior to submission.
4. Complete personal interviews with the faculty of the Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences.