Program Overview

Clinical Laboratory Sciences

Master of Science in Medical Laboratory Sciences

Admissions & Application

The Master of Science in Medical Laboratory Sciences program has the following application deadlines:

• Fall semester deadline: June 20th (for certified and non-certified applicants)
• Spring semester deadline: October 15th (for certified only)
• Summer semester deadline: March 1st (for certified only)

Admission Requirements

To be eligible for admission, applicants must meet the following requirements:

1. A baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college or university in medical laboratory science, biology, or a related science, including standard college courses in general chemistry, mathematics, microbiology, and biology.
2. Previous laboratory experience is advantageous.
3. A minimum grade point average of 3.0.
4. Three letters of recommendation.
5. International applicants will be considered, and those from non-English speaking countries must submit a Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score.

Prerequisite Courses

The following prerequisite courses are required: | Subjects | Credits | | --- | --- | | Biological Sciences | 8 | | General Microbiology | 4 | | General Chemistry | 8 | | Anatomy and Physiology II or Human Physiology | 3 | | Mathematics | 3 | | Biochemistry | 4 | | Immunology | 2 | | Science Electives | 4 |

Total Prerequisite Credit Hours: 36

• Biology and chemistry science courses must be for science majors and include laboratories.
• Anatomy and Physiology II or Human Physiology will be required to satisfy 3 hours of Physiology.
• The mathematics course must be college algebra or higher.
• Human Physiology is only required for non-MLS program graduates.
• Biochemistry and Immunology are prerequisites but may be completed while in the UTMB MLS Master's program.
• A grade of "C" or higher is required to satisfy any prerequisite.
• A grade of "B" or higher is required to satisfy any transfer credit course.

Students are strongly encouraged to take courses in genetics and statistics to satisfy their elective prerequisites.

Application Process

To be considered for acceptance into the UTMB MSMLS Program, the applicant must:

1. Complete the UTMB application and include:

• The required application fee
• A signed and dated supporting statement
• Indication of MLS training or certification, if applicable

2. Send transcripts from all previously attended universities and colleges.
3. Include three references (name and email address) listed in the application prior to submission.
4. Complete personal interviews with the faculty of the Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences.

Reference letter forms should be completed by individuals who can evaluate the applicant's work and professional ethics, study habits, and classroom/laboratory outcomes.

Additional Admission Information

1. Admission to the program is determined by the MSMLS Admissions Committee, and applicants must meet the Technical Standards.
2. As a condition of admission, all matriculating students must complete a security background check at their own expense.
3. Classes begin in the Fall Term for the MSMLS for non-certified applicants, but any semester for certified MLS applicants.

International Students

Applicants whose tertiary-level education has been completed at international institutions in a non-English speaking country must:

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