Program Overview

Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences with a Major in Medical Genetics and Molecular Biology, Microbiology Concentration

The Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences (BSHS) in Medical Genetics and Molecular Biology is a robust program for undergraduate students who recognize the impact and opportunity that molecular testing has in the future of healthcare solutions. Students who excel at science-based coursework and are passionate about the potential for molecular testing in medical science are a good fit for the program. The program provides theoretical knowledge and practical skills for positions in diagnostic clinical laboratories, public health laboratories, biotechnology companies, government and law enforcement agencies, and research institutes.

Overview

• The total number of credits and duration of the program depend on the number of transferred credits.
• The program is designed for students who have completed at least one semester of college coursework and are looking to transfer into the program.

Admissions

• Application Deadlines:
  • Fall: July 20
  • Spring: December 1
  • Summer: March 20
• Recommendation(s) required: One letter of recommendation (letter of recommendation is waived for GAA applicants)
• Prior academic records: Transcripts are required from all colleges and universities attended (including via dual enrollment), whether or not credit was earned, the program was completed, or the credit appears as transfer credit on another transcript.
• Statement of purpose: Applicants must include a 250–500 word essay describing their reasons for undertaking study, academic objectives, career goals, and related qualifications.
• Additional requirements:
  • Resume/CV
  • Prospective online students must submit verification of MLT certification or proof of graduation from a NAACLS accredited MLT program within 6 months of their start term.
  • Hybrid students will be required to come to the Virginia Science and Technology campus (VSTC) for labs.
  • Students residing beyond 25 miles outside of the Washington, DC metropolitan area and/or who wish to complete the clinical practicums in their area of residence must have identified an acceptable, accredited clinical laboratory willing to provide the clinical instruction.
  • Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.7 and science GPA of 2.5.
• Prerequisites:
  • Applicants must have at least 45 credits from a regionally accredited college or university, which include the coursework specified below:
    • English Composition (composition I & II) - 6 Credits
    • College Mathematics (algebra, statistics, or higher) - 3 Credits
    • Humanities - 3 Credits
    • Social Sciences - 6 Credits
    • Biology (lecture and hands-on lab) - 8 Credits
    • Chemistry (lecture and hands-on lab) - 8 Credits
• International applicants:
  • International students should check with individual programs regarding eligibility for visa sponsorship.
  • 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.

Requirements

• The following requirements must be fulfilled: 120 credits, including 45 to 60 transfer credits to satisfy the University General Education and advanced standing requirements; and a minimum of 60 credits taken at GW.
• University General Education Requirement:
  • 3 credits in critical thinking in the humanities.
  • 6 credits in critical thinking, quantitative reasoning, or scientific reasoning in the social sciences.
  • 3 credits in quantitative reasoning (college algebra, statistics, or higher)
  • 3 credits in scientific reasoning.
  • 3 credits in English composition
  • A course with an approved oral communication component.
  • Writing in the disciplines (WID) coursework satisfied by MLS 3001W and (MLS 2007W or HSCI 2112W or HSCI 4112W) program requirements.
• Program prerequisites:
  • 8 credits in general biology I and II with lab
  • 8 credits in general chemistry with lab
  • 3 credits in organic chemistry, clinical chemistry or biochemistry
  • 4 credits in microbiology with lab
  • 3 credits in biotechnology
• Core requirements for the major that must be taken at GW:
  • CERT 3005: Current Topics in Biomedical Sciences
  • MLS 3000: Clinical Laboratory Mathematics
  • MLS 3001W: Professional Ethics for Medical Laboratory Scientists
  • MLS 4141: Immunology and Serology
  • MLS 4151: Molecular Diagnostics
  • MLS 4158: Laboratory Management and Operations
  • MLS 4170: Introduction to Molecular Biology
  • MLS 4171: Human Genetics
  • MLS 4172: Molecular Diagnostics Capstone
  • MLS 4217: Molecular Techniques
  • MLS 4242: Applications of Molecular Testing
  • MLS 4266: Molecular Diagnostics Practicum
  • And one course selected from the following:
    • MLS 2007W: Microbes and Society
    • HSCI 2112W: Writing in the Health Sciences
    • HSCI 4112W: Research and Writing in Health Sciences
• Additional required courses for the hybrid program option only:
  • MLS 4251: Molecular Diagnostics Laboratory
  • MLS 4252: Applications of Molecular Testing Laboratory
• Microbiology concentration requirements:
  • MLS 2005: Plagues, Pandemics, and Epidemics
  • MLS 4116: Clinical Bacteriology I
  • MLS 4117: Clinical Bacteriology II
  • MLS 4119: Parasitology, Mycology, and Virology
  • MLS 4164: Clinical Microbiology Practicum
  • MLS 4216: Clinical Bacteriology Laboratory (hybrid option only)
  • MLS 4219: Parasitology, Mycology, and Virology Laboratory (hybrid program option only)
  • MLS 4995: Independent Research in Biomedical Laboratory Science (online program option only)