Program Overview

Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences with a Major in Clinical Embryology and Assisted Reproductive Technology (STEM), Molecular Biology Concentration

Overview

The hybrid Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences in Clinical Embryology and Assisted Reproductive Technology (CEART), Molecular Biology Concentration program requires 60 to 75 credits of GW coursework, depending on the number of credits transferred in. Coursework taken elsewhere is counted toward the University General Education and elective requirements. A minimum of 120 total credits is required for the degree.

This hybrid CEART program provides a blend of online lecture and on-campus laboratory courses. Laboratory courses are held at GW's Virginia Science and Technology Campus in Ashburn, Virginia, and can be completed in one semester.

Numerous opportunities for elective credits are embedded in the program. For students who want a wide variety of options, elective credits can be chosen from the breadth of medical lab and health science courses. Students who wish to specialize and expand career opportunities with additional certification can choose a concentration in molecular biology or microbiology. Students who choose a concentration complete a clinical rotation and are eligible to sit for the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) technologist examination in that area.

Students who pursue the molecular biology concentration study subjects such as human genetics, molecular biology, biotechnology, and the associated testing using a patient's DNA or RNA to diagnose cancer, inherited traits/diseases (e.g., color blindness and sickle cell), and infectious diseases (e.g., COVID-19). The molecular biology concentration allows students to work as molecular biologists in a diagnostic, research, or public health laboratory.

This is a STEM designated program.

Admissions

• Admission Deadlines:
  • Fall: July 20
  • Spring: December 1
  • Summer: March 20
• Standardized test scores: SAT/ACT optional
• Recommendation(s) required: One letter of recommendation from an academic instructor who can strongly attest to your academic ability, and/or an individual who served in a supervisory capacity for you, and who can strongly attest to your work ethic.
• 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. Transcripts must be forwarded in their original sealed envelopes. Official transcript may also be sent electronically directly from the institution.
• Applicants may receive credit for college-level coursework through International Baccalaureate (IB) or College Board Advanced Placement (AP) examinations. Official score results must be forwarded directly from the College Board.
• Non-traditional credit sources may be considered on a case-by-case basis (i.e., military coursework, credit-by-exam, and non-college based health programs).
• Statement of purpose: All applicants are required to submit a 250–500 word essay describing your reasons for undertaking study at the George Washington University. Focus on your academic objectives, career goals, and related qualifications, including collegiate, professional, and extra-curricular activities relevant to your program of interest.
• Additional requirements: All students must meet Essential Functions requirements, and successfully meet the criminal background check and drug screen requirements.
• Transfer coursework must be earned with a C or better (C- grades and lower do not transfer to GW SMHS).
• A resumé or curriculum vitae is required.
• Prerequisites: At least 45 semester hours of college with a minimum cumulative and science GPA of 2.5 from a regionally accredited institution of higher learning. Students applying under a Guaranteed Admission Agreement must have a cumulative GPA of 2.75. Prerequisite coursework must include:
  • English Composition (6 credits)
  • General Biology (lecture and ‘hands-on’ lab) (8 credits)
  • College Mathematics (algebra, statistics, or higher 3 credits)
  • Humanities (3 credits)
  • Social and Behavioral Science (3 credits)
• 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. This includes transfer students from any other institution with an existing visa.
• 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 as defined on the SMHS International Applicant page

Requirements

• 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
  • 6 credits in English composition
  • 3 credits in a course that has an approved oral communication component.
  • 3 credits in quantitative reasoning (must be in mathematics or statistics)
  • 3 credits in scientific reasoning.
  • Two Writing in the Discipline (WID) courses.
• Program prerequisites:
  • 8 credits in general biology I and II
  • 3 credits in chemistry or biochemistry
  • 4 credits in microbiology with lab
  • 3 credits in biotechnology
  • 19 to 24 credits in elective and/or additional required courses.
• Core courses for the major that must be taken at GW:
  • CERT 3004: Endocrinology for Health Sciences
  • CERT 3005: Current Topics in Biomedical Sciences
  • CERT 4010: Clinical Human Embryology
  • CERT 4012: Clinical Human Andrology
  • CERT 4014: Human Reproductive Cryobiology
  • CERT 4021: Laboratory Techniques in Reproductive Medicine
  • MLS 2007W: Microbes and Society
  • 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 4171: Human Genetics
• Molecular biology concentration requirements:
  • Required:
    • MLS 4170: Introduction to Molecular Biology
    • MLS 4172: Molecular Diagnostics Capstone
    • MLS 4217: Molecular Techniques
    • MLS 4242: Applications of Molecular Testing
    • MLS 4266: Molecular Diagnostics Practicum
    • MLS 4251: Molecular Diagnostics Laboratory
  • Electives: 2 credits in elective courses.