Introduction to the Medical Laboratory Science Program

The Medical Laboratory Science program at the University of Mississippi is designed to prepare students for a career in a high-growth area of healthcare. The program has two options: the 2+2 option and the 3+1 option.

Program Options

• The 2+2 option is not completed at the UM-Oxford campus. Students complete two years of coursework and then apply to the University of Mississippi Medical Center's Medical Laboratory Science (MLS) program to obtain a Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Science degree in Jackson, MS.
• The 3+1 Medical Laboratory Science (MLS) Program at the North Mississippi Medical Center in Tupelo, MS, allows students to complete their final, clinical year (August to August) at NMMC to earn the degree program from the University of Mississippi.

About the Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Science

At UM, students are enrolled in the Allied Health Studies major with the Medical Lab Science emphasis and are assigned an academic counselor to ensure they have the pre-requisite courses needed to apply to a medical laboratory science school of their choice. Pre-requisite requirements are determined by the schools of interest.

The Value of an Allied Health Studies Degree

Allied Health Studies majors gain the ability to understand human behavior, communicate complex ideas, think critically, interpret data, and engage with a diverse world. These skills prepare students to enter any allied health profession and become leaders of the future.

What is Medical Laboratory Science?

Medical laboratory scientists are highly skilled scientists who perform and evaluate diagnostic laboratory procedures of body fluids, develop new diagnostic procedures, supervise biomedical research projects, provide technical expertise, manage clinical and research laboratory departments, and analyze and implement laboratory information systems. The major areas of interest in laboratory science are:

• Hematology
• Immunohematology (transfusion medicine)
• Clinical microbiology
• Clinical chemistry
• Clinical immunology
• Body fluid analysis
• Molecular diagnostics

Program Information

Degree

The degree offered is a Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Science, although students are initially enrolled in the Allied Health Studies major.

Emphases

The emphasis for this program is Medical Laboratory Studies.

Required Credit Hours

The program requires 120 credit hours.

Program Type

This is a major program.

Program Location

The program is located in Oxford.

School

The school offering this program is the College of Liberal Arts.

Duration

The program duration is 4 years.

Degree Requirements

General Education Requirements

Students in the College of Liberal Arts earning the B.A. degree have a common set of 48-50 hours of general education. The specific courses taken to complete the categories of general education may differ between majors. The categories include:

• First Year Writing I, II
• English Literature Survey
• Modern or Ancient Language
• History
• Additional Humanities
• Fine or Performing Arts Appreciation
• Mathematics
• Social Sciences
• Natural Sciences

B.A. in Allied Health Studies

Students in the B.A. in Allied Health Studies program complete 30-36 credit hours of courses for the major, additional requirements, and a required minor field of study. The courses include:

• Bisc 210: Microbiology (or any Bisc 300 level or higher)
• ES 396: Allied Health Terminology OR Clc 201: Medical Terminology
• Spch 102: Fundamentals of Public Speaking OR Spch 105: Business and Professional Speaking
• One of the following advanced communication courses
  • Spch 305: Collaborative Communication
  • Writ 300: Rhetoric of Professional Communication
  • Writ 310: Writing in Professional Contexts
  • Writ 320: Contemporary Writing Studies
  • Writ 380: Scientific Writing
  • Writ 399: Special Topics
  • Writ 410: Grant Writing
• 5 of the following electives, depending on the allied health field and interests
  • Anth 349: Medical Anthropology
  • IMC/Jour 585: Health Communications
  • NHM 325: Family Relations
  • NHM 328: Child Development
  • Phil 321: Ethics
  • Phil/Rel 328: Biomedical Ethics
  • Soc 301/G St 303: The Family
  • Soc 310: Sociology of Disability
  • Soc 311: Social Problems
  • Soc 333: Sociology of Delinquency
  • Soc 345: Population Trends and Problems
  • Soc 353: Community Development
  • Soc 370/Hon 315: Population Health
  • Soc 413/AAS 413: Race and Ethnicity
  • Soc 427: Social Stratification
  • SW 326: Gerontology
  • Any 300 level or above biology course
  • Any 300 level or above psychology course
  • Any 300 level or above exercise science course

Additional requirements for the program include:

• Psy 201: General Psychology
• One of the following
  • Psy 301: Developmental Psychology
  • Psy 311: Psychopathology
  • NHM 323: Human Growth and Development

University of Mississippi

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Overview:

The University of Mississippi, also known as Ole Miss, is a public research university located in Oxford, Mississippi. It is a time-honored institution known for its academic excellence, vibrant campus life, and rich tradition of success. Ole Miss offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs, fostering a strong sense of community and providing students with boundless opportunities.

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Services Offered:

Academics:

Ole Miss offers over 90 majors leading to a bachelor's degree, as well as a variety of graduate programs. The university also provides a Freshman Studies program for undecided students.

Admissions:

The university offers comprehensive admissions services for both undergraduate and graduate students, including campus visits, request information, and application processes.

Student Life:

Ole Miss provides a diverse and engaging student life experience, including campus living, student involvement, support and resources, campus recreation, and international student support.

Research:

As an R1 research institution, Ole Miss offers opportunities for students to engage in research with expert faculty across various fields.

Athletics:

Ole Miss is known for its competitive athletics program, with teams competing at the highest level of college athletics.

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

Ole Miss boasts a vibrant student community with a vast array of extracurricular activities. Students can experience the renowned tailgating tradition in the Grove, explore the charming town of Oxford, and participate in various student organizations. The university also emphasizes community engagement and service opportunities.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

Academic Excellence:

Ole Miss offers a high-quality education with a wide range of programs and expert faculty.

Vibrant Campus Life:

The university provides a dynamic and engaging student experience with numerous opportunities for involvement and social interaction.

Strong Community:

Ole Miss fosters a strong sense of community, both on campus and in the surrounding town of Oxford.

Research Opportunities:

As an R1 research institution, Ole Miss offers students the chance to participate in cutting-edge research projects.

Athletics Tradition:

Ole Miss is known for its competitive athletics program and passionate fan base.

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Academic Programs:

Undergraduate Programs:

Ole Miss offers over 90 majors leading to a bachelor's degree, including programs in the arts, sciences, humanities, business, engineering, and more.

Graduate Programs:

The university offers a variety of graduate programs, including master's and doctoral degrees, in various fields.

Special Programs:

Ole Miss provides special programs for undergraduates, such as study abroad opportunities and programs tailored to specific interests.

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Other:

Regional Campuses:

Ole Miss has regional campuses located in DeSoto, Tupelo, Booneville, Grenada, Rankin, and the University of Mississippi Medical Center.

Alumni Network:

Ole Miss has a strong alumni network that provides support and opportunities for graduates.

Community Engagement:

The university is actively involved in the Oxford community and surrounding areas, offering various programs and initiatives.

Campus Culture and Traditions:

Ole Miss has a rich history and unique traditions, including the iconic Grove and the "Hotty Toddy" cheer.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion:

Ole Miss is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive campus community.