Program Overview

Program Overview

The Michigan State University online Master's degree in Biomedical Laboratory Operations is designed for individuals with previous clinical laboratory experience who seek career advancement as managers, administrators, researchers, entrepreneurs, and policymakers in the field. The core of this program resides in three major components: science, management, and practice.

Program Details

• The science component focuses on post-baccalaureate courses planned to develop a high level of competence within the student's chosen biomedical laboratory discipline.
• The management component provides a solid foundation in general business, including resource management, communication skills, organizational structures, decision-making, and essential aspects of working in a regulated industry.
• The degree is intended to expose individuals to real-life problems with an expectation of generating positive, realistic solutions.
• The curriculum is customized to the student's interests and to supporting the student's research project.
• Students conduct research projects with resident and adjunct faculty.

Program Outcomes

The Biomedical Laboratory Operations Graduate Program faculty help students create the course and research plans that fit their education and career goals. While the focus of this program is biomedical laboratory operations, additional coursework can include topics such as:

• Molecular diagnostics
• Immunodiagnostics
• Advanced flow cytometry
• Mass spectrometry
• Transfusion medicine/hemostasis
• Cell biology
• Statistics
• Information technology
• Scientific writing and research in the sciences
• The student will also complete a research project in an area of interest under the guidance of expert BLD faculty and local mentors.

Career Outlook

This program provides the foundation for career advancement in laboratory operations management, quality assurance specialist roles, policymakers, research, industry, and regulatory roles. The BLD faculty mentor students in professional development and networking, and this mentorship also creates career advancement opportunities.

Course Information

Core Courses

• BLD 801 Biomedical Laboratory Diagnostics Seminar (1 Credit)
• BLD 805 Communication in the Sciences (2 Credits)
• BLD 811 Fundamentals of Scientific Research (1 Credit)
• BLD 842 Managing Biomedical Laboratory Operations (2 Credits)
• BLD 844 Topics in Biomedical Laboratory Operations (1 Credit)
• BLD 846 Decision Processes for Biomedical Laboratory Operations (2 Credits)
• BLD 895 Projects in Biomedical Laboratory Operations (3 Credits)

Electives

• Completion of 13 credits in courses with a science focus
• Completion of 6 credits of electives as approved by the guidance committee

Admissions Requirements

To be accepted to this program, you must have:

• A bachelor's degree
• Previous work experience - Résumé
• Taken the GRE or have certification as a medical laboratory professional through ASCP
• Taken the TOEFL (Only required if English is not your native language)
• A written personal statement
• 3 letters of recommendation
• Official transcripts from all previous schools

Tuition & Fees

• In-State Tuition: $927 per credit
• Out-of-State Tuition: $1154 per credit
• Flat fees: $23 tax per semester

Cost of Attendance

The university reserves the right to make changes in the types, structures, rates for fees, and tuition. Every effort will be made to give as much advance notice as possible. In addition to tuition and fees, there are other expenses associated with your Cost of Attendance.

Program Structure

• Total Credits: 31
• Credit Hour: $927
• Minimum Duration: 2 Years
• Delivery Method: Online
• Program Type: Master's Programs

Rankings and Recognition

• 29th among Best Public Universities in America U.S. News & World Report, 2025
• Veteran-Friendly 'Gold Status' 10 Years in a Row Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency, 2025
• #12 in Biosystems/Agricultural Engineering Programs U.S. News & World Report, 2025
• #68 in Graduate Biological Sciences Programs U.S. News & World Report, 2025
• #41 in Graduate Biostatistics Programs U.S. News & World Report, 2025