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Master's in Medical Laboratory Science

Master of Science (M.S.)

Advance your Medical Lab Science (MLS) career with a flexible, online curriculum designed for the working professional.

Whether you are working as a certified MLS or certified and not yet working, this exclusively online master's degree allows you to take the next step in your career and gain experience.

Program type:
Master's Degree
Format:
Online
Est. time to complete:
1.5 - 2 years (full-time); 2.5 - 3 years (part-time)
Credit hours:
33
  • Requirements
  • Tuition & Aid
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Why earn an online master’s in Medical Laboratory Science?

Application Deadlines
Fall:
June 1
Spring:
Oct. 1

If you're an international student, refer to the international application process for deadlines.


The demand for skilled medical laboratory scientists continues to grow. With a master’s in MLS, you can position yourself for advanced career opportunities, leadership roles, and higher earning potential in a variety of healthcare and research settings. UND’s program combines flexible online coursework with industry-focused content to help you achieve your goals.

With UND’s online MLS program, you can customize your education to match your career ambitions. The program offers a combination of core courses, electives, and professional development opportunities to help you specialize in areas such as education, management, or advanced laboratory science.

  • Foundation courses aim to build skills in communication, leadership, professional advocacy, research and problem-solving.
  • Core courses address the scientific content/theory related to the major testing areas in the medical laboratory.
  • Elective courses allow you to customize your graduate degree plans in specialized areas such as education and management.

Why choose UND’s online MLS master’s program?

  • UND’s M.S. in MLS program enrolls working MLS professionals from across the nation

  • Admission to the M.S. in MLS program at UND is on a competitive basis.

  • Students work one-on-one with an advisor to develop a personalized program of study.

  • As a student in the program, you will have opportunities to network and engage with other laboratory professionals.

  • A Master of Science degree in MLS offers elective courses in education, management, leadership.

  • Enhance your professional skills at 60+ free workshops offered through the UND School of Graduate Studies. Our goal is to provide you with the workforce skills and job search strategies to succeed.

What skills will you develop?

Gain practical, career-advancing skills through UND’s online master’s in Medical Laboratory Science program:

Professional Communication

  • Develop effective written and oral communication skills through projects related to your interests.
  • Write professional reports, case studies, research papers, and compliance documentation.

Leadership

  • Discover different techniques and styles for leading diverse teams in roles such as a laboratory manager, lead technologist, education coordinator and program director.
  • Develop and apply problem solving strategies to address evolving issues in healthcare and education.

Advanced Expertise

  • Gain deeper understanding of core laboratory science subjects that interest you,  including emerging techniques and hot topics in each discipline.
  • Customize your program of study to meet your goals by taking elective courses in laboratory management or laboratory education.

Professional Advocacy

  • Develop skills and identify opportunities to educate others about medical laboratory science.
  • Learn to self-advocate for professional development and career advancement.

Research and Scholarship

  • Analyze and research important topics to answer questions related to pressing laboratory issues.
  • Contribute to the medical laboratory science body of knowledge by disseminating your scholarly work.

What can you do with a master's in Medical Laboratory Science?

61k

Median annual salary for clinical laboratory technologists and technicians, 2023

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

5%

Projected job outlook for clinical laboratory technologists and technicians through 2033

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Earning a master’s in MLS opens doors to advanced roles in healthcare, education, research, and beyond. As a recognized critical-need occupation by the U.S. Department of Labor, medical lab science professionals are in high demand across industries including:

  • Medical laboratory managers and supervisors
  • Lead medical technologists
  • Quality assurance specialists
  • Clinical laboratory consultants
  • Medical lab scientist educators

Industries Where You Can Work

You'll have the opportunity to work In numerous industries, including:

  • Military
  • Colleges and universities
  • Forensic and reference laboratories
  • Government agencies
  • Hospital, clinic, physician's office, forensic or reference laboratories
  • Research and industry

Courses You'll Take

MLS 513. Advanced Clinical Immunology. 3 Credits.

An in-depth investigation of immune system functions. Correlation of laboratory results with normal and disease states will be emphasized. Offered once per 3-year cycle (fall or spring semester). See program website for current course rotation. Prerequisite: Restricted to MS in MLS program students only. F,S.

MLS 505. Advanced Laboratory Practice: Financial Management. 3 Credits.

This course presents an overview of financial management for medical laboratories. Students examine several basic financial operation concepts, including how to evaluate productivity, manage salaries, and manage supply inventories for maximum cost containment. Students learn how to plan for capital expenditures, set laboratory fee rates, and create, implement, and evaluate a budget. Prerequisite or Corequisite: MLS 525. F, even years.

MLS 518. Advanced Molecular Diagnostics. 3 Credits.

An analysis of specific molecular biology application in the medical laboratory including correlation of cell biology, DNA chemistry, genetics, and laboratory techniques in relation to diagnostic investigations. Prerequisite or Corequisite: MLS 525. S, odd years.

MLS 524. Current Trends and Issues in Medical Laboratory Science. 2 Credits.

This course is an introductory experience that occurs at the beginning of the degree process. Through group discussion and presentations, Medical Laboratory Science graduate students will explore current trends and issues related to all aspects of the profession. F.

MLS 527. Medical Laboratory Education: Assessment and Accreditation. 3 Credits.

This course will focus on assessment and accreditation specific to medical laboratory education programs. Topics will include examination of assessment at the classroom, program, and institutional levels, including how to create and implement an assessment plan. Medical laboratory education accreditation processes will also be examined, with an emphasis on the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS) standards. Offered once per 3-year cycle (fall or spring semester). See program website for current course rotation. F,S.

MLS 525. Professional Communication in the Medical Laboratory. 3 Credits.

This course will focus on developing written and oral communication skills as a foundation for application within the medical laboratory profession. Students will learn how to identify, assess, and incorporate appropriate reference materials to prepare professional, scholarly papers and presentations. Prerequisite: Must be satisfactorily completed in the first or second semester of degree coursework. F,S.

Flexible Online MLS Program at UND

+160

online graduate programs

#1

best online college in North Dakota

Forbes

Want to keep working while completing an advanced degree? Our online master's degree in Medical Laboratory Science (M.S.) is ideal for students who are simultaneously working as laboratory professionals during their studies. Our flexible scheduling model allows you to choose how many online courses you take each semester. Additionally, faculty advisors will help you customize a course plan that accommodates your needs while facilitating timely graduation.

How are MLS online classes offered?

The master's degree in Medical Laboratory Science offers online, mostly asynchronous courses. There are only a few synchronous sessions throughout the entire degree. You can complete courses from any location, at any time of day. Finish the MLS graduate degree online while working anywhere in the world and with a full or unpredictable schedule. There are no required on-campus visits.

-

With asynchronous classes, you do not attend class at a set time. If you need to balance work, family and other commitments, this flexible format allows you to learn anywhere at any time.

Depending on your instructor, you’ll learn online through:

  • Lesson modules
  • Streaming video content
  • Virtual libraries
  • Posted lectures
  • Online simulations

There will be times when you interact with your instructor and classmates through online discussion boards, polls and chat rooms.

Your learning revolves around materials that can be accessed on your own time within a set time frame. However, this is not a self-paced course. You’ll have structure and deadlines.

Synchronous classes are held in real-time. If you’re the kind of learner who likes active discussion and immediate feedback through live interaction, you’ll enjoy this online course format.

Every class is different, but generally, you’ll log into a virtual classroom at scheduled times to:

  • Listen to a lecture
  • Ask questions
  • Participate in class discussions
  • Conduct group activities
  • Participate in video-sharing
  • Have chat conversations
  • Use interactive whiteboards
  • Take live polls

You should prepare for your classes by finishing any assigned readings, compiling questions for your instructor and thinking about how to contribute to the next live class.

Affordable Online Master's in Laboratory Science

For this program, UND offers the same affordable online tuition rate regardless of your legal residency. Compare of MLS master's cost to similar four-year doctoral universities. You'll find UND's MLS master's is one of the best values in the country.

What UND MLS Graduates Say

  • The curriculum and coursework really promotes active learning and professional development. The program is also flexible, which is great for people working full-time!

  • I feel more competent in MLS subjects and more prepared for a career in education at the collegiate level. The program gave me confidence in my abilities and my competency of the MLS knowledge in areas that I felt I was lacking in.

  • Faculty knowledge is a strength of the program. They all bring something different to the table, and show excitement in teaching new information.

  • This program prepared me to further my career in a technical specialist position or management position. I enhanced my professional and leadership skills; especially in written and verbal communication.

  • I am better able to find and analyze current research for information that can be applied to my work. This has already been extremely useful in my current job as we look to improve current processes.

  • I was never confident in my ability to write in a scholarly manner before enrolling in this program. Now my writing reflects the level of my professionalism.

Top-Tier Online Master's in Laboratory Science

Over a third of UND's student population is exclusively online; plus, more take a combination of online and on-campus classes. You can feel reassured knowing you won't be alone in your online learning journey, and you'll have resources and services tailored to your needs.

No matter how you customize your online experience, you’ll get the same top-quality education as any other on campus student.

  • Same degree: All online programs are fully accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). Your transcript and diploma are exactly the same as our on-campus students.
  • Same classes: You’ll take courses from UND professors, start and end the semesters at the same time and take the same classes as a student on campus.
  • Real interaction: You can ask questions, get feedback and regularly connect with your professors, peers and professionals in the field.
  • Your own academic advisor: As an invaluable go-to, they’re focused on you, your personal success and your future career.
  • Free online tutoring: We're here to help you one-on-one at no cost. Plus, get access to a variety of self-help online study resources.
  • Unlimited academic coaching: Need support to achieve your academic goals or feeling stumped by a tough course? We'll help with everything from stress and time management to improving your memory to achieve higher test scores.
  • Full online access: Dig into virtual research at UND's libraries. Improve your writing skills with online help from the UND Writing Center. Get online access to career services, veteran and military services, financial services and more.
  • 24/7 technical support: UND provides free computer, email and other technical support for all online students.
  • Networking opportunities: Our significant online student population means you’ll have a large pool of peers to connect with. UND has numerous online events and activities to keep you connected.

Best Online College

Our high alumni salaries and job placement rates, with affordable online tuition rates make UND a best-value university for online education. UND's breadth of online programs rivals all other nonprofit universities in the Upper Midwest making UND one of the best online schools in the region.

UND ranks among the best online colleges in the nation for:

  • Affordability
  • Student satisfaction (retention rate)
  • Academic quality (4-year graduate rate)
  • Student outcomes (20-year return on investment per Payscale.com)

FAQs

Yes, a B.A. or B.S. degree is a prerequisite for our Master of Science in Medical Laboratory Science program and there's no restriction on the specific field.

Yes, completion of an MLS/CLS/MT certification examination is required as part of the prerequisites for the program.

Yes, our online master's program is tailored for full-time working professionals in the laboratory field. It offers flexible scheduling, enabling you to select the number of courses per semester that suits your schedule. Additionally, UND's faculty and staff are available to assist in creating a personalized course plan, ensuring you can balance your professional duties with your academic goals.

Yes, UND’s MLS program is 100% online with no campus visits required.

Become a Medical Lab Scientist

Kelli enjoys being the unseen professional behind the scenes in diagnostic medicine.

Read Kelli's Story

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Be In Demand

Connect with the MLS faculty you'll work with at UND or discover additional graduate opportunities.

  • Department of Medical Laboratory Science
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Department Contact
Samantha Peterson, Ph.D., MLS (ASCP) CM
Graduate Program Coordinator
P 701.777.4468
s.peterson@UND.edu

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