medical laboratory science student in lab

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

Why earn a master's in medical laboratory science?

Application Deadlines
Fall:
July 1
Spring:
Nov. 1

With coursework related to laboratory education, management and leadership, the curriculum can be tailored to meet your own career goals.

  • 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.

Online MLS Programs

Want to keep working while completing an advanced degree? 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.

Need flexibility in course scheduling to accommodate personal, work or family commitments? 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.

UND's Online MLS Programs

  • 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.

What can you do with a master's in medical laboratory science?

97%

UND students passing the ASCP Board of Certification MLS Exam within one year of graduation, 2019

UND Department of Medical Laboratory Science

7%

Growth for medical and clinical laboratory professionals through 2031

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

The U.S. Department of Labor has identified Medical Laboratory Science as a “critical need” occupation. 

UND graduates can be found working as:

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

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

MLS Master's Courses

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. Prerequisites: 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. Offered once per 3-year cycle (fall or spring semester). See program website for current course rotation. Prerequisite: MLS program students only. F,S.

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. Course offered in Fall or Spring Semester on a 3-year cycle. F,S.

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 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.

Testimonials from Online MLS Programs

  • 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

Become a Medical Lab Scientist

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

Read Kelli's Story

Be In Demand

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

Department Contact
Brooke Solberg
Graduate Program Coordinator
P 701.777.2245
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