Master of Science in Laboratory Sciences

About the Program

Tarleton State University, a member of the Texas A&M University System, offers the Master of Science in Medical Laboratory Sciences professional degree through its Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Public Health, & Nutrition Science in Fort Worth, Texas. The Master of Science in Medical Laboratory Sciences (MS-MLS) offers students either a non-thesis track with emphasis area in Molecular Diagnostics, or a thesis track with emphasis in Molecular Diagnostics. All of the MS-MLS degree options are thirty credit hours.

Admission

Requirements for Acceptance into the Master of Science (MS) in Medical Laboratory Science (MLS) Program:

  1. All students must first be accepted into the Graduate School prior to being accepted into the MS in MLS. Applications may be filled out online. Students must submit GRE scores to the graduate school.
  2. Students must apply to the Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Public Health, & Nutrition Science to the MS in MLS degree. Requirements for transcripts and recommendations are listed on the website.
  3. Once we have received approval of a student’s acceptance into the Graduate School and we have received the departmental application, fee and all supporting required documents (transcripts and recommendations) our acceptance committee will meet to make a decision. We cannot make an acceptance decision without the required documents.

Requirements for Admission to specific MS in MLS Emphasis Areas:

  1. Admission to the Molecular Diagnostics non-thesis track of the Master of Science in Medical Laboratory Sciences requires the completion of one of the following options:
    1. Professional certification in one of the following areas:
      1. MLS/MT (ASCP)
      2. HTL (ASCP)
      3. CT (ASCP)
      4. CG (ASCP)
      5. ASCP Specialist (SM, SC, SH or SBB)
    2. B.S. in Biology, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Microbiology or a related field with a minimum 16 credit hours in biology (including microbiology, immunology, molecular biology), 16 credit hours in chemistry (including 8 hours in inorganic chemistry and 8 hours of organic chemistry or 4 hours organic chemistry and 4 hours biochemistry)
    3. Approval of the Program Director
    4. MLT graduates with a BS degree are encouraged to complete the MLS degree/certificate prior to applying to the program.
  2. Admission to the thesis Molecular Diagnostics track of the Master of Science in Medical Laboratory Sciences may only be made after students have been officially accepted into the MS in MLS non-thesis Molecular Diagnostics tract and have completed two semesters of coursework including MLS 5450 and MLS 5451 (Molecular Diagnostics Techniques I and II). In order to request thesis tract acceptance, students must petition the Program Director submitting transcripts documenting successful completion of MLS 5450 and 5451. The MLS Graduate Faculty will meet to select thesis track candidates. It will be the responsibility of the student to select and gain written approval of the Chair of the Thesis Committee.

Tuition and Scholarships

Tuition and fees are charged in accordance with the fee structure for the University. Tuition and fees may be calculated using the Tuition and Fees Calculator. Additional expenses incurred include room, board, books, liability insurance, physical exam, immunizations, uniforms, drug screen, and background check. As an enrolled student of the University, the MS-MLS student is eligible for scholarships and loans through the Financial Aid office of the University. Additionally, some local scholarships are available for students within the Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Public Health, & Nutrition Science.

Application Procedures & Deadlines

A $35 non-refundable application fee will be charged for all applications. Application deadlines are May 1 for Fall classes and September 1 for Spring classes. All required documents (application, application fee, transcripts, and references (3) must be received prior to deadline dates.

Apply for the Master of Science in Medical Laboratory Science

Degree Requirements

Accreditation

The program is fully accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS), 5600 N. River Road, Suite 720, Rosemont, IL 60018-5119, Phone Number: 773.714.8880. Students are encouraged to develop professional growth by participating as student members in professional societies such as ASCLS and ASCP. 

Faculty members of the Department are Certified Medical Laboratory Scientists with advanced degrees and/or specialty certification and a range of clinical experiences, providing a broad academic presentation.. Additionally, the staff is assisted by pathologists and Medical Laboratory Scientists from the affiliated clinical laboratories.

Effective July 1st, 2020, we are required to notify you about licensing/certification requirements in other states. The TSU MB curricula prepare students to sit for the ASCP Board of Certification exam, for details on the ASCP BOC and licensure requirements in other states (Texas does not have licensure requirements), please see https://www.ascp.org/content/board-of-certification/get-credentialed/#state-licensure

Outcomes for the Molecular Diagnostic Scientist (DMS) program:

Academic YearASCP MB Exam Certification Pass RateEmployment/Further Education RatesGraduation Rate*
2021-2022100% (5/5)100% (6/6)100% (6/6)
2022-2023100% (5/5)100% (5/5)100% (5/5)
2023-2024100% (6/6)100% (6/6)100% (6/6)

*The Graduation Rate for the DMS program is calculated by comparing the number of students beginning the advanced portion of instruction to the number of students graduating for that year.

Contact

Sally Lewis, PhD, MLS(ASCP), HTL (ASCP), MB
[email protected]

Tarleton State University

10850 Texan Rider Drive

Crowley, TX 76036

Phone: 817-926-1101
Fax: 817-922-8103