MS in BLS FAQs

This MS degree plan is designed for certified MLS professionals who already have two years of work experience and who wish to expand their knowledge in the profession. This degree plan provides additional theory, research, and practice knowledge in the MLS field and also prepares candidates for ASCP specialty certification.

No. This degree plan is for individuals who are already certified and practicing medical laboratory scientists. If you are seeking the MLS certification credential so that you can work in a hospital laboratory, please see our other degree options.

Yes. You need to have completed a bachelor’s degree in medical laboratory science or a related degree. You will need to submit official transcripts as part of your application.

Yes. You need to be a certified or licensed medical laboratory scientist. International applicants may substitute the licensure or recognition for their country or origin.

Yes. This degree plan is designed for the medical laboratory scientist who has a minimum of 2 years’ experience practicing in the field.

The MS degree program in Biomedical Laboratory Science offers both full and part-time enrollment.  Most students complete their degree plan in two to three years.

MS graduate students need to be financially self-supported (through student loans, educational grants and scholarships, etc.). Students are also responsible for tuition, insurance co-pays, student fees, textbooks, and course supplies. Information on graduate program tuition rates.

You will need to scan them in order to attach them to your application electronically.

Documentation of English language proficiency is required for International students by the University of Minnesota; several options are available (LINK). Applicants who have completed 24 quarter credits or 16 semester credits (within the past 24 months) in residence as a full-time student at a recognized institution of higher learning in the U.S. (or other English-speaking country) before entering the University of Minnesota may be exempted from this requirement. Please contact the Graduate School for more information.

No. Applications and all requirements are submitted electronically via the Apply Yourself system and, when complete, will be formally appraised by the MLS Graduate Admissions Committee.

No. Applications can be appraised only when all requirements have arrived.

All who wish to enter our program must submit a complete application packet and receive admission from the MLS Graduate Admissions Committee.

No. This degree program is designed to be completed entirely through remote online coursework.  Students who are in Minnesota may also select some elective courses that require in-person study if desired.

Please contact our Admissions and Enrollment Specialist by email at cahpinfo@umn.edu. Please be sure to write “MS in BLS Questions” in the subject line so that your email is routed to the correct person.

The deadline is June 1st for fall start. 

There is only a Fall start to the program because of the initial course offerings.

Yes, part-time is an option - students can take 1 class at a time or all 3 each semester - self- paced. There is a 5-year time limit for completion of masters degrees (UMN policy) however they can petition for an extension – up to 12 months.

No we have no time limit on previous MLS courses. Those students who have been out of school for more than 10 years might want to consider taking our "review course" - which is a review and update of MLS content. But it is not required.

Candidates must have been working as an MLS for 2 years to qualify for this degree program.

Yes 2 could be done or any combination. It is up the student and their advisor to come up with their plan.

At this time there is no dual degree plan.