MLS students are encouraged to plan for postbaccalaureate education, and are guided to complete prerequisites. MLS alumni have been successful in medical and dental school, graduate programs in biomedical science (master?s and PhD), management and clinical specialties (PA, forensic science, etc.) and advanced laboratory diagnostics such as cytotechnology.

Opportunities for Pre-Professional Experience

Professional Practice Qualified students planning for careers in the diagnostic lab enroll in MLS to fulfill the practical experience requirement of the clinical technologist license. Students are assigned to hospital, reference or public health labs for summer or semester-long internship experience in an area consistent with their interests.

Biotechnology BS/MA

Qualified seniors may apply to the BS/MA in Medical Laboratory Sciences with Specialization in Biotechnology.The accelerated BS/MA is a collaboration between MLS and the Department of Biological Sciences. An intensive techniques workshop is taken prior to graduation and upon successful completion, students may continue with professional internship and the MA program, allowing MLS graduates to complete the degree at an accelerated pace.

Student Research

Qualified students are encouraged to participate in faculty research projects through independent study and honors courses in such areas as innate immune regulation, bacteriophage, microbial pathogenesis, antimicrobials, gastric secretion and cancer, glutamate receptors in neurological diseases and cancer, and myelination in the peripheral and central nervous systems.