Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences with a Major in Medical Laboratory Science (STEM)

Medical laboratory science combines medicine, basic sciences, and clinical sciences. Professionals in the field investigate and determine the causes of disease using the latest biomedical instruments and molecular techniques to perform both routine and complex testing.

The bachelor of science in health sciences (BSHS) with a major in medical laboratory science is a degree completion program offered in two formats: online or hybrid study.

BSHS in medical laboratory science—Fully online. The online program is for students who have successfully completed a medical laboratory technician (MLT) program within six months of application and/or are currently board certified MLTs, and/or have MLT work experience.
BSHS in medical laboratory science—Hybrid. The hybrid program is for students who have completed at least 45 college credits or who have earned an associate’s degree along with the required prerequisite science and general education courses.

Second bachelor’s degree program

The BSHS with a major in medical laboratory science program is offered in both forms as a second bachelor’s degree to students who already hold a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college or university with the required prerequisite and general education coursework. For the online program, students also must have completed a medical laboratory technician (MLT) program, currently be board certified MLTs (or completed an MLT program within six months of application), or have MLT work experience.

Completion of this degree qualifies students to take the Medical Laboratory Science certification exam offered by national certifying agencies.

All BSHS in medical laboratory science programs are accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS).

This is a STEM designated program.

Visit the program website for additional information.

Adminssion Requirements
Article	Requirement
Admission Deadlines	Fall: July 20
	Spring: December 1
	Summer: March 20
Standardized test scores:	SAT/ACT optional
Recommendation(s) required	One letter of recommendation from an academic instructor who can strongly attest to your academic ability, and/or an individual who served in a supervisory capacity for you, and who can strongly attest to your work ethic.
Prior academic records	Transcripts are required from all colleges and universities attended (including via dual enrollment), whether or not credit was earned, the program was completed, or the credit appears as transfer credit on another transcript. Transcripts must be forwarded in their original sealed envelopes. Official transcript may also be sent electronically directly from the institution.
	Applicants may receive credit for college-level coursework through International Baccalaureate (IB) or College Board Advanced Placement (AP) examinations. Official score results must be forwarded directly from the College Board.  Please refer to GW Undergraduate Admissions (https://undergraduate.admissions.gwu.edu/) for information on maximum credits, minimum scores, and GW course equivalents for AP and IB credits.
	Non-traditional credit sources may be considered on a case-by-case basis (i.e. military coursework, credit-by-exam, and non-college based health programs). Information on transfer credit eligibility may be found in the Bulletin under Regulations (see Transfer Credit/Advanced Standing for Undergraduates), including minimum letter grade requirements
Statement of purpose	All applicants are required to submit a 250–500 word essay describing your reasons for undertaking study at the George Washington University. Focus on your academic objectives, career goals and related qualifications, including collegiate, professional, and extra-curricular activities relevant to your program of interest. Include any substantial accomplishments not already mentioned on the application form as well as obstacles you have overcome that influenced your desire to pursue this program of study.
Additional requirements	The program of study consists of a hybrid format offered at VSTC or a fully online format for applicants with MLT certification, MLT work experience, or who have graduated within 6 months of an accredited MLT program. Applicants with MLT certification are required to submit verification of national (ASCP, AMT, or AAB) MLT certification in order to be considered for the fully online format.
	All students must meet Essential Functions requirements, and successfully meet the criminal background check and drug screen requirements. (https://smhs.gwu.edu/academics/health-sciences/academics/admissions/background-checks-and-drug-screenings)
	A resumé or curriculum vitae is required.
	A minimum cumulative GPA of 2.70 and a science GPA of 2.5
	The minimum acceptable grade is C for coursework to be applied toward an undergraduate degree (grades of C- and below do not transfer to GW SMHS programs)
	Students who live outside of the Washington DC Metro Area are required to secure a satisfactory clinical site at the time of admission.
	Successful completion of a criminal background check and a drug screen through Certiphi Screening, a third-party vendor, are required of all admitted clinical students in their first semester. Students are responsible for fees associated with these screens.
Prerequisites	At least 45 semester hours of college with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.7 and science GPA of 2.5 from a regionally accredited institution of higher learning. Students applying under a Guaranteed Admission Agreement must have a cumulative GPA of 2.75. All should include the following coursework:
	English Composition (6 credits)
	Biology (lecture and ‘hands-on’ lab) (8 credits)
	Microbiology (lecture and ‘hands-on’ lab) (4 credits)
	Chemistry (lecture and ‘hands-on’ lab) (8 credits)
	College Mathematics (algebra, statistics, or higher - 3 credits)
	Humanities (3 credits)*
	Social Sciences (6 credits)

Adminssion Requirements
Article	Requirement
International applicants:	International students should check with individual programs regarding eligibility for visa sponsorship. Generally, online and hybrid programs are not eligible for student visa sponsorship from GW. This includes transfer students from any other institution with an existing visa.
	Applicants who have not completed a post-secondary degree from an institution where English is the sole language of instruction must submit TOEFL, IELTS, PTE Academic, or the Duolingo English Test scores to be considered for admission. The following are the minimum scores for admission consideration:
	- Academic IELTS: An overall band score of 7.0, with no individual band score below 6.0.
	- TOEFL: 600 paper-based or 100 internet-based.
	- PTE: Overall score of 68
	- DET: Overall score of 120
	Undergraduate applicants who meet one of the following conditions can be considered for admission without submitting TOEFL, PTE or IELTS or DET scores:
	Scores cannot be more than two years old. To ensure TOEFL scores are sent to GW, use institutional code 5246. An institutional code is not required to send IELTS or PTE scores to GW. DET scores must be submitted via the Duolingo English Test system directly to GW.
	Based on their application and the results of the English proficiency examination students can be required to take English for Academic Purposes (EAP) during their first year of study at GW. GW evaluates each application holistically and applicants can be recommended for EAP even if they meet the requirements for exemption. Students placed in EAP courses should anticipate additional tuition expenses as well as possible extension of time needed to complete their degree programs.

Supporting documents not submitted online should be mailed to:

George Washington University

ATTN: Transcript Processing Center
1415 W 22^nd St.
Suite 220
Oak Brook, IL 60523

Documents can be submitted electronically to: transcripts@hsprograms.gwu.edu.

Contact for questions:

hsphora@gwu.edu
202-994-0384 (phone)
Hours: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday

The following requirements must be fulfilled: 120 credits, including 45 to 60 credits in courses taken elsewhere transferred in and at least 60 credits in required courses completed at GW.

All General Education coursework must be completed prior to enrollment in the program.

Course List
Code	Title	Credits
University General Education Requirement
3 credits in critical thinking in the humanities
6 credits in critical thinking, quantative reasoning, or scientific reasoning in the social sciences
3 credits in quantitative reasoning (college algebra, statistics, or higher)
6 credits in English Composition
Oral communication component satisfied by MLS 2007W as part of the program requirement. ³
Writing in the disciplines (WID) coursework satisfied by MLS 2007W and MLS 3001W as part of the program requirements. ³
Program prerequisites
8 credits in general biology I and II ^1,2
8 credits in chemistry I and II ^1,2
4 credits in microbiology with lab ^1,2
3 credits in organic chemistry or biochemistry I ^1,4
19 credits transferred in as elective courses. ⁴
Core courses in the major, which must be taken at GW
Required for both fully online and hybrid options:
MLS 2007W	Microbes and Society
MLS 3001W	Professional Ethics for Medical Laboratory Scientists
MLS 4141	Immunology and Serology
MLS 4158	Laboratory Management and Operations
MLS 4145	Clinical Biochemistry I
MLS 4146	Clinical Biochemistry II
MLS 4150	Immunohematology
MLS 4151	Molecular Diagnostics
MLS 4130	Hematology I
MLS 4131	Hematology II
MLS 4116	Clinical Bacteriology I
MLS 4117	Clinical Bacteriology II
MLS 4119	Parasitology, Mycology, and Virology
MLS 4159	Capstone Seminar
Required for the fully online program only:
MLS 3000	Clinical Laboratory Mathematics
MLS 4136	Clinical Experience I
MLS 4137	Clinical Experience II
MLS 4138	Clinical Experience III
MLS 4139	Clinical Experience IV
and 11 credits in elective courses.
Required for the hybrid program only:
MLS 4246	Clinical Biochemistry Laboratory
MLS 4251	Molecular Diagnostics Laboratory
MLS 4230	Hematology Laboratory
MLS 4250	Immunohematology Laboratory
MLS 4219	Parasitology, Mycology, and Virology Laboratory
MLS 4216	Clinical Bacteriology Laboratory
MLS 4160	Blood Bank Practicum
MLS 4161	Clinical Biochemistry Practicum
MLS 4162	Hematology Practicum
MLS 4164	Clinical Microbiology Practicum
MLS 4165	Urinalysis Practicum
MLS 4166	Coagulation Practicum

¹Medical laboratory technicians (MLT) can receive transfer credit for biological sciences, general microbiology, general chemistry, and organic chemistry/biochemistry courses.

²Hands-on lab required, online lab is not acceptable.

³This requirement is fulfilled at GW post matriculation.

⁴This requirement can be fulfilled with transfer credit or at GW.

This is a degree completion program offered in fully online and hybrid online and on-campus formats¹.