Secondary Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences with a Major in Clinical Embryology and Assisted Reproductive Technology, Molecular Biology Concentration

The hybrid secondary bachelor of science in health sciences in clinical embryology and assisted reproductive technology (CEART), microbiology concentration program requires 60 to 75 credits of GW coursework, depending on the number of credits  transferred in. Coursework taken elsewhere is counted toward the University General Education and elective requirements. A minimum of 120 total credits is required for the degree.

This hybrid CEART program provides a blend of online lecture and on-campus laboratory courses. Laboratory courses are held at GW's Virginia Science and Technology Campus in Ashburn, Virginia, and can be completed in one semester. 

Numerous opportunities for elective credits are embedded in the program. For students who want a wide variety of options, elective credits can be chosen from the breadth of medical lab and health science courses. Students who wish to specialize and expand career opportunities with additional certification can choose a concentration in molecular biology or microbiology. Students who choose a concentration complete a clinical rotation and are eligible to sit for the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) technologist examination in that area.

Students who pursue the molecular biology concentration study subjects such as human genetics, molecular biology, biotechnology, and the associated testing using a patient's DNA or RNA to diagnose cancer, inherited traits/diseases (e.g., color blindness and sickle cell), and infectious diseases (e.g., COVID-19). The molecular biology concentration allows students to work as molecular biologists in a diagnostic, research, or public health laboratory. 

This is a STEM designated program.

The admissions requirements for this program are the same as the primary bachelor of science in health sciences (BSHS) clinical embryology and assisted reproductive technology program, with the exception of a reduced English composition prerequisite requirement of 3 credits.

Visit the program website for additional information.

Course List

Code	Title	Credits
The following requirements must be fulfilled: 120 credits, including 45 to 60 transfer credits to satisfy general education, advanced standing requirements, and a minimum of 60 credits taken at GW in a selected concentration.
University General Education Requirement
3 credits in critical thinking in the humanities
6 credits in critical thinking, quantitative reasoning, or scientific reasoning in the social sciences
6 credits in English composition
3 credits in a course that has an approved oral communication component. This requirement is satisfied by completing CERT 3005 in the required core curriculum. *
3 credits in quantitative reasoning (must be in mathematics or statistics)
3 credits in scientific reasoning. This requirement is satisfied with the general biology prerequiste.
Two Writing in the Disciple (WID) courses. This requirement is satisfied by completing MLS 2007W and MLS 3001W in the required major curriculum. *
Program prerequisites
8 credits in general biology I and II
3 credits in chemistry or biochemistry
4 credits in microbiology with lab
3 credits in biotechnology
19 to 24 credit in elective and/or additional required courses.
Core courses for the major that must be taken at GW
CERT 3004	Endocrinology for Health Sciences
CERT 3005	Current Topics in Biomedical Sciences
CERT 4010	Clinical Human Embryology
CERT 4012	Clinical Human Andrology
CERT 4014	Human Reproductive Cryobiology
CERT 4021	Laboratory Techniques in Reproductive Medicine
MLS 2007W	Microbes and Society
MLS 3000	Clinical Laboratory Mathematics
MLS 3001W	Professional Ethics for Medical Laboratory Scientists
MLS 4141	Immunology and Serology
MLS 4151	Molecular Diagnostics
MLS 4158	Laboratory Management and Operations
MLS 4171	Human Genetics
*Course completed post matriculation at GW.

Course List

Code	Title	Credits
Molecular biology concentration
Required
MLS 4170	Introduction to Molecular Biology
MLS 4172	Molecular Diagnostics Capstone
MLS 4217	Molecular Techniques
MLS 4242	Applications of Molecular Testing
MLS 4251	Molecular Diagnostics Laboratory
MLS 4266	Molecular Diagnostics Practicum
Electives
4 to 9 credits in elective courses, depending on how many credits the student transfers in upon admission.

¹The fully online program option 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. The hybrid option 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.

²Medical laboratory technicians (MLTs) can receive transfer credit for biological sciences, general microbiology, general chemistry, and organic chemistry/biochemistry courses.

³Hands-on lab required; an online lab is not acceptable.

⁴Alternative electives can be selected from any undergraduate Clinical Embryology and Reproductive Technology (CERT), Health Sciences Programs (HSCI), and Medical Laboratory Science (MLS) courses courses, or others approved by the program director. Advanced standing from eligible transfer credit also can be considered.

⁵This requirement is completed at GW post matriculation.

⁶This requirement can be completed with transfer credit or at GW.