Division of Clinical Laboratory Science (GRAD)

Master of Clinical Laboratory Science – Medical Laboratory Science Track (MLS Program)

The master of clinical laboratory science – medical laboratory science track (MLS program) prepares certified laboratory professionals to be leaders in the field through advanced coursework in molecular diagnostics, research design, laboratory administration, and educational methods. This program is designed for laboratory professionals who wish to deepen their scientific knowledge, prepare for teaching roles, or advance in administrative roles.

The MLS graduate program consists of primarily web-based courses and culminates in a capstone project. The web-based courses allow students greater flexibility in learning, but they are no less demanding than traditional classroom courses. Students interested in the MLS graduate program will be allowed to complete the program on a full-time or part-time basis but should be ready to make a commitment to studying at the graduate level. This commitment in time and resources will enable professional growth and development and contribute to career advancement.

Program Goals

Upon completion of the UNC–Chapel Hill master in clinical laboratory science – medical laboratory science track, MLS graduates will be prepared to:

Serve as leaders in the clinical laboratory profession in technical, educational, research, and administrative roles.
Critically analyze professional literature and apply that information in work settings.
Communicate effectively with health care providers and the public.
Continue to learn throughout their professional careers.

Admission to the program is required.

Student Learning Outcomes

At the completion of the MCLS–MLS program, students will be able to:

Explain the principles and methods used in molecular laboratory tests.
Explain the clinical significance of molecular laboratory procedures in diagnosis and treatment of disease and maintenance of health.
Interpret and evaluate patient results and suggest or select appropriate additional testing.
Use quality assurance principles and practices to ensure the accuracy and reliability of laboratory information.
Use the principles of method evaluation to select new techniques and instruments.
Explain and apply the major principles and practices of laboratory administration, supervision, and budgeting.
Explain and apply principles of effective test utilization.
Use educational methods to present information and develop instructional materials.
Use research methods to design, conduct, and disseminate results of studies on new technologies, procedures, or diagnostic correlations in molecular science.
Interpret, implement, and comply with laws, regulations, and accrediting standards and guidelines of relevant governmental and non-governmental agencies.
Apply principles of management to the acquisition and evaluation of laboratory information systems.
Design, implement, and evaluate resource management strategies to maintain optimal laboratory efficiency.
Communicate effectively with laboratory personnel, other health care professionals, patients, and the public.
Communicate effectively in both written and spoken English.
Formulate a strategic plan for professional career development.
Develop and complete a capstone project in advanced clinical laboratory practice, education, or laboratory operations.

Courses

Numbered 400-999:

Clinical Laboratory Science (CLSC)

MCLS–MLS Admissions Requirements

Applicants must have either:

a baccalaureate degree and certification as a medical laboratory scientist MLS(ASCP) or medical technologist M.T.(ASCP) or equivalent U.S. certification. (Applicants who are eligible for certification must schedule the exam so that certification can be obtained by the first fall semester of the MLS program.)

a baccalaureate degree in a biological science and certification as an MLT(ASCP), or equivalent U.S. certification, plus two years full-time* experience working in the U.S. or Canada in an accredited** clinical laboratory within the last four years.

a baccalaureate degree in a biological science and U.S. certification in a specialty area (e.g., HT, CT, or categorical certification) plus two years full-time* experience working in the U.S. or Canada in an accredited** clinical laboratory within the last four years.

*Full-time experience is defined as a minimum of thirty-five (35) hours per week.
**CLIA, CAP, AABB, Joint Commission accreditation, JCI accreditation, or accreditation under ISO 15189.

Program Requirements

Students are subject to the requirements in place when they are admitted to this program; consequently, the requirements described in this catalog particularly apply to students admitted during the summer of 2025.

Students must

earn grades of Pass or High Pass in all courses
complete 27 academic credit hours of required courses and 6 credits of elective courses.

Required Courses

CLSC 708 Biostatistics for Laboratory Professionals (3 credit) Summer Session II

CLSC 710 Molecular Diagnostic Science Principles (3 credits) Fall

CLSC 720 Molecular Genetics and Diseases (3 credits) Spring

CLSC 730 Research Methods (3 credits) Fall

CLSC 735 Method Evaluation (3 credits) Spring

CLSC 750 Clinical Laboratory Administration (3 credits) Spring

CLSC 770 Educational Methods (3 credits) Fall

CLSC 780 Capstone I (3 credits) Fall or Spring

CLSC 790 Capstone II (3 credits) Fall or Spring

Electives

All elective courses applied to the MCLS degree must be taken during the time in which the student is enrolled in the program and must be approved by the student’s advisor. Students may choose electives in the Division of CLS, in other UNC departments, or at another college or university. One of the electives can be an undergraduate course, as long as the content is applicable to the student’s capstone project. Up to 6 credits of electives that are taken during enrollment in the MLS graduate program may be transferred from another college or university for the degree. Students are encouraged to seek out elective courses that support their individual professional goals.

Recent UNC CLS Graduates (Within the Past 10 Years)

Students who graduated from the UNC–Chapel Hill Clinical Laboratory Science program within the past 10 years will take CLSC 772 (Education and Research in CLS: 3 credits) instead of CLSC 730 and CLSC 770. They are not required to take CLSC 750 and will take one additional elective for a total of 30 credits.

Sample Plan of Study

A sample plan of study for full-time and part-time students is available on the Division of Clinical Laboratory Science website.

Course Formats

All required courses are available online. Electives may be on campus, online, or hybrid (online and on-campus components). Students may also take elective courses at other colleges and universities.

Advising

Enrolled students will be assigned a CLS faculty advisor who will review the student’s proposed plan of study and work with the student to adjust the plan as needed. MCLS–MLS students also have assistance from the Department of Health Sciences Student Services Office for issues related to registration and graduation.

Certification

Students who hold ASCP certification at the technologist/scientist or specialist level are eligible for several other technologist/scientist certification exams through the ASCP Board of Certification, including the Molecular Biology exam (MB), via Route 1. The courses in molecular diagnostic science are good preparation for the MB (ASCP) certification exam. The education practicum and/or electives taken, along with the student’s work experience, may serve as good preparation for other technologist/scientist or specialist examinations.