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Application and Admissions for MS in BLS

The Masters of Science in Biomedical Laboratory Science seeks top applicants who wish to advance their knowledge in the field of biomedical laboratory science.

Application Process Overview

Applying to a graduate program can be a lengthy endeavor, so it is helpful to understand how the process works. The general sequence of events is as follows:

You will submit your application materials into the online application system. The system will guide you through each step. When all required materials have been received, your file will undergo a formal appraisal by the MLS Graduate Admissions Committee. This typically occurs January through April, and occasionally continues into July. Incomplete applications cannot be evaluated. Your patience is appreciated while each application receives a careful and thorough review. Decisions will be made at the earliest possible time, and applicants may be placed on a waiting list for admission. You will receive communications from both the Medical Laboratory Sciences department and the Graduate School admissions office.

Visit the Graduate School website for help with checking your application status.

International applicants can also find additional help on the International Student Resources page.

Plan Ahead

Begin preparation 12 months in advance of your desired term. For example, if you hope to be admitted for entry in Fall 2023:

  • Begin your application through the online application portal
  • September 2022: Schedule the date for your TOEFL, IELTS, PTE, or DET for international applicants.
  • October 2022: Request official transcripts from all colleges and universities you have attended to be submitted to the University of Minnesota.
  • December 2022: Ask your recommenders for letters. Attach all credentials to the online application before submitting it.
  • Collect and submit all required documents such as copies of certification, personal statements, etc.
  • January – April 2023: Review your application online to ensure that ALL required materials arrive on or before our final deadline of June 1, 2023. Early applications are encouraged and will be considered on a rolling basis.
  • February 2023: MLS faculty will start the process of evaluating completed applications.

After you submit the application, it is important to periodically check the status online and monitor your email for communications from the Graduate School Admissions Office. If anything is missing, they will send you a message. Please check your application portal to ensure that your letters of recommendation have been submitted by your referees.

Admission Requirements

If admitted, your graduate advisor may recommend additional coursework to build the necessary foundation if you do not have the ASCP MLS certification.

In exceptional circumstances, promising applicants with lower GPA or less work experience may be considered for the program. An explanation for the GPA, and evidence that academic success at the graduate level is achievable, must be addressed in the application section for “extenuating circumstances.” Applicants who do not have the MT or MLS certification from ASCP should also provide a statement related to their eligibility for the program.

Relevant Information

Expand all

Relevant Information

Admission Requirements

To enter this program students must have ALL of the following:

  • A BS or BA degree in MLS or a related field (e.g. Biology)
  • MT(ASCP) or current MLSCM certification from ASCP
    • Categorical certification by ASCP will be considered on a case-by-case basis
    • ASCP Categorical certification may have additional requirements
    • International students may have alternate options for ASCP certification
  • Minimum of two year’s full-time work experience as an medical laboratory scientist
  • Minimum GPA for consideration is 3.0; preferred GPA is 3.2 or higher
    • Must maintain a minimum program GPA of 2.8 to meet UMN graduation requirements
  • International applicants must also submit score(s) from one of the following tests:
    • TOEFL – Test of English as Foreign Language (preferred)
      • Internet Based - Total Score: 95
      • Paper Based - Total Score: 586
    • MELAB – Michigan English Language Assessment Battery
      • Final score: 85
  • International applicants https://grad.umn.edu/admissions/international-student-resources

Please contact [email protected] for more information.

Preparing to Apply to the MS in Biomedical Laboratory Science

Please submit ALL application materials as individual pdf files. Add your Last/Family name to the application file name to help the Admissions committee sort materials for review.

Examples:

  • Lastname.personalstatement.pdf
  • Lastname.extenuatingcircumstances.pdf
  • Lastname.resume.pdf

Personal Statement – Required
Develop a Personal Statement for your application. In your personal statement please describe why you are interested in pursuing the MS in Biomedical Laboratory Science degree; your personal or professional career goals; and the area of interest for your focus track in the degree.

Diversity Statement – Optional
A maximum one-page document explaining your experiences and commitments to diversity.

Extenuating Circumstances Statement – Optional
Submit an Extenuating Circumstances Statement if there are any special circumstances related to your application, personal situation, or professional career goals that should be considered by the Admissions committee.

Resume/CV – Required
Please submit a complete resume that includes a list of previous college degrees and work experience.

Graduate Program Specific Additional Requirements – Required

1. Applicants with MT(ASCP) or MLS(ASCP)CM Certification:

  • Please submit a pdf copy of your ASCP Certificate or ASCP Transcript

OR

2. Applicants that do not have ASCP MT or MLS Certification, please submit one of the following:*

  • Copy of ASCP categorical; AMT, other certification
  • Copy of license
  • International Students – brief statement about eligibility to work as MLS in country of origin

* Applicants who do not have MT(ASCP) or MLS(ASCP) certification will be required to also complete MLSP 6610 Integrated Concepts.

Application Process

  1. Review the requirements
  2. Go to the UMN Graduate School Application website
  3. Select “Apply Now”
    https://choose.umn.edu/apply/
    • If you are a first time user Create an Account
    • Or Login if you are a returning user
      ✔ You can stop and return to your application at any time – just login to continue
      ✔ Make note of your email and password for the future
      ✔ Complete the online application form
  4. Program Selection Page
    • Select the UM Twin Cities campus
    • College/School – do not select – leave open
    • Select Biomedical Laboratory Sciences MS within the Twin Cities Program Listing
    • How did you hear about this program? – optional
    • Click Continue at the bottom of the screen
  5. Term Selection Page
    • Select the term you would like to begin your program of study.
    • Click Continue at the bottom of the screen
  6. Biographical Information Page
    • Enter your biographical information
    • Click Continue at the bottom of the screen
  7. Personal Background Page
    • Enter the information for your personal background
    • Click Continue at the bottom of the screen
  8. Academic History Page
    • Please add information for ALL colleges and universities you have attended, even if you did not receive a degree.
    • Click Add Institution to add more colleges
    • You can upload unofficial transcripts at this point
    • Once you are notified, you will need to separately request Official Transcripts from each college sent directly to the UMN Graduate School.
    • Click Continue at the bottom of the screen
    • Please go to this website for current instructions to submit Official transcripts
      https://grad.umn.edu/admissions/application-instructions/official-transcripts-credentials
  9. Test Scores Page
    • Enter relevant test scores.
    • The MS in BLS does not require the GRE
    • International Students must submit their TOEFL or equivalent scores here.
      • Official reports must be submitted directly to the University of Minnesota
    • Click Continue at the bottom of the screen
  10. Employment Page
    • Please enter relevant employment history (3 most recent)
    • Please include the name of the employer as well as your job title/position and dates of employment.
    • Click Continue at the bottom of the screen
  11. Materials Page
    • Please upload the required materials as pdf files -see the preparation instructions above
      • Personal Statement – Required
      • Diversity Statement – Optional
      • Extenuating Circumstances Statement – Optional
      • Resume/CV – Required
      • Graduate Program Additional Material – upload ASCP certification or other
      • Select proposed Track Choice from the list – can be changed later
    • Click Continue at the bottom of the screen
  12. Recommendations Page
    • Please provide the following information for 2 individuals who can provide a professional letter of recommendation. Individuals should be current or past employers and/or faculty from previous colleges or universities.
    • Your recommendation providers will receive an email from [email protected]
      Please ask your providers to add this email address to their contact list and to double check spam/junk folders if they do not receive the message.
      • Recommendation provider name
      • Organization
      • Position/Title
      • Relationship
      • Phone
      • Email
      • Personal Message to Recommender
    • Applicant’s Right to View Recommendations – select your choice
      • I waive my right to access this report
      • I do not waive my right to access this report
    • Click Continue at the bottom of the screen
  13. Confirmation and Signature Page
    • On this page you will indicate confirmation of your application information and make an electronic signature
  14. Review
    • The review page will indicate whether your materials are complete.
    • If there are any materials missing, the review page will indicate which portions of your application are incomplete.
    • You can return to the application and submit missing documentation

Suggested Plan of Study for MS in Biomedical Laboratory Science

Notes for the MS in Biomedical Laboratory Science (MS - BLS):

  1. Applicants must apply to the MS - BLS program through the University of Minnesota Twin Cities Graduate School.
  2. This degree is a total of 30-33 credits that can be completed 100% online. The program does not require summer semesters for timely completion.
  3. For degree completion, students must select a minimum total of 9 credit hours of elective courses. specific tracks are not required.