Online Master of Science in Medical Laboratory Science Leadership

• Bachelor’s Degree program from a regionally accredited institution.
  • MLS/CLS degree preferred but not required
• Applicants must have completed Bachelor’s Degree program with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 (4.0 scale).

The University of Cincinnati's online course fees differ depending on the program. On average, students will accrue fewer fees than students attending on-campus classes.

The one fee applied across all UC Online programs is the distance learning fee. Students living outside the state of Ohio must also pay an additional “non-resident” fee to enroll in courses at UC Online. This fee is lower than the out-of-state fee for traditional on-campus programs.

To view tuition information and program costs, visit the Online Program Fees page.

Learn more about the Master’s of Medical Laboratory Science Leadership program from students and members of the laboratory science field from all different backgrounds. Don’t miss your opportunity to advance your education background and your career journey!

Missy Pope | MS-MLSL Graduate & Medical Laboratory Scientist, Montana

What made you choose this field of study?

I chose the field of study for personal and professional development as a career laboratory professional in a Clinical Laboratory Science field. I am passionate about the laboratory and excited to find a program with a curriculum that focuses on the laboratory. As a lifelong learner, the Master of Science in Medical Laboratory Science Leadership was the personal achievement of a higher educational goal. On a professional level, the field of study helped me develop or refine the skills needed to excel as a clinical or academic educator for future laboratory professionals.

What did you select an online program at UC Online vs. other institutions?

I chose the online program as it allowed me to complete the degree while living in Montana. The online program also afforded the ability to create a work, college, and life balance.

I discovered the University of Cincinnati while completing my bachelor’s degree. The program at UC also offered the opportunity to choose from several elective concentrations, allowing me to align my educational path with my long-term career goals.

Did you have any hesitations about enrolling? Any advice for someone considering an online degree?

My only initial hesitation was the length of the program. However, the courses progressed quickly along with the whole program.

This program was fantastic! I have grown personally and professionally thanks to the dedication, mentorship, and hard work of the educators in the program. The educators in the program taught me through their guidance and leadership that all future career and academic goals are achievable with hard work and dedication.

Would you recommend the University of Cincinnati Online to others?

I would without a doubt recommend UC to others who plan to start a new career path, further their educational goals, or are looking for personal growth.

I am grateful for the experience in the program and the expertise the educators in the program brought to the online environment.

Cory Eldon | MS-MLSL Graduate & Senior Manager of Core Functions at AdventHealth, Orlando

Why did you choose UC Online’s program over others?

I work full-time in Orlando, Florida, and while both online and on-campus degree programs are offered nearby, the UC Master of Science in MLSL degree offered me the flexibility to continue working full-time while going to school.

What were your concerns about enrolling? Do you have any advice for someone considering a program at UC Online?

My main concerns about enrolling in a master’s program were if I could handle being employed and at school full-time simultaneously. I also had concerns about adapting to being back in school after 11 years.

My advice to anyone considering this program or any other at UC Online is: Take the leap! It was completely worth it and went by faster than I thought.

What do you plan to do with your degree?

I plan to continue to use my degree and the knowledge I gained to improve laboratory operations and patient safety and care. I have recently been promoted to Senior Manager at AdventHealth Orlando and plan to continue my leadership journey as I one day desire to be a director.

Karrie Wetzell | MS-MLSL Graduate & Laboratory Manager at Hammond-Henry Hospital

What motivated you to seek this degree at UC Online over other institutions?

I live and work and Illinois and wanted to improve my leadership skills and professional development. I received my bachelor’s degree in medical laboratory science from UC and had a great experience! It was an easy decision to return for my master’s degree. Dr. Patricia Tille is a well-respected member of the laboratory community and runs an excellent MLS program. I knew that I would receive the best education here

Overall, how would you describe the online learning experience?

The online learning experience is great! It allows me the flexibility to watch lectures, submit assignments, and meet with professors and fellow students wherever I am. This allowed me to balance work, college, and life. I suppose you could say I had the full college experience from a distance!

What were your main concerns about enrolling in this program? What advice would you have for someone considering it?

I knew this program would be challenging because I have a demanding full-time job and a family. Balancing my time was a big concern.

To anyone considering enrolling in this program, my advice would be: Just do it! You will be glad that you did!

Overall, would you recommend the University of Cincinnati Online to others?

I absolutely recommend UC to others. UC has an outstanding faculty and great education programs. The programs I have completed with them have been challenging, but two of my life’s most rewarding accomplishments.

Donna Barnes | MS-MLSL Graduate & MLT/PBT Program Director at Wake Technical Community College

Why did you choose UC Online over other institutions?

The University of Cincinnati has an excellent reputation for medical laboratory science that I wanted to be part of. The online program offered the scheduling flexibility I needed with my residence location being in another state.

What were your expectations of this program? Were they met?

My expectation of a quality education relevant to my career was met! I much preferred learning online and the flexibility to work at my own pace.

What concerns would you address for someone considering this program?

Working a full-time job while balancing online coursework is manageable if you plan your schedule well. This program requires focus and good writing skills. Be sure to think ahead!

What are your thoughts on the professors in this program and the UC Online staff?

The professors were very knowledgeable and supportive throughout my time here. I didn’t have many interactions with the faculty but all communication I did experience was great.

Would you recommend the UC Online experience to others?

I would recommend the UC MS-MLSL program to any medical laboratory scientist wanting a challenge and to improve their writing skills while earning a master’s degree!

Marion Collins | MS-MLSL Graduate & Laboratory Supervisor

What motivated you to seek this program through UC Online over other institutions?

I was motivated to seek a master’s degree in medical laboratory science leadership to further my knowledge and career in the laboratory.

I chose UC Online over the other institutions due to the courses being online and the curriculum would provide me with further knowledge in the clinical laboratory science field. The curriculum would help prepare me for more advanced positions such as laboratory manager or director. Also, UC Online’s MLSL program allows laboratory professionals from all laboratory backgrounds to attend.

What would you say to someone considering this program or another program at UC Online?

I would say they should understand the MLSL program requires dedication and focus on the course curriculum. The MLSL program is a master’s program which means you need to be able to think critically and not just memorize the material.

Overall, would you recommend UC Online to Others?

Yes, I would recommend UC Online to others. I believe that the MLSL program allows laboratory professionals the opportunity to further their knowledge and prepare them for more advanced positions in the laboratory career field. Also, the online program allows one to achieve a master’s degree while still being able to balance work, home, and school.

I also would like to share that the faculty educators and program director (Dr. Tille) of the MLSL online program are remarkable individuals who are dedicated to helping and expanding the knowledge of laboratory professionals.

Sarah Jaworski | MS-MLSL Graduate & Laboratory Supervisor

What inspired you to pursue this opportunity at UC Online?

I want to eventually become a program director of a Medical Laboratory Science program, which requires a master’s degree. Receiving a master’s degree has always been a goal of mine and I know I would regret not pursuing this opportunity.

I had heard of UC’s excellent reputation of their undergraduate MLS (Medical Laboratory Science) program and expected nothing less going into graduate school. I like my employer in Indiana and knew I wanted to continue working and earning money and laboratory experience while pursuing a higher education.

Overall, how would you describe the online learning experience?

I found the online experience to be flexible given my work schedule. I work overnights at my hospital full time, where I constantly work weekends, holidays, and overtime. Being able to complete my assignments at any time of the day in any environment was essential to succeed in my professional career and as a student.

What were your expectations of the program and do you feel they were met?

Going into the master’s program, I knew it would concentrate more on academic writing compared to constant tests and exams that I faced in undergraduate school. I was correct in this assumption. I was also expecting to learn more about creating and teaching medical curricula which this program did by providing me with foundational knowledge I will take with me as I pursue a future career in MLS education.

What do you plan to do with your degree?

I recently accepted a position at IU Health as a Laboratory Supervisor, a position I was able to apply for because of this degree. Eventually, I would like to become an MLS clinical instructor and then an MLS program director.

Overall, would you recommend UC Online to others?

Yes. They are an established institution in the Midwest for Medical Laboratory Scientists that can provide a great deal of resources and opportunities for scientists who are continuing to learn and grow in the MLS Field.

Lydia Bertram | MS-MLSL Graduate & Clinical Research Professional

What motivated you to seek this degree program?

I previously earned both a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in microbiology. I was thinking about starting a Master of Public Health degree before I found an advertisement for the Medical Laboratory Science Leadership degree. I ultimately decided to pursue this degree to expand my career opportunities and further advance my understanding of clinical microbiology.

Why did you select UC Online over other institutions?

UC is the only local university offering this degree and I had previously used textbooks published by the program director during my previous degree progressions. I work and live in Cincinnati, so UC was high on my list of options when considering where to enroll for an advanced degree. The goals and mission of the MLSL program aligned with my values, so UC was an easy choice.

What were your main concerns about enrolling in this or any online program?

I was very nervous but excited to begin this program. I came into the program with an MS in microbiology and research laboratory experience. Despite completing an MS program before, I did not know what to expect when pursuing a medical laboratory science degree. Dr. Tille, the program director, motivated and supported me throughout the courses to make sure I was performing well and completing assignments, which I am so grateful for. I could not be happier with my decision to pursue this program.

What would you say to someone who is considering this program at UC Online?

The UC online experience is a wonderful way to earn a degree on your own time. You can easily incorporate your studies into your personal and work schedules, and the format is customizable. You can take as few or as many courses as you wish to take on during a semester, and the option of flex semester courses is helpful for completing courses in shorter time-frames, allowing you to complete credit requirements in shorter time frames. If you are on the fence about starting a degree at UC online, you won’t regret giving it a try.

What do you plan to do with your degree?

I am planning to study for and complete the American Society of Clinical Pathology Microbiology & Molecular Biology Certifications. I will leverage the knowledge and experience gained from completing this degree to improve my current career role and investigate potential career opportunities in clinical laboratory science and research.