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Medical Laboratory Science Leadership

MS

Why study Medical Laboratory Science Leadership?

The Master of Medical Laboratory Science Leadership (MMLSL) is a 100% online laboratory leadership program that includes applications of advanced knowledge applicable across the entire laboratory. Students are provided with an opportunity to select a concentration in one of three areas. In addition to the complex core, the program includes integrative knowledge on the implementation of molecular diagnostics into all core laboratory areas, specialized integrative and translational medical diagnostics, educational applications specific to laboratory science and accreditation standards, or laboratory administration that focuses on human and financial resources along with the laboratory regulatory requirements.

The curriculum is designed to prepare advanced practitioners as well as leaders in the health care profession and in higher education. The Medical Laboratory Science Leadership program includes didactic and empiric learning in the core areas of advanced immunology, method development, evidenced-based practice, interprofessional collaboration, molecular diagnostics, quality management, laboratory science education, and laboratory administration. All students are required to have two years minimum of professional practice in medical laboratory science, and be currently employed within the profession. This provides the basis for integration of their past and current professional experiences into the discussions and personal reflection necessary in a successful leadership program and in support of the capstone project.

Admission Requirements

Qualified applicants must meet all the criteria below: 

  • Completed bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution  

    • MLS/CLS degree preferred but not required 

  • Minimum 3.0 GPA 

  • Applicants that have completed an approved Medical Laboratory Science or Medical Laboratory Technician program must provide proof of Medical Laboratory Science/Medical Laboratory Technology certification (ASCP, AMT, AABB or equivalent) 

    • If not certified, applicants must demonstrate a minimum of 2 years of professional practice as a laboratory science professional or related experience. 

    • Students without an MLT/MLS academic background must demonstrate 5 years of professional practice as a laboratory science professional 

Applicants must submit all the following materials: 

  • Unofficial transcripts of all undergraduate and any graduate (if applicable) coursework  

  • Two professional or academic references to provide letters of recommendation that address the applicant’s academic readiness for graduate-level work, work ethic, and habits, and the applicant’s communication and interpersonal skills. 

    • Letters of recommendation from family, friends, current students, politicians, or clergy are not accepted. 

  • Resume/CV 

    • MS in MLS Leadership applicants are highly encouraged to outline their leadership experience in their resume as well as any volunteer or professional organization roles held. 

  • Personal statement of applicant’s professional and academic goals, detailing previous experience that supports their goals. Additionally, the statement should address the skills and attributes as to why UC’s program is the right program for the applicant, and how the applicant can be successful in a fully online graduate program. 

    • Tips for Personal Statements: 

      • Include leadership roles and elaborate as much as possible – describe your impact as a leader and your engagement in the role 

      • Include professional experience examples, including volunteer work – as much as it relates to laboratory science 

      • Elaborate on your engagement in your work and volunteering – beyond admission or membership in groups or organizations 

    • Application fee 

      • $65 domestic, $70 international application fee. 

The information provided is sourced from a third party, Lightcast. Their product, called Career Coach, combines extensive labor market data from Lightcast and the U.S.Bureau of Labor Statistics. It provides insights on industry, occupation, compensation, and projected growth for each profession. Economic and workforce information is available for various geographic regions. Some careers may require additional training or education.

  • The University of Cincinnati has online enrollment services advisors (ESAs) available to help learners complete their application and get started in the Online Master of Health Informatics program.  If you have not already, please use the request information form above to be connected to an ESA today! 

  • Upon starting the program, a dedicated student success coordinator (SSC) will be assigned to all learners to help them achieve their academic goals. You will be introduced to your SSC as your first semester approaches, and they will be your primary liaison to the university all the way through graduation. 

You can focus and excel in the career that is right for you when choosing 1 of 3 concentration options:

  • Medical Lab Science Advanced Practice,
  • Higher Education, or
  • Health Administration.

The program consists of 6 medical lab science core classes, 1 capstone course, and 1 set of concentration courses.

Completion of the 30 program credits including 3 hours of Capstone. A 3.0 GPA is required to graduate. 

Students who have earned graduate credits from accredited institutions may be eligible to apply some or all of those credits towards their pursuit of the Master of Medical Laboratory Science Leadership degree, provided they are from an accredited institution. Please contact the program for specifics about the policy.

  • Students living abroad are eligible to pursue this program, but will not be qualified for F-1 Visa status in this online program 

  • Applicants with college coursework completed outside the United States are required to provide a course-by-course foreign credential evaluation for each college or university you attended outside the United States. This evaluation must be obtained from a service listed on the NACES member website. 

  • Students who are not permanent residents of the United States or earned a degree from an institution where English was not the language of instruction must complete a Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) test when applying. 

    • TOEFL Requirements:

      • Internet Based: 100 minimum 

      • Computer Based: 250 minimum 

      • Paper Based: 600-603 

    • Other Test Options: 

      • IELTS (International English Language Testing System): 7.0 minimum 

      • Duolingo: 120 minimum  

 More information about graduate college requirements for English proficiency and potential waivers can be found here: English Language Proficiency Requirements 

Explore unique opportunities, faculty, and resources available in Clinical and Health Information Sciences

Application Deadlines

  • Spring 2026 – November 23rd 

  • Summer 2026 – April 12th 

  • Fall 2026 – July 27th 

The University of Cincinnati and all regional campuses are accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Contact Information

UC Online Enrollment Services
3225 Eden Ave
Cincinnati, OH 45267
(513) 556-8611
onlineenrollment@uc.edu

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Program Code: 35MAS-MLSC-MS-.MLSC-DL