Admission Requirements: Doctor of Clinical Laboratory Science

Admission Requirements: Doctor of Clinical Laboratory Science
02.01.2025
60-81
08.25.2025
  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

DCLS Application is OPEN!

The University of Cincinnati is now accepting applications for the Fall 2025 cohort. Reach out to our recruiting team directly with any questions!

stack of documents icon Admission Requirements

Doctorate of Clinical Laboratory Science Admission Requirements

The University of Cincinnati Online accepts applicants from all laboratory science backgrounds whether they are applying at the Bachelor’s or Master’s level. Applicants interested in the Doctorate of Clinical Laboratory Science will need to be admitted to the Graduate School of the University of Cincinnati.

Upon acceptance to the program, a $100 matriculation fee will be collected.

Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree

Students applying must have completed a Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree program from a regionally credited institution. This degree must be in medical laboratory science or a related field


Certification/Employment Verification

Applicants MUST have a generalist certification as a Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS) or Medical Technologist (MT). This certification must be ASCP, ASCPi, AMT, or equivalent organization.

Applicants must demonstrate at least two years of prior clinical, industry, or research experience in laboratory science.


Transcripts

Applicants must provide unofficial transcripts during the application process for all undergraduate and graduate education completed. The program director will review these credits. Once accepted, official transcripts will be required before the start of classes.


GPA Requirements

All applicants must have maintained at least a B average (3.0/4.0 system) in all college work. Evidence of promise that is judged satisfactory by the program and the Graduate School may also be submitted.


Letters of Recommendation

Applicants must provide three (3) letters of recommendation. These letters should be from individuals who know the applicant’s potential success in the DCLS program.

If you have concerns about meeting the recommendation requirements, contact us directly.

Acceptable Recommendations MUST come from each of the sources below:

  1. Current employers or supervisors
  2. Prior employers or supervisors
  3. Academic recommendation from current or past instructors

Unacceptable Recommendations include:

  • Friends
  • Family
  • Personal relationships with no insight into the applicant’s educational success

Statement of Purpose

Applicants must submit a personal statement of professional and academic goals. This should address professional interests, career aspirations, and clinical practice experience. Statements should be less than 1,000 words and should demonstrate how the applicant will be successful in an online doctorate program.

Tips for Statements of Purpose:

  • Include leadership roles if these apply to you
  • Elaborate on your educational past – especially if you struggled to maintain a 3.0 average.
  • Elaborate on your Engagement in your program – including volunteer work and admission into groups and organizations outside of employment

Interview

All qualified applicants must complete an interview with the director and faculty of the DCLS program.


Writing Prompt Completion

All applicants will be required to complete a virtual 15-20 minute writing prompt to ensure that they are ready for the writing-intensive courses of the DCLS.


English Second Language (ESL) & International Applicant Criteria

The University of Cincinnati encourages applicants outside the United States to apply for the Master’s in Medical Laboratory Science Leadership program. The online program is designed to provide a quality experience for international laboratory professionals.

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

Additional Requirements:

  • IELTS (International English Language Testing System): 7.0 minimum
  • Duolingo: 120 minimum

In addition, applicants will be required to complete a NACES (National Association of Credential Evaluation Services) review to ensure their qualifications fit the program.

Read our summary of the evaluation process for international students for more information.