Medical Laboratory Science at Michigan State University

Programme overview

The Bachelor of Science programme, run through the Biomedical Laboratory Diagnostics Program, prepares students for the certification needed to work in medical laboratories. Graduates conduct laboratory tests on biological samples to help diagnose and treat medical conditions.

Faculty: College of Natural Science | Study mode: full-time | Location: East Lansing, MI, United States

What you will study

Coursework in biomedical laboratory sciences, mathematics, statistics, communications and clinical laboratory science, plus a six-month hospital laboratory experience.

Career pathways

National certification as a Medical Laboratory Scientist is required for most medical laboratory jobs. For July 2018 to June 2021 the programme reported a 100% graduation rate and a 96% certification rate.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

The programme is open only to undergraduate juniors and seniors who have completed prerequisite requirements. Incoming students first enroll in biomedical laboratory science and apply in their junior year; a faculty committee reviews applications and admits students at the end of junior year. Michigan State University first-year applicants (all majors): no minimum GPA or test score is set and admission is competitive; ACT/SAT is optional. Middle 50% of enrolled first-year students (Fall 2026): high school GPA 3.5 to 4.0, ACT composite 25 to 31, SAT total 1100 to 1320. Recommended high school courses: 4 years English, 3 years mathematics (2 algebra, 1 geometry), 3 years social studies, 2 years science, 2 years of one world language. Early action and maximum scholarship consideration deadline: November 1.

Tuition is charged per credit, so the total depends on the modules you register for each year. Current fees are listed in the official fee schedule.

Most first-year students enter in the fall semester. Admission to other semesters may be limited or not available at all.

Transfer applicants can apply for fall (August start), spring (January start) and summer (May start) semesters. International transfer students are not eligible for summer admission.

First-year early action deadline is Nov. 1 (non-binding), with an admission decision by Jan. 15 and the acceptance fee due by May 1. Regular admission has a Feb. 1 priority deadline (decision by Mar. 31) and a final application deadline of Apr. 1, with rolling decisions after Feb. 1. MSU is test optional: applicants may apply without an ACT or SAT score.

The first-year application fee is $75 (or an application fee waiver if eligible). First-year applicants can apply through the MSU application or the Coalition application with Scoir. The application for fall 2027 opens in August.

International first-year applicants have the same deadlines: early action Nov. 1, priority Feb. 1, final Apr. 1, acceptance fee by May 1.

Transfer application deadlines: fall April 1, spring open until capacity is reached, summer March 1. International transfer applicants for fall have a March 1 deadline and must pay the acceptance fee by April 1.

Apply through the official page: https://admissions.msu.edu/apply/first-year

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