Graduate Program

Degree Offered

Master of Science in Clinical Laboratory Sciences (M.S.)

Admission Information

Formal admission to the University is an initial requirement for admission to the Master of Science (M.S.) in Clinical Laboratory Sciences degree program. Acceptance into the program is based on the recommendations of the Admissions Committee and Program Director.

Up to five students are admitted each year into the program. A good academic record is essential, but it does not guarantee acceptance. Students are admitted once a year, with classes beginning in the Fall semester. Students must have an acceptable baccalaureate degree with at least a 3.0 GPA on the last 50 credit hours or total of their bachelor degree program.

Six basic areas are considered in the selection process:

Earned baccalaureate degree (Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Sciences is preferred);
ASCP (U.S.) Certified Medical Laboratory Scientist/Clinical Laboratory Scientist;
The student’s academic record (including completion of prerequisite courses);
Three letters of reference;
Life experiences statement;
Personal interview.

The UNM Graduate Program application is available on the Graduate Studies Web site.

Deadline: All application materials and letter of intent must be received by June 15th in order to be considered for Fall admission. Admission is for the Fall semester of the same year of application. All applicants are informed of their admission status; those applicants who are provisionally selected are notified in early July. Selection is given to qualified persons regardless of their race, color, religion, national origin, age, qualified disability or military involvement. Equal opportunity for admission is given to all qualified applicants.

Advisement and interview sessions are scheduled through the program of Medical Laboratory Sciences. Call the office at (505) 272-5434 for an appointment.

Prerequisites

		Credit Hours
BIOC *423	Introductory Biochemistry (if taken three or more years prior to application to M.S. program)	3
CHEM *301 -and-* CHEM **302	Organic Chemistry	6
CHEM 303L -and- CHEM 304L	Organic Chemistry Laboratory	2
MATH 1240	Pre-Calculus	3
MATH 1512	Calculus I	4

Graduation Requirements

Satisfactory completion of all graduate courses.
Students who have completed graduate-level coursework (grade of "B" or higher) at an accredited institution other than UNM may apply for the credit(s) to be transferred.
Students must maintain a 3.00 GPA or higher.
Students must complete the Master’s Apprenticeship/Project Requirement in an approved laboratory.
All work toward a Master’s degree, including transferred coursework must be completed within a seven-year period.
Students must inform their graduate unit in writing of their intention to graduate at the end of a particular semester by submitting a “Notification of Intent to Graduate” letter.
Unanimous recommendation for graduation by the full-time faculty of the Medical Laboratory Sciences graduate program, the Department of Pathology and the School of Medicine.

Master of Science in Clinical Laboratory Sciences

Program Curriculum

The M.S in Clinical Laboratory Sciences degree program follows a required six-semester graduate-level curriculum, which begins each year during the Fall semester. Resources limit each class size to no more than five students. Students are responsible for transportation fees to and from externships at off-campus sites.

The M.S in Clinical Laboratory Sciences is offered under Plan II (non-thesis), according to the regulations set forth in the Graduate Program section of this Catalog. The program requires a one-year apprenticeship program with a mentoring laboratory, clinical or education site; provided mainly through the research/clinical/education faculty of the Department of Pathology at the University of New Mexico.

Requirements

		Credit Hours
	Program Core
MEDL 500	Sel T: Laboratory Medicine	2
MEDL 550	Sem: Laboratory Management	2
BIOC 545	Intensive Introductory Biochemistry I	4
BIOM 507	Advanced Molecular Biology	4
BIOM 508	Advanced Cell Biology	4
BIOM 555	Problem-Based Research Bioethics	1
PH 538	W: Epidemiology and Biostatistics	1
	Subtotal	18
	Electives (Select from):
	Techniques
BIOM 522	Experimental Design and Methods in Molecular and Cellular Biosciences	3
	Neurosciences
BIOM 509	Principles of Neurobiology	3
BIOM 532	Neurochemistry	1
BIOM 535	Sem: Neuroscience	1
	Cell Biology/Physiology
BIOL 545	Biology of Toxins	3
BIOM 510	Physiology	3
BIOM 515	Cancer Biology	3
	Immunology/Infectious Disease
BIOM 514	Immunobiology	3
	Subtotal	6
	Plan II
MEDL 600	Clinical Lab Sciences Master's Degree Apprenticeship Program	10
	Subtotal	10
	Total	34