General Education Curriculum

Written Communication

Natural Science

Select 2 courses with labs:

Humanities

Select 2 courses, 1 History required

Aesthetic Values

Select 1 course:

Social and Behavioral Sciences

Select 2 courses:

Mathematics

Writing-Intensive Requirement

ENG 101 & 102 prerequisites

Speaking Intensive Requirement

Capstone Requirement

Must be taken Senior Year; ENG 101 & ENG 102 prerequisites

Program Curriculum

Major Area of Study Requirement (74 hours)

Select 1 course with a lab:

Additional Requirements (16-27 hours)

Select 1 sequence:

Or

Select 1 course and lab:

Electives

124 hours are needed to graduate with a BS in Medical Laboratory Science. At least 50 percent of the hours applied to a degree at The University of Southern Mississippi must be earned from a senior college, and 30 of these hours must be in courses numbered 300 or above. The student must earn at least 21 of the last 30 hours of course work and at least 12 hours in the major area of study from Southern Miss. See Residence Hour Requirements for more information.

Admission Requirements

Admission Requirements:

• See University Admission Policies
• This degree completion plan is available for medical laboratory technicians (MLT) who have completed an accredited MLT associate of applied science degree and certification as MLT by a nationally recognized agency, for example, ASCP or AMT. Students who meet these criteria are eligible to complete coursework to earn a BS degree and have the possibility for earning the MLS (ASCP)cm credential.
• Have a minimum overall transfer GPA of 2.3.
• Have a science GPA of 2.3 (the science GPA includes all BSC, CHE, and MAT courses).

Program Academic Policies and Requirements:

• See University Academic Policies and Requirements
• In order to proceed into senior-level coursework, students must:
  1. Maintain a degree GPA and a science GPA of 2.3 (the science GPA includes all BSC, CHE, MAT, and MLS courses in the curriculum);
  2. Students must make a C or higher in all junior-level MLS courses.
  3. Complete required courses; and
  4. Demonstrate the qualities and attitudes necessary for a competent professional.
• Students must meet all USM General Education Curriculum and Program Curriculum requirements as listed on the degree plan.

Language Proficiency: Regardless of courses taken previously, if English is not the native language of any student, evidence of English proficiency must be provided prior to admission into the senior year. An internet-based TOEFL of 71 may be accepted.

Licensure Requirements: Although Mississippi does not have licensure for medical laboratory scientists, other states may require a state license. Graduates of the program who intend to practice outside of Mississippi should consult the state licensing board in the state in which employment is sought.

Career Development:

Graduates of the online program are eligible to sit for the Medical Laboratory Science certification exam given by either American Society for Clinical Pathology (Route 2) or American Medical Technologies (Alternate Education Route). Both certifying agencies require documentation showing a minimum of one-year (AMT) or two-years (ASCP) work experience as a generalist in addition to completing our degree.