Clinical Laboratory Sciences

Clinical Laboratory Sciences

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Bachelor of Science

Top 5 Reasons to Study

01

Essential to patient diagnosis and treatment decisions across all healthcare settings.

02

High-demand career, offering strong job security and competitive salaries nationwide.

03

Hands-on science using advanced technology to solve real medical problems.

04

Flexible career pathways in hospitals, research, industry, and leadership roles.

05

Impact patient care without bedside responsibilities—science-driven healthcare careers.

Core
Skills

  • Clinical Laboratory Techniques
  • Data Interpretation, Quality Control
  • Critical Thinking, Problem Solving
  • Molecular Diagnostics
  • Instrumentation, Laboratory Safety

Sample
Jobs

  • Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS)
  • Clinical Laboratory Technologist
  • Microbiology / Hematology Technologist
  • Laboratory Quality or Compliance Specialist

Successful Career Outcomes

100% pass rates for the national certification examination - American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) Board of Certification (BOC) MLS exam.
100% job placement after graduation.

Top
Employment
Industries

  • Hospital, Medical Center Laboratories
  • Reference, Diagnostic Laboratories
  • Public Health and Research Laboratories

Brag
Points

  • 100% ASCP MLS certification pass rate
  • 100% job placement after graduation
  • Hands-on clinical training with hospital partners

Experiential Learning Opportunities

As a Clinical Laboratory Sciences' student, you will complete one of four clinical internship pathways, gaining hands-on experience in hospital and diagnostic laboratories while preparing for professional certification.

Clinical Laboratory Sciences

Bachelor of Science

Get the Courses You Need

1st Year

Build your scientific foundation with Biology I, General Chemistry I & II, and introductory coursework in biological sciences, mathematics and communication.

2nd Year

Advance into Parasitology, General Microbiology, Human Anatomy, and Bioinstrumentation while strengthening analytical skills with statistics.

3rd Year

Master advanced laboratory sciences, including Pathogenic Microbiology, Organic Chemistry I & II, Immunology, Biochemistry and Human Genetics.

4th Year

Complete a 30-hour, year-long clinical internship at an affiliated hospital, applying classroom knowledge in a real-world laboratory setting.

Hands-On Learning

1st Year

Develop laboratory fundamentals in Biology and Chemistry, focusing on safety, measurement techniques and the scientific method.

2nd Year

Gain practical skills in microbiology, parasitology, anatomy and laboratory instrumentation.

3rd Year

Refine diagnostic techniques in microbiology, immunology and biochemistry while strengthening data interpretation skills.

4th Year

Train alongside certified laboratory professionals in hematology, chemistry, microbiology, immunology and transfusion services.

Connect with Community

1st Year

Engage with faculty advisors and join student organizations to explore healthcare career pathways.

2nd Year

Participate in departmental events and professional development workshops, and network with clinical partners.

3rd Year

Prepare for internship placement through mentorship, faculty advising and professional preparation sessions.

4th Year

Build professional relationships with hospital staff and laboratory leaders during clinical rotations.

Explore the World

1st Year

Discover how laboratory science impacts patient diagnosis and public health worldwide.

2nd Year

Study infectious diseases, instrumentation and global laboratory practices.

3rd Year

Explore emerging diagnostic technologies and molecular applications in healthcare.

4th Year

Experience real-world healthcare systems and professional laboratory environments.

Launch Your Career

1st Year

Begin planning your pathway toward certification and clinical laboratory practice.

2nd Year

Develop the academic and technical skills required for professional internship placement.

 

3rd Year

Prepare for national certification through advanced coursework and exam-aligned content.

4th Year

Graduate internship-ready and eligible to sit for the American Society for Clinical Pathology Medical Laboratory Scientist (ASCP MLS) certification exam, and prepared for immediate employment.

Major Maps are intended as general planning guides and may be updated as academic requirements, policies, and opportunities change. The MSU Academic Catalog in effect for the student’s catalog year is the official source for degree requirements and policies.

Student
Testimonial

“Completing the Clinical Laboratory Sciences program at Mississippi State University prepared me exceptionally well for my career in laboratory medicine. The hands-on training, rigorous coursework, and internship experience gave me confidence and competence on day one of my professional role. I passed my ASCP certification exam and secured a position in a hospital clinical laboratory shortly after graduation. The faculty support and real-world lab exposure made all the difference in reaching my goals.”