Program Overview

Program Course Delivery
Medical Laboratory Science - Major On-Campus

Explore the medical laboratory science program

Are you ready to change the world one discovery at a time? If so, medical laboratory sciences might be the perfect major for you. Take classes in a wide range of disciplines from microbiology, clinical parasitology, cell biology, and human anatomy and physiology. Throughout your journey of discovery, you’ll work side-by-side with peers and faculty members at U of M Crookston with the opportunity to conduct undergraduate research through the Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program (UROP). During your junior year spring and summer semesters, you’ll be working with the University of North Dakota School of Medicine to further laboratory experiences. Take on the world of medicine with a medical laboratory science degree.

Medical Laboratory Science is a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree.

Medical Laboratory Science

Faculty member working with an international student in a lab

The medical laboratory science program will give students a degree that will provide life-long mobility, flexibility, and opportunity. Individuals who enjoy science, solving problems, and working as part of a team may find medical laboratory science to be a rewarding career. A medical lab scientist is part of a healthcare team that performs a variety of fact-finding tests that are used by physicians in making 70 to 80 percent of medical decisions. In addition, this degree provides a great background for individuals interested in entering fields of forensic science or medicine (medical doctors, dentists, pharmacists, etc.).

Modern medicine would be impossible without the problem-solving skills of medical lab scientists (MLS). MLS scientists run tests that encompass clinical chemistry, clinical microbiology, hematology, clinical urology, immunology, immunohematology, and molecular diagnostics. Each test run will find an additional clue in the final patient diagnosis, which will assist physicians in determining the best treatment for the patients. Due to the national shortage of medical lab scientists, MLS graduates will have excellent opportunities in nearly all areas of the United States.

After completing the program, graduates will:

  • Demonstrate a strong foundation in a variety of areas, including the collection, safe handling, and analysis of biological specimens; principles of continuous assessment of data collection and analysis; compliance with laboratory safety regulations; and ethical behavior and professionalism.
  • Demonstrate strong oral and written communication skills.
  • Effectively work with others in groups and be able to take on leadership roles when appropriate.
  • Demonstrate a disposition for an entry-level, professional position in the medical laboratory sciences for the 21st century.
  • Learn to think critically and solve problems.
  • Evaluate published scientific studies through a context of research design.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the significance of cultural sensitivity and awareness as it applies to the profession.

Medical Laboratory Science Courses

Student working in a lab with a pipet and beaker

Program Description

  • Graduate with a core knowledge in biology and chemistry, which is necessary to succeed as a medical laboratory scientist.
  • Learn from PhD professors whose primary focus is our student's education.
  • Learn from technology-driven curriculum.
  • Through an agreement with the University of North Dakota (UND) Medical School, students in their third year work with UND in order to get further laboratory experiences.
  • Take advantage of the Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program (UROP).

Awards and Accreditation

The University of Minnesota Crookston is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Student Experiences

UMN Women basketball player holding a basketball while yelling at the camera
Two students having a conversation while looking at a laptop
A women smiling while glancing outside of the window.
Two female students smiling while looking at a laptop screen
Image of a basketball gym.

Average Cost After Aid

Reward icon with a yellow background

$13,436

Average amount of grants & scholarships received (2022-2023 data)

Icon of a person reading a book

$12,894

Average net price after grants &
scholarships (2021-2022 data)

Icon of a graduation cap

$22,883

Average TOTAL student loan debt after
graduation (2022-2023)

Scholarship and Funding Options

The University of Minnesota Crookston provides quick and easy access to over $1 million worth of scholarship opportunities for new and returning students!

Your Future Professors

Katy Chapman
Associate Professor, Sustainability Coordinator
Brian Dingmann
Associate Professor
Timothy Dudley
Professor, Faculty Athletics Representative
Venugopal Mukku
Associate Professor, Research Labs Director
Photo unavailable
Teaching Specialist

What is Campus Life Like?

Residential Life

University of Minnesota Crookston's residence halls are ranked #1 public college dorms in Minnesota by Niche. The residential halls are clean, safe, spacious and modern. There is a mix of traditional style rooms, suites, and apartments available on-campus which include amenities such as ensuite bathrooms, walk-closets, and full size kitchens with all major appliances. There are also beautiful common spaces in every residential building that are great places to hangout, play games, study, or relax. Schedule a tour to see for yourself why they're ranked #1!

Students gathered together playing cards in their dorm room located in Centennial Hall.
Photo of a dorm room in Evergreen Hall
Living room in Heritage Hall.
A photo of a dorm room in McCall Hall
A photo of a dorm room in Skyberg Hall
A women getting food at a salad bar.
Server handing stacked takeout boxes to a customer at a counter.
Students ordering food at Eagles Nest.
A collage featuring a women eating various foods.