FAQ

The BLD graduate courses can be taken for all three programs.  Please see the list below.  These programs are flexible and can be completed fully online. There are also options to take weeklong intensive labs offered on MSU’s campus during the summer.

Yes, the BLD program offers a variety of post-baccalaureate certificate programs for laboratory professionals. These include programs in molecular diagnostics, immunodiagnostics, advanced flow cytometry, mass spectrometry, biomedical laboratory operations, and transfusion medicine.  You can enroll in these courses as an MSU Lifelong Student. To begin, register as a Lifelong student here.  Up to nine credits taken from the certificate program can be applied to your BLD Master’s degree. Contact the Brad Childs, graduate program academic advisor, at childsb1@msu.edu for more information.

Most of our students work full time and complete the program by taking 4-6 courses a year, resulting in a program length of approximately 3-4 years.  A student has six years to complete their program.

Yes, most BLD courses are offered online in an asynchronous format.  The required seminar course, BLD 801, is an exception and is offered on Wednesdays or Thursdays in the fall and spring semesters.   Students meet with faculty for online conference style presentations from 4:10-5:00pm EST.  Optional on-campus, intensive weeklong summer labs are also offered.  In addition, BLD graduate students can also take elective online courses through other departments at MSU.  These include courses in public health, education, human resources, etc.

BLD graduate courses and elective options are offered year-round in the fall, spring, and summer semesters.

The Graduate Program Director and Graduate Coordinator assist you with initial course advising.   Later in your program, you will form a project committee and your committee chair will be your primary contact for course and project guidance.

MSU faculty teach most of the BLD courses.  Each of the BLD faculty members have expert level experience in the topics they teach.  Most have doctoral level education.  The adjunct faculty provide instruction for some of the BLD courses as well.  The student to instructor ratio is low, providing you the opportunity to engage in discussion and ask questions.

Students in the Master of Science in Clinical Laboratory Science or in the Master of Science in Biomedical Laboratory Operations program complete projects requiring data collection and graduate committee guidance.   Most students find a project where they work to collect the data necessary that is in support of their literature review and project objectives.  Their committee is composed of two MSU BLD faculty members and a local mentor.

Students in the Master of Arts in Biomedical Laboratory Science program complete a Capstone project at the end of their program.  This includes an extensive literature review and presentation on an emerging analyte in the clinical labs.

Students are admitted to the program in fall and spring of every year.  For fall admission, the application deadline is April 14.  For spring admission, the application deadline is Nov. 15.  More information on the application process can be found here.

The student should have reliable access to the internet.  BLD courses are delivered through an online learning management system, Desire 2 Learn (D2L).  Students also have online access to MSU libraries, writing center support, and additional support services.

The student self-enrolls using MSU’s Schedule of Courses.

Graduate students may be eligible for federal financial aid support if they enroll in 5-6 credits per semester. Lifelong students are not eligible for aid.  Please check with your employer’s education assistance program to see if you might also be eligible to receive tuition assistance through your employer.  In addition, please look at scholarship and aid options listed in the BLD Scholarships and Aid webpage.