Medical Laboratory Sciences

Our Medical Laboratory Sciences (MLS) degree program prepares you for one of health care’s most fascinating roles – scientifically evaluating and analyzing medical samples. We offer a B.S. in Medical Laboratory Sciences to prepare you for this science-based profession that is critical to health maintenance as well as disease diagnosis, treatment and monitoring.

Earning a B.S. in Medical Laboratory Sciences from NIU sets you on a path for success. You’ll develop the analytical expertise to become a vital team member with physicians, nurses, health care professionals, patients and their families.

Our MLS program graduates have a 90% employment rate in the field after graduation.

We also offer an MLT to MLS degree completion program.

Frequently Asked Questions

I am interested in your MLT-MLS Program and have an Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) not an Associate Degree (A.A. or A.S.). Can I still apply to this program?

You can apply, but may need to complete additional general education and/or prerequisite coursework before starting the program. The MLS program coordinator will advise you after review of your transcript. To be considered for admission to the Medical Laboratory Technician to Medical Laboratory Science Bachelor of Science Degree Completion program you must have an Associate of Applied Science or an Associate of Science Degree, and hold Medical Laboratory Technology certification and be a practicing MLT with at least one year of work experience in the last five years.

Can I take courses part-time and in which semester?

MLT degree completion students wanting to pursue a BS in MLS have the option of starting courses in the fall, spring or summer and may take courses part-time.

Traditional students pursuing a degree in MLS start in the fall semester only.

Will I get credit for my work experience?

Yes. If you have at least one year of full-time work experience before starting the program you will receive 12 semester credit hours for a number of lab courses and upon successful completion of all MLS requirements maybe awarded up to an additional 17 credit hours of proficiency credit for the learning experiences leading to the A.A.S. in CLT/MLT. You are also exempt from the 30 semester hour university graduation residence requirement.

Contact Us

Medical Laboratory Sciences
DuSable Hall 161
DeKalb, IL 60115

Ellen Olsen
Program Coordinator
815-753-6300
eolsen1@niu.edu

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