Bachelor’s in Medical Laboratory Science Degree
Develop a Foundation in Clinical Laboratory Testing and Diagnostics
This Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Science (MLS) at Grand Canyon University helps students build the scientific and technical skills needed to support clinical diagnosis and patient care. Through studies in areas like chemistry, microbiology, hematology and molecular testing, you are taught to analyze specimens, use advanced laboratory equipment and ensure accurate test results.
The program also builds critical thinking and knowledge of quality practices, safety and professional standards in today’s clinical labs. Graduates can pursue certification and begin careers as medical laboratory scientists in various lab and healthcare settings.
Up to 90 credits, only 84 can be lower division
Credits: Fill out the Lopes Eval to find out what will transfer
Admission Requirements (Bachelor's)
- 16+ years old
- High School Graduate
- 3.0+ Unweighted GPA
OR 2.5+ Unweighted GPA and
- ACT: 19
- SAT: 1000*
Admission requirements may differ based on degree level, program and modality, or transfer status. Some programs of study may require a higher GPA and/or other qualifying criteria for admission. Please review full admission and program requirements in the University Policy Handbook.
*Math and reading only on a 1600 point scale (test date after 3/1/2016). SAT score of 1380 required for 2400 point scale (test date before 3/1/2016).
Gain Expertise With a Medical Laboratory Science Degree
Offered by the College of Natural Sciences, this medical laboratory science degree can prepare you to serve as an essential healthcare support professional, contributing to health systems operations and making an impact on patient care.
As an MLS student at GCU, you can benefit from an academically stimulating environment that offers connection with fellow learners and knowledgeable faculty. You will train in fully equipped labs, gaining hands-on experience with the tools and tasks medical lab scientists use every day.
You can complete this degree in 120 credits or use our transfer credit program, which may help speed up your time to completion. Contact a university counselor to see how your associate degree and MLT eligibility or certification can fast-track you to the MLS.
If you're not an MLT and are looking to enroll in the MLS program, fill out the form on this page to speak to a university counselor for more information.
Explore the MLT to MLS Pathway
If you have already completed a medical laboratory technician (MLT) program or certification, you have the opportunity to build on your foundational competencies with the MLT to MLS degree pathway. Earn a bachelor’s degree in your field and deepen your credentials in chemistry, microbiology, immunohematology and more.
MLS Program Coursework
This medical lab science degree provides a comprehensive curriculum exploring the complete range of lab competencies for future medical laboratory scientists. You will be taught the applied skills needed for clinical laboratory testing, as well as the ability to analyze ethical decisions through the lens of a Christian worldview. This unique perspective may allow you to approach your work with a holistic understanding of ethical considerations and contribute to the field of healthcare with a faith-based perspective.
You will be prompted to correlate results with disease states and develop problem-solving and critical-thinking skills. Students in this program gain off-campus clinical experience in laboratory settings under the supervision of experienced professionals. These immersive learning opportunities can allow you to cultivate your professional network. This degree program also teaches the correct use of advanced biomedical instrumentation and technology, as well as expert manual techniques that modern laboratories rely on.
This STEM degree covers a range of relevant topics, including:
Clinical chemistry
Immunohematology (transfusion medicine)
Microbiology principles
Hematology and hemostasis
Immunology
Molecular diagnostics
Laboratory operations
Training methodologies
Explore Career Opportunities in Medical Laboratory Science
This medical laboratory science program can prepare you to pursue a career as a medical laboratory scientist, also known as a medical laboratory technologist. Medical lab scientists fulfill an essential role within the healthcare field, performing functions related to disease diagnostics and evaluation, treatment progress monitoring and patient safety assurance.
MLS professionals may choose to work as generalists, performing tests related to multiple areas of medicine. Alternatively, they may specialize in a particular area.(See disclaimer 1)
As a graduate of this program, you may pursue the following careers:
Technical specialist
Reference lab technologist
Biomedical technologist
Laboratory supervisor or manager
Sales representative
Estimated openings for clinical laboratory technologists and technicians each year from 2024 to 2034(See disclaimer 2)
Median annual wage for clinical laboratory technologists and technicians as of May 2024(See disclaimer 3)
Pursuing NAACLS Accreditation
The medical laboratory science program at GCU is submitting the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS) Initial Accreditation Application. Once the program has achieved “serious applicant” status, the students are eligible to take the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) Board of Certification exam. Visit our College of Natural Sciences accreditation page for more information.
Additionally, GCU is an institutionally accredited school and has been continuously accredited by the Higher Learning Commission since 1968. Our accreditation is a reflection of our commitment to academic quality. The College of Natural Sciences shares the university’s commitment to upholding the principles and standards established by our accrediting bodies.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you're considering pursuing a career in medical laboratory science or are already on the path toward this field, explore the following frequently asked questions about the degree program to help you make an informed decision for your future.
Is a medical lab science degree worth it?
What is a medical laboratory science degree?
What degree do you need for medical lab science?
Program Curriculum
General Education Requirements
Required General Education Courses
Core Courses
Earn a Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Science at GCU and pursue exciting career opportunities in medical lab diagnostics. Apply online!
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2025, Aug. 28). What Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians Do. Occupational Outlook Handbook. Retrieved November 2025.
- COVID-19 has adversely affected the global economy and data from 2020 to 2023 may be atypical compared to prior years. Accordingly, data shown is effective August 2025, which can be found here: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians, retrieved November 2025.
- The earnings referenced were reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians, as of May 2024, retrieved November 2025. Due to COVID-19, data from 2020 to 2023 may be atypical compared to prior years. BLS calculates the median using salaries of workers nationwide with varying levels of education and experience. It does not reflect the earnings of GCU graduates as clinical laboratory technologists and technicians, nor does it reflect the earnings of workers in one city or region of the country or a typical entry-level salary. Median income is the statistical midpoint for the range of salaries in a specific occupation. It is very unlikely that a median salary will reflect an entry-level salary. It represents what you would earn if you were paid more money than half the workers in an occupation, and less than half the workers in an occupation. It may give you a basis to estimate what you might earn at some point if you enter this career. Grand Canyon University can make no guarantees on individual graduates’ salaries. Your employability will be determined by numerous factors over which GCU has no control, such as the employer the graduate chooses to apply to, the graduate’s experience level, individual characteristics, skills, etc. against a pool of candidates.
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2025, Aug. 28). Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians: Work Environment. Occupational Outlook Handbook. Retrieved November 2025.