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Curriculum

Students in a laboratory looking at a computer.

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Curriculum Overview

The curriculum of the Medical Laboratory Sciences is designed to teach the concepts and practices of laboratory science, and to prepare students for lifetime learning in biomedical science. Graduates pursue entry-level careers in research or diagnostic labs, as well as further education in graduate programs, medical school and other clinical specialties. MLS graduates work in hospitals, nonprofit research institutions and pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies.

Courses are offered in:

  • Traditional areas of the clinical laboratory (Clinical Microbiology, Biochemistry, Histology, Hematology)
  • Modern biomedical science (Immunology, Cell and Tissue Culture, Senior Seminar)
  • Emerging areas (Biohazards and Emergency Response)

All courses are rigorous and employ a problem solving approach in both the theoretical and practical aspects. Several types of professional practice options are available to students toward the end of the MLS course of study. Students educated in the MLS program become valued members of professional teams dedicated to the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of disease.


Students may enter in the fall or spring semester, after completing 60 college credits and the appropriate prerequisites (see admission requirements). MLS is a daytime program. Most students complete the program in 4 or 5 semesters, but students can attend part time to compensate for time to work, family obligations and the like. Each student meets with a faculty advisor each semester to review progress and design an appropriate program to meet the individual's need. The major is suitable for transfer students who do not wish to lose credits for their previous work. A commitment to demanding (and rewarding) education is crucial to succeed in the MLS program.

Approximately 140 students currently pursue degrees in the MLS Program. They represent a wide ethnic and racial mix, including many recent immigrants to the U.S. Students have completed their first two years at Hunter, other CUNY 2 or 4 year colleges, American or foreign universities. Valued members of the MLS student body are working clinical lab technicians with A.A.S. degrees, wishing to improve their skills, and their positions in their work settings. The experience of these individuals enrich the MLS experience for faculty and students new to the medical lab. The small class structure allows close interactions among students and faculty, fosters friendships, and permits an individualized approach to learning.

Refer to the curriculum outline for a list of current MLS courses.

Program Learning Outcomes

Students completing the BS in Medical Laboratory Sciences will:

  1. * Acquire the knowledge and skills needed to perform with proficiency on the NYS licensure exam for clinical laboratory technologists
  2. Demonstrate the ability to critically evaluate and properly and effectively communicate laboratory data and information from the scientific literature
  3. Demonstrate an understanding of the structure and function of the human body in health and disease
  4. Demonstrate an understanding of a variety of laboratory and computer skills/techniques/calculations that are used in biomedical research and clinical laboratories
  5. Understand and demonstrate safe laboratory practices
  6. Demonstrate an understanding of ethical standards in science and the regulation of clinical laboratories

*This program learning outcome only applies to the Medical Laboratory Sciences: Clinical Science major. All others apply to both the Medical Laboratory Sciences: Clinical Science and Medical Laboratory Sciences: Biomedical Science majors.

Curriculum Outline

This is a model plan meant to illustrate the MLS curriculum, excluding liberal arts and most science distribution courses. Students enter in either fall or spring semesters and progress at different rates according to academic performance, work, family commitments and other factors.