Bachelor of Science Degree in Biomedical Laboratory Science

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Michigan State University

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Science Degree in Biomedical Laboratory Science at Michigan State University gives students a strong foundation in human life sciences and laboratory science, preparing them for laboratory careers as well as graduate and professional education in areas such as medicine, dentistry, nursing and veterinary medicine. Students study cell and molecular biology, chemistry, microbiology, physiology, disease mechanisms, clinical laboratory methods and biomedical diagnostics, with options to shape the degree toward different laboratory and health-related career pathways.

Curriculum Structure:

First Year:

Students establish their scientific foundation through courses such as CEM 141 – General Chemistry, BS 161 – Cell and Molecular Biology, and BS 171 – Cell and Molecular Biology Laboratory. They also begin developing quantitative and academic skills through calculus, chemistry laboratories and the BLD 121 – Survive & Thrive Freshman Seminar.

Second Year:

The curriculum becomes more focused on laboratory and health applications with BLD 213L – Clinical Laboratory Methods, BLD 204 – Mechanisms of Disease, and BLD 313 – Quality Medical Laboratory Methods. Alongside these subjects, students study organic chemistry, physics, physiology, statistics and microbiology, building the scientific knowledge needed for more advanced laboratory work.

Third Year:

Students move deeper into biomedical diagnostics through BLD 324 – Hematology and Hemostasis, BLD 434 – Clinical Immunology, BLD 430 – Molecular Diagnostics, and BLD 302 – Clinical Chemistry. Courses including BMB 401 – Basic Biochemistry, MMG 365 – Medical Microbiology, MMG 365L – Medical Microbiology Lab, and BLD 435 – Immunohematology develop more specialized knowledge of disease, diagnostic testing and laboratory science.

Fourth Year:

Students can choose a concentration that matches their interests and career direction, including Clinical Chemistry, Medical Microbiology, Hematology and Hemostasis, or Medical Laboratory Science. Advanced courses such as BLD 402 – Advanced Clinical Chemistry, MMG 465 – Advanced Medical Microbiology, BLD 424 – Advanced Hematology and Hemostasis, and BLD 424L – Advanced Hematology, Hemostasis and Urine Laboratory allow students to develop deeper expertise in their selected area.

Focus Areas:

Biomedical Laboratory Science, Clinical Laboratory Methods, Molecular Diagnostics, Medical Microbiology, Clinical Chemistry, Hematology and Hemostasis, Immunohematology, Clinical Immunology, Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology, Disease Mechanisms

Learning Outcomes:

Students develop knowledge and practical understanding of biomedical laboratory science, including clinical laboratory methods, molecular diagnostics, microbiology, hematology, immunology, chemistry and disease mechanisms, while building the scientific foundation needed for laboratory careers and advanced health-profession or graduate study.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation):

The Bachelor of Science Degree in Biomedical Laboratory Science is designed as a broad biomedical laboratory curriculum, and Michigan State University states that the clinical laboratory experience required for national certification as a laboratory professional is not included in this specific program. Students seeking certification can pursue accredited clinical experiences after completing their degree, with the Biomedical Laboratory Diagnostics Program assisting students in seeking and gaining placements.

MSU separately offers a Bachelor of Science Degree in Biomedical Laboratory Science that is accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Science (NAACLS) and includes the clinical experience needed for eligibility for the national certification examination.

Reputation (Employability Rankings):

Michigan State University reports that it is No. 29 among Best Public Universities in America in the 2026 U.S. News & World Report rankings. The university's Biomedical Laboratory Science program also reports graduates working across hospitals, research laboratories, forensic laboratories, health departments, medical schools and healthcare agencies, reflecting the breadth of career settings available to graduates.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Students in the Bachelor of Science Degree in Biomedical Laboratory Science at Michigan State University gain practical experience through laboratory-focused coursework, research opportunities and exposure to modern biomedical technologies. North Kedzie Hall is the program’s primary academic home, where most lectures and laboratory instruction take place and where faculty and students conduct research. Students also have access to MSU’s wider research infrastructure, including genomics, proteomics, metabolomics, cryo-electron microscopy and genome-editing resources.

These opportunities give students several ways to connect their classroom learning with laboratory and research practice:

Dedicated BLD facilities: North Kedzie Hall provides Biomedical Laboratory Diagnostics teaching, student and research spaces, including laboratory stations and a dedicated student computer lab.
Specialized computer resources: The BLD Student Computer Lab has computers equipped with software specifically related to BLD students and courses, along with spaces for individual and group study.
Research opportunities: The program provides students with access to undergraduate research opportunities and maintains a dedicated list of research and internship opportunities.
Industry internships: Opportunities listed by BLD include internships with Grand River Aseptic Manufacturing (GRAM), providing pharmaceutical-industry experience, professional development and networking.
Biomedical research programs: Students can explore opportunities such as MSU’s BRUSH Summer Research Program, which offers mentored biomedical research, professional development and networking.
Genomics technology: MSU’s Genomics Core provides access to next-generation sequencing technologies, including Element Biosciences AVITI/AVITI24, 10X Genomics Chromium X and Oxford Nanopore PromethION P2 systems.
Proteomics and data analysis: The Proteomics Core provides advanced LC/MS/MS instrumentation and software including Proteome Discoverer, MaxQuant, Skyline and Scaffold, along with peptide-analysis tools.
Cryo-electron microscopy: The Cryo-EM Core includes advanced electron microscopes and computational resources using software such as CryoSPARC, RELION, IMOD and AreTOMO for structural biology and imaging research.
Clinical laboratory pathway: BLS students can pursue an accredited clinical laboratory experience after completing the degree; BLD assists students in finding and gaining placements.

Facilities and research resources:

Students in the Bachelor of Science Degree in Biomedical Laboratory Science at Michigan State University have access to dedicated facilities in North Kedzie Hall, including teaching laboratories, research spaces, classrooms, and a student computer lab equipped with software relevant to Biomedical Laboratory Diagnostics courses. The program also benefits from MSU’s specialized Spartan Research Cores, including Genomics, Proteomics, Metabolomics, Cryo-Electron Microscopy, Transgenic and Genome Editing, Metabolic Phenotyping and Preclinical Imaging, and Stem Cell facilities, giving students access to advanced technologies used in biomedical research.

Progression & Future Opportunities

The Bachelor of Science Degree in Biomedical Laboratory Science at Michigan State University prepares students for careers that combine biomedical science with laboratory investigation, while also providing a foundation for graduate and professional study. Graduates can pursue opportunities in hospitals, research laboratories, biotechnology, pharmaceutical companies and other health-related settings, depending on their additional training and career goals.

Typical career roles: Biomedical Researcher, Laboratory Research Technician, Biomedical Laboratory Scientist, Clinical Research Assistant

Key career-development opportunities include:

Career support: MSU’s Career Services Network provides students with career advising, career fairs, employer events, job and internship search resources, résumé support and interview preparation.
Research opportunities: The Biomedical Laboratory Diagnostics department provides undergraduate research opportunities that allow students to work with faculty and gain experience in biomedical research.
Internship opportunities: BLD maintains internship and research opportunities, including opportunities with organizations such as Grand River Aseptic Manufacturing (GRAM), giving students exposure to pharmaceutical manufacturing and industry practices.
Employment and salary figures: MSU’s official Biomedical Laboratory Science information does not publish a program-specific employment rate or average salary for B.S. graduates. Therefore, a specific employment or salary figure should not be assumed.
Industry connections: Students can gain exposure to biomedical and pharmaceutical research through BLD opportunities and MSU research facilities, including collaborations and internships connected to organizations such as GRAM.
Accreditation and professional value: The Biomedical Laboratory Science B.S. itself does not include the clinical laboratory experience required for national certification. Students interested in becoming certified clinical laboratory professionals can pursue an accredited clinical experience after completing the degree.
Graduation outcomes: The degree can lead toward employment in biomedical and research settings or further study in graduate and professional programs. MSU also identifies opportunities across hospitals, research laboratories, forensic laboratories, health departments, medical schools and healthcare agencies.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing the B.S., students can continue into master’s or doctoral programs in biomedical sciences, laboratory science, molecular biology, microbiology, genetics or related fields. Students interested in healthcare can also pursue professional programs such as medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine or other health-related graduate programs, depending on their prerequisites and career goals.