Bachelor of Arts in Biology + M.S. in Medical Laboratory Sciences
UST–UTMB Dual-Degree Program
About the Program
Earn Your B.A. and M.S. in Five Years
The B.A. in Biology and M.S. in Medical Laboratory Sciences dual-degree program is offered through a partnership between the University of St. Thomas and the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston. Through this accelerated 3+2 academic pathway, qualified students complete three years of undergraduate coursework at UST followed by two years of study at UTMB.
The program is designed to facilitate a smoother transition from undergraduate to graduate study while allowing qualified students to earn both degrees in an accelerated timeline and expand their career opportunities.
How the Partnership Works
Each student enrolled in the UST-UTMB program must attend UST for about three (3) years, complete at least 92 semester credits, then attend UTMB for two (2) years and complete 85 semester credits.
Since 28 hours transfer from UTMB, students will complete the “15-29 hour transfer core” (11 courses, 33 hours) plus a political science class (3 hours), for a total of 36 hours.
After successfully completing the first three years at UST and being accepted into the UTMB program, the student enters the combined UST-UTMB BA-MS degree program.
Upon successful completion of the first year at UTMB, defined as all grades of B or above and a GPA ≥3.0, the student is awarded a B.A. in Biology from UST. UTMB grants permission to UST to accept any and/or all MLS undergraduate semester credit hours and MSHP 5302 Scientific Writing taken by students under this agreement for the purpose of satisfying B.A. degree requirements at UST.
After successfully completing the combined five-year curriculum at UST and UTMB, the student will be granted an M.S. degree in MLS from UTMB.
Program Goals
Your Career as a Medical Laboratory Scientist
The Master of Science in Medical Laboratory Sciences in UTMB’s School of Health Professions prepares medical laboratory scientists for careers in research, teaching and management within clinical laboratory medicine. Graduates may pursue positions in academia, clinical laboratories and industry.
Develop Advanced Laboratory and Professional Skills
Students in the medical laboratory sciences dual-degree program develop skills in:
- Interpreting medical laboratory results
- Applying quality-control procedures
- Analyzing biological and chemical samples
- Troubleshooting laboratory procedures and equipment
- Conducting clinical laboratory research
- Preparing scientific protocols and reports
- Applying healthcare safety and ethical standards
- Managing laboratory operations
Why UST
A Faster Path to Career Success
The UST–UTMB 3+2 program offers qualified students an accelerated path from undergraduate biology study to advanced preparation in medical laboratory science.
Program benefits include:
- Earning a B.A. and M.S. through a coordinated five-year pathway
- Reducing duplicated coursework between the two degrees
- Building a strong foundation in biology before beginning specialized laboratory training
- Preparing for research, teaching, management, and clinical laboratory careers
- Gaining specialized skills for employment in healthcare, academia and industry
- Connecting with Houston and Galveston’s healthcare and biomedical communities
Performing Study
Biology Leadership
Alexandra Simmons Nout, Ph.D.
The Biology Department is led by Alexandra Simmons Nout, Ph.D. Biology faculty guide students through coursework, laboratory experiences, research, and preparation for graduate or professional opportunities.
*Admission to UST does not guarantee admission to the UTMB portion of the program. Students must meet all academic and admission requirements established by both institutions.