Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Graduate Medical Sciences
Master's in Pathology Laboratory Sciences
Boston, USA
MSc
DURATION
2 years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
EARLIEST START DATE
TUITION FEES
USD 75,002 / per year *
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
* for full-time, 1 year | for part-time: $2,083 per credit | tuition and fees for 2025/ 2026 will be available April 2025
Key Summary
The Master of Science in Pathology Laboratory Sciences Program focuses on the basic science and laboratory techniques of pathology and related disciplines. Graduates will be prepared to work in basic science, biotechnology and other biomedical research laboratories designing, performing, and evaluating research using methods based on morphology. Students learn to prepare and evaluate animal or human cells and tissues for the effects of test compounds, devices or procedures using morphologic methods.
Techniques include gross, microscopic and ultrastructural techniques for examination of cells and tissues, including histochemical staining and immunohistochemical, immunofluorescence and radioisotopic methods; certain clinical chemistry, hematological, immunological and radioisotopic methods for examination of blood and tissue fluids or extracts. Offerings include some or all of the following specialized techniques in the basic laboratory rotations or in the student’s laboratory research project: laser capture techniques, in situ hybridization including fluorescence detection (FISH) and confocal or electron microscopy, image analysis & virtual pathology. Students learn and rotate in modern, well equipped laboratories on the BU Medical Campus.
The Master of Science in Pathology and Laboratory Sciences is a two year program that can help prepare you for a future career path in:
- Academia
- Biotech/Pharmaceutical Industry
- Medical School
- PhD Program
- Fall: Biochemistry (6 cr), Histopathology (4 cr), Laboratory Rotations(2 cr), and Biostatistics (2 cr). Total credits 12-14 depending on the choice of courses.
- Spring: Pathology (4 cr), Special Topics (2 cr), Immunology (2 cr), and Pathology Research (4 cr). Total credits 12, or more depending on the choice of courses.
- Fall (2nd year): Business of Science (2cr), Pathology Seminar (2cr)
- Spring (2nd year): Pathology Research (2cr); Presentation of thesis research at seminar series
- Other: Histology and Molecular Biology courses are highly recommended but not mandatory.
- Attendance at Friday departmental seminars (PA800, fall and PA900, spring) is required throughout the program in Fall and Spring semester.
Upon completion of our Master of Science Program students will be able to:
- Prepare and evaluate human and animal biospecimens and cell lines for the effects of test compounds, devices, surgeries or other interventions using morphologic, biochemical and molecular methods
- Understand and apply different techniques to dissect, document, preserve, process and archive biospecimens
- Describe major characteristics of diseased tissue using multiple methodologies including but not limited to histopathology, immunohistochemistry and molecular techniques
- Apply the knowledge they have accumulated from didactic core course work, seminars, study groups and journal clubs to develop and test research hypotheses
- Develop hypotheses and perform new or existing assays to generate experimental results
- Integrate quality management tools and other standards into their work
- Evaluate and test results using statistical and other analysis and write a scientific document that is approved by at least two faculty readers
- Work safely in a BSL-2 laboratory environment
With the growing use and development of highly sophisticated morphologic techniques, the demand for well-trained technical personnel in academic and biotechnological laboratories is growing. Students interested in careers that involve technical work using morphologic techniques to examine tissues from patients or laboratory animals will benefit from this program and, upon its completion, will likely find attractive employment opportunities. Our graduates will also be well prepared to enter a doctoral degree program in biomedical sciences or apply to medical school.
Our graduates are currently employed in diagnostic and research laboratories. We make every effort to facilitate job opportunities for them.
Candidates are required to complete a minimum of 8 semester courses (32 credit hours) at the graduate level, including an original laboratory based thesis. The degree program is usually completed within two years.