Bachelor of Arts & Master of Science

BA in Biology & MS in Medical Laboratory Sciences Dual Degree

Academic Department

This BA-MS degree is the product of a partnership between the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston (UTMB) and the University of St. Thomas (UST) to create a combined academic pathway for students using a 3+2 format, in which students complete three years of undergraduate coursework at UST to work towards a Bachelor of Arts in Biology, followed by two years at UTMB to finish their Master of Science in Medical Laboratory Sciences.

Overall, 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.

BA in Biology (UST) + MS in CLS (UTMB)

Overall Description

Each student enrolled in the Program will be required to first attend UST for approximately three (3) years, completing a minimum of 92 semester credits, and then UTMB for two (2) years and completing 85 semester credits. Since 28 hours are transferred from UTMB, students will be completing the “15-29 hour transfer core” = 11 courses (33 hours) plus a Political science class (3 hours) = 36 hours.

Upon successful completion of the first 3 years at UST and acceptance into the UTMB-MLS 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 GPA ≥3.0, the student is awarded a BA 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 BA degree requirements at UST.

Following successful completion of the combined five-year curriculum at UST and UTMB, the student will be granted an MS degree from UTMB in CLS.

Suggested Degree Plan for the Biology (BA) MAJOR 3+2 with UTMB*

This plan allows the student to earn a BA in Biology from UST (92hrs) and an MS in Clinical Laboratory Science from UTMB spending 3 years at UST and 2 years at UTMB.

FRESHMAN YEAR

Fall  Spring 
BIOL 1351/1151 Intro to PopBio and Evol & Lab4 hrs BIOL 1352/1151 Introduction to CellMol Bio & Lab4 hrs
CHEM 1341/1141 Gen Chem I & Lab4 hrs CHEM 1342/1142 Gen Chem II & Lab4 hrs
2 Core6 hrs 2 Core6 hrs
Freshman symposium1 hr  
 15 hrs  14 hrs
     

SOPHOMORE YEAR

Fall  Spring 
BIOL 3321/3121 Genetics & Lab4 hrs BIOL 3333/3133 Microbiology & Lab4 hrs
CHEM 2343/2143 O Chemistry I & Lab4 hrs BIOL/CHEM 3334/3134 Biochemistry & Lab4 hrs
MATH 1341 Calculus* or 3450 Biostats4 hrs 3 Core9 hrs
1 Core3 hrs  17 hrs
 15 hrs   
     

JUNIOR YEAR

Fall  Spring 
BIOL 3351/3151 Molecular biology & Lab4 hrs BIOL 3345 Physiology3 hrs
BIOL 3435 Human anatomy & Lab4 hrs BIOL 3462/3061 Cell biology & Lab4 hrs
PHYS 1331/1111 General Physics I & Lab4 hrs BIOL 4332 Evolution3 hrs
1 Core3 hrs 2 Core6 hrs
 15 hrs  16 hrs

*MATH 1430 – Pre-calculus algebra and trigonometry if needed.

Since 28 hours are transferred from UTMB, students will be completing the “15-29 hour transfer core” = 11 courses (33 hours) plus a Political science class (3 hours) = 36 hours.

SENIOR YEAR

Courses from the first year at UTMB (28 hours) will be transferred to UST allowing the student to complete 120 credit hours to earn a BA in Biology from UST.

UTMB Courses to be transferred back to University of St. Thomas*

Undergraduate Semester 1 (Fall)

CLLS

3200

Basic methods and Introduction to Lab Operations

2

CLLS

3405

Intermediate Pathogenic Microbiology

4

CLLS

5319

Biostatistics

3

CLLS

3201

Immunology

2

CLLS

4018

Global Health

2

  

Total Semester Credits

13

   

 

Undergraduate Semester 2 (Spring)

CLLS

3417

Hematology and Coagulation 1

4

CLLS

3514

Clinical Chemistry 1

5

CLLS

4325

Advanced Path Microbiology/Mycology

3

MSHP

5302

Intro to Scientific Writing

3

 

 

Total Semester Credits

15

UTMB Courses to be completed for Master’s Program (Total 57 credit hours)

BA–MS Program Progression Policy Disclaimer

Continuation and timely fulfillment of the BA-MS program in the 3+2 format outlined here is contingent upon the student’s successful completion of all required coursework at both participating institutions within the prescribed timeframe and in the sequence outlined here. Failure to complete any required course on schedule, or the need to repeat any course for any reason, will result in an extension of the program beyond the standard completion timeline. Such extensions may have academic, financial, and administrative consequences for the student.

Total Credits
177