Dual Degree: BSHS in Molecular Diagnostic Sciences / MSHS in Clinical Microbiology

Work at the Forefront of Disease Detection

The George Washington University (GW) offers a Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences (BSHS) in Molecular Diagnostic Sciences and a Master of Science in Health Science (MSHS) in Clinical Microbiology all in one convenient program.

Through online coursework, hands-on lab work and clinical rotations this dual-degree program provides you with the knowledge and skills to detect and identify biomarkers at the nucleic acid levels in major areas of medicine and to identify and investigate human infectious diseases.

Our dual health sciences degrees are for undergraduate students serious about building their careers quickly. Attention to detail is a must because methods, data, and quality control will be at the center of what you do. If you’re passionate about bringing new standards of excellence to the field and making an impact on health care with molecular testing and clinical microbiology, this program could be a good fit for you.

What are Molecular Diagnostic Sciences and Clinical Microbiology?

A diagnostic molecular scientist is a professional who is qualified by academic and applied education to provide service in molecular diagnostics of acquired, inherited and infectious diseases. Molecular diagnostic testing uses sensitive and specific clinical laboratory techniques to detect and identify biomarkers at the nucleic acid (DNA and RNA) level. Common applications of molecular methods include medical diagnosis, establishing prognosis, monitoring the course of disease, and selecting optimal therapies. Molecular methods are also used in both forensic and non-forensic identification. Molecular diagnostic tests are increasingly used in many major areas of medicine including genetic disorders, infectious diseases, cancer, pharmacogenetics and identity testing.  Moreover, the number of molecular-based laboratory tests is expected to increase dramatically as more information is uncovered about the human genome and disease. Although the medical laboratory sciences (MLS) program includes molecular diagnostics as a three-credit course, molecular biology has become a separate field within the laboratory sciences.  For example, molecular diagnostic questions are not included as part of the MLS board of certification exam.  There is a separate board exam specifically for Molecular Biology that leads to an independent certification, MB(ASCP) as well as a Specialist in Molecular Biology certification (SMB(ASCP).  Some, smaller laboratories include molecular testing within their microbiology section.  Consequently, a combined baccalaureate degree in Molecular Diagnostic Sciences and a graduate degree in Clinical Microbiology make a very nice combination.

Learn About the Dual Degree Program in BSHS in Molecular Diagnostic Sciences / MSHS in Clinical Microbiology at GW

The overall goal of the proposed program is to prepare graduates with the theoretical knowledge and practical skills for positions in diagnostic clinical molecular laboratories, public health laboratories, biotechnology companies, government agencies, law enforcement agencies, and research institutes.

Click to expand the accordions below for more information about each program.

Hybrid (Blended)

• The blended program has online and on campus requirement. Students need to reside in or relocate to the D.C. area, have completed an associate’s degree or a minimum of 24 credits, and are not Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT) certified through ASCP, AMT, or AAB.
• This program provides 100% of didactic (lecture) courses online, in-person labs at the GW Virginia Science and Technology Campus (VSTC) in Ashburn, VA, and practicum at an approved diagnostic laboratory.
• Geared for students who are not MLT certified, such as individuals with an Associate degree in biology, biotechnology or applied sciences, and want to complete a baccalaureate degree in the molecular diagnostic sciences.

Fully Online

• A 100% online program is available for students who have Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT) certification through ASCP, AMT, or AAB, and have completed an accredited MLT program. This program provides 100% of didactic (lecture) coursework online with practicum experience in the student’s local area.
• All didactic (lecture) courses are conducted online in a flexible, asynchronous format. To succeed in this program, students should be self-disciplined, self-directed, and comfortable scheduling their own coursework.
• Geared for certified MLT’s who want a baccalaureate degree focusing on molecular diagnostic sciences.