Laboratory Animal Science MLAS

Major: Laboratory Animal Science
Degree Awarded: Master of Laboratory Animal Science (MLAS)
Calendar Type: Semester
Minimum Required Credits: 48.0
Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) code: 01.8102
Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) code: 19-1011

About the Program

The Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences and Professional Studies offers the Master of Laboratory Animal Science (MLAS) degree. The MLAS program is designed for individuals who have a bachelor’s degree in animal science or a related field and are seeking advanced career positions in laboratory animal science and laboratory animal facility management. Alternatively, the MLAS degree is a powerful means to enhance students' credentials for admission to veterinary medical school.

The MLAS program is a full-time, two-year program that begins in August of each year. The first two years of the program consist primarily of classroom instruction, while the last semester is reserved for experiential learning. The program is flexible for traditional and nontraditional students alike due to the availability of evening courses.

Available Online

For individuals who are currently working in the laboratory animal science field, the MLAS program is available 100% online. Students can work full time while completing the program part-time (6 semesters). The majority of courses are completely asynchronous, thus allowing maximum flexibility for the working professional. Please review our website for specific details about the online program. 

Curriculum

The MLAS curriculum consists of basic science courses, laboratory animal science courses and a practicum. The basic science courses were designed to build a solid foundation required for a successful career in laboratory animal science. The laboratory animal science courses focus on all aspects of laboratory animal science, including facility management. The practicum provides the student with the opportunity to apply the theoretical knowledge they have learned to the field of laboratory animal science. The outcome is a highly trained laboratory animal science professional with a solid foundation in the sciences.

Pre-veterinary Graduate Minor

Students desiring to attend veterinary medical school may elect to complete a pre-vet minor within the Master of Laboratory Animal Science (MLAS) program. The addition of these courses to the MLAS program will help to further enhance the student's application to veterinary medical school by providing additional rigorous and relevant graduate-level coursework.

Practicum

MLAS faculty and administration assist the students in identifying and securing practicum placements at universities, biotechnology organizations and pharmaceutical companies. Practicum sites are available in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, Delaware, Virginia, Kentucky, North Carolina and Texas. The list expands every year. In many instances, the practicum sites have offered our students a permanent position within their organization upon completion of the MLAS degree. Students currently working in a laboratory animal facility, with a minimum of two years' experience are exempt from the Laboratory Animal Practicum (MLAS 801S) - 12.0 credits.

Career Opportunities

MLAS graduates hold positions in laboratory animal facilities of universities, biotechnology companies, government agencies and pharmaceutical companies. There they serve as veterinarians, supervisors, managers, IACUC administrators, trainers, educators, consultants and sales representatives.

Veterinary Medical School

Successful completion of the MLAS program can also significantly improve a student’s academic credentials for application to veterinary medical school. Please review our website for a comprehensive list of veterinary medical schools that have been attended by MLAS alumni.

Additional Information

Erin Vogelsong
Program Director, MLAS
Assistant Professor
Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences and Professional Studies
60 N. 36th Street, Room 10W16
Health Sciences Building
Philadelphia, PA 19104
Tel. 267.359.2329 | Fax: 215.762.7961
eev25@drexel.edu | drexel.edu/medicine

Admission Requirements

Students will be selected on the basis of adequate educational background and veterinary/ research/ animal care experience. 

Prerequisite coursework includes chemistry, biology, organic chemistry, and physics.

Candidates for admission must provide the following credentials:

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited U.S. college or university
• Cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher
• General Graduate Record Exam (GRE) scores at or above the 50th percentile in all areas obtained within the last 5 years
• Official transcript from all post-secondary institutions attended
• Three letters of reference, two must be from science professors
• Personal statement stating the applicant's academic and professional goals

The deadline for submission of applications is the second Friday in July of the year the student seeks admission.

Additional Information

For more information, please contact:

Erin Vogelsong
Program Director, MLAS
Assistant Professor
Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences and Professional Studies
College of Medicine
Drexel University
245 N. 15th St., Room 15305
Philadelphia, PA 19102
Tel. 215.762.7968 | Fax: 215-762-7961
Erin.Vogelsong@Drexel.edu | drexel.edu/medicine

Degree Requirements

The MLAS degree can be completed full-time in two years and one summer practicum, or part-time in three or less years. Students must successfully complete a minimum of 49.0 credit hours for graduation. A minimum grade point average of 3.0 is required for graduation as well as grades of "C" or better.

Sample Plan of Study

 Online MLAS Plan of Study

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Students will be able to satisfy this requirement with relevant laboratory animal science experience.

On Campus (Face-to-Face) MLAS Plan of Study

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Students will begin their practicum in the spring, but it may continue into the summer depending on their location.

Program Level Outcomes