2025–2026 Bulletin Addendum MS in Pathology Laboratory Sciences

The Master of Science in Pathology Laboratory Sciences program focuses on the basic science and laboratory techniques of pathology and related disciplines. The master’s program was founded in 2003 by Dr. Adrianne Rogers, professor emeritus of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine and current chair of the department Christopher Andry, MPhil, PhD, Professor of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine. Graduates are prepared to work in basic science, biotechnology, clinical pathology, and other biomedical research laboratories designing, performing, and evaluating research. Students learn to prepare and evaluate animal or human cells and tissues for the effects of test compounds, devices, or procedures using morphologic, molecular, and other methods.

Techniques include macroscopic, microscopic, and molecular and ultrastructural techniques for examination of cells and tissues, including histochemical staining and immunohistochemical staining, immunofluorescence, and molecular methods; and certain clinical chemistry, hematological and immunological, methods for examination of blood tissue or other bodily fluids or extracts. Offerings include, but are not limited to, 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), molecular techniques, proteomics, and confocal or electron microscopy, image analysis, and virtual pathology. Students learn and rotate in modern, well-equipped laboratories on the BU Medical Campus and at Boston Medical Center.

Curriculum

Candidates are required to complete a minimum of four term courses (32 unit hours) at the graduate level, including an original laboratory-based or literature-based capstone. The degree program is usually completed within two years. Attendance at Pathology Seminar is required but only for units in the second year. Students formally present a topic of choice to the department in the second-year spring term.

Requirements by Topic

Updated curriculum is consistent with the currently approved program alternatives.

Pathology

• GMS PA 510 Medical Immunology (2 units, spring)
• GMS PA 700 Introduction to Pathology and Pathophysiology of Disease (4 units, spring)
• GMS PA 800 A1 Pathology Seminar (2 units)
• GMS PA 801 Pathology Special Topics (2 units) (offered every other spring)
• GMS PA 810/811 The Business of Science (2 units)
• GMS PA 900 Pathology Laboratory Rotations (2 units)
• GMS PA 901 Pathology Research (varies, 2–10 units)
• GMS PA 910 Human Biospecimens for Research (2 units) (offered every other spring)
• GMS PA 932 Histopathology (4 units)

Biochemistry

• GMS BI 751 Biochemistry and Cell Biology (6 units, fall) or GMS BI 752 General Biochemistry and Cell Biology (4 units, fall)

Biostatistics

• GMS MS 750 Biostatistics (2 units, fall) or GMS MS 700 (2 units, fall or spring)

Electives

GMS offers a selection of electives for your second year of study; to be approved by the program director.

Proposed Course of Study

First-Year Fall Term

• GMS BI 752 General Biochemistry and Cell Biology (4 units)
• GMS MS 750 Biostatistics (2 units)
• GMS PA 900 Laboratory Rotations in Pathology (2 units)
• GMS PA 932 Histopathology (4 units)

Total units: 12

First-Year Spring Term

• GMS PA 510 Medical Immunology (2 units)
• GMS PA 700 Basic and Experimental Pathology (4 units)
• GMS PA 801 Special Topics in Pathology (2 units) (offered every other year)
• GMS PA 901 Research in Pathology (4 units)
• GMS PA 910 Human Biospecimens for Research (2 units) (offered every other year)

Total units: 12

Second-Year Fall Term

• GMS PA 800 Pathology Seminar (2 units)
• GMS PA 810/811 Seminars in Business of Science (2 units)

Second-Year Spring Term

• GMS PA 901 Laboratory Research (4 units)