Conceptual image of scientist examining malaria virus in petri dish

Public Health (Certificate and Dual-Degree)

Complete your Bachelor of Science degree in biology from WLC, while concurrently earning a 15-credit graduate certificate in public health from the Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW). After graduating from WLC, you can complete your Master of Public Health degree from MCW in just one year, nearly one year earlier than typical — saving you time and money!

Our partnership with MCW's Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences provides a route for direct admission to MCW's Master of Public Health program for WLC students successfully meeting prerequisite and admission requirements for dual-enrollment. Reverse transfer of MCW credits to WLC is only available to WLC biology majors; however, we encourage students from other majors to take advantage of direct admission and dual-enrollment options, should it fit within their schedule.

The Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW)

Established in 1986, the Master of Public Health (MPH) program at MCW has had a highly successful history of helping students reach their educational goals, increasing their knowledge, and furthering their careers. 

The mission of the MPH program is to cultivate socially responsible and effective leaders through community-academic collaboration in education, research, and service to achieve equity and advance the health of the public. 

MCW is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and the Liaison Committee on Medical Education. The MPH program is also individually accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health.

Explore the MPH Program at MCW

Students participating in the 4+1 dual-degree program will be awarded their Bachelor of Science degree from WLC and graduate certificate from MCW after meeting the following requirements:

  • Successful completion of degree requirements for graduation as outlined in the WLC catalog, including at least 120 successful credit hours, comprised of WLC and MCW credits.
  • Successful completion of five online, graduate-level MCW courses (15 credits), taken during your senior year at WLC. Nine credits will reverse transfer to WLC. Successful completion of all 15 credits results in a graduate certificate in public health at MCW. Credits apply toward a Master of Public Health degree.
  • Students are responsible for requesting official MCW transcripts be sent to WLC.

Students admitted to the dual-degree direct-admission program must meet the following requirements to be guaranteed admission in to the MCW Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences:

  • Earn a grade of C or better in all prerequisite courses in the areas of biology, statistics, and writing.
  • Maintain a minimum 3.00 cumulative undergraduate GPA at WLC.
  • Enroll full-time (12 or more credit hours) each semester at WLC, completing all requirements within three years of the date of initial enrollment at WLC, unless otherwise agreed to by the parties in writing due to extenuating circumstances.
  • Meet all MCW Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences minimum admission requirements. 
  • By April 1 of junior year of study at WLC, file an application with the MCW Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, including a personal statement, at least three letters of support from faculty, and official transcripts. 
  • Participate in a pre-matriculation interview with an MCW representative.
  • Receive notification from MCW of an admission decision. 
  • Pay the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences deposit by June 1 of the year in which matriculation will occur.
  • Maintain appropriate citizenship or lawful permanent residency. 
  • Comply with applicable laws and MCW institutional and Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences policies, procedures, and guidelines.