MILWAUKEE, WI - Wisconsin Lutheran College (WLC) and the Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW) Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences have announced an early assurance direct admission and reverse transfer program that provides an accelerated route for full-time WLC students who successfully complete their public health program prerequisites and admission requirements to gain direct admission to MCW's Master of Public Health program.

“We are incredibly honored to have the opportunity to work with Wisconsin Lutheran College,” said Terry Brandenburg, program director of public health at MCW, “Now more than ever, developing influential public health leaders is incredibly essential to the welfare of our communities. Together, our two institutions can create the public health leaders of tomorrow.”

In only four years, WLC students can complete their Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in biology while concurrently earning a 15-credit graduate certificate in public health from MCW. After graduating from WLC, students can complete their Master of Public Health degree from MCW in just one year, nearly one year earlier than typical. This option relieves some of the financial burden of school tuition for students seeking to obtain both a bachelor's degree and a master's degree. Reverse transfer of MCW credits to WLC is only available to WLC biology majors, alleviating scheduling burdens; however, students from other majors may take advantage of the direct admission and dual-enrollment options, should it fit within their schedules.

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

About the Medical College of Wisconsin

With a history dating back to 1893, The Medical College of Wisconsin is dedicated to leadership and excellence in education, patient care, research and community engagement. More than 1,400 students are enrolled in MCW's medical school and graduate school programs in Milwaukee, Green Bay, and Central Wisconsin. MCW's School of Pharmacy opened in 2017. A major national research center, MCW is the largest research institution in the Milwaukee metro area and second largest in Wisconsin. In the last 10 years, faculty received more than $1.5 billion in external support for research, teaching, training, and related purposes. This total includes highly competitive research and training awards from the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Annually, MCW faculty direct or collaborate on more than 3,100 research studies, including clinical trials. Additionally, more than 1,600 physicians provide care in virtually every specialty of medicine for more than 2.8 million patients annually.

About Wisconsin Lutheran College

Wisconsin Lutheran College is an independent Christian college grounded in the liberal arts and located on the border of Milwaukee and Wauwatosa. Founded in 1973, it is committed to preparing the next generation of ethical Christian leaders for service in nearly any career field across the world. WLC serves more than 1,200 students in its traditional undergraduate, adult accelerated and online, and graduate studies programs. The college is recognized for its academic excellence and superior student experience and in 2020 was named a national College of Distinction.