Precision Medicine (4+1 Dual-Degree)

Years 1–3 | Build your scientific foundation at WLC

Choose one of three eligible WLC majors:

• Biology
• Biochemistry
• Neuroscience

During your first three years, you'll work toward completing at least 90 undergraduate credits while building the scientific background necessary for graduate study.

To qualify for the direct-admission pathway, your preparation must include coursework in genetics and molecular biology, completed with a grade of C or better.

Coursework in cell biology, microbial pathogenesis, and immunology also is beneficial preparation, although it is not required for admission to the program.

Year 4 | WLC + MCW dual enrollment

During your senior year, you'll begin graduate coursework in MCW's Master of Science in Precision Medicine program while remaining enrolled through WLC.

The program's planned MCW coursework includes:

Fall

• Introduction to Precision Medicine — 3 credits
• Medical Genetics, Undiagnosed, and Rare Diseases — 3 credits

Spring

• Pharmacogenomics — 3 credits

Up to 9 graduate credits from MCW may transfer back to WLC and apply toward the elective and total-credit requirements for your bachelor's degree.

After satisfying WLC's degree requirements and completing 120 total credits from WLC and applicable MCW coursework, you'll earn your WLC bachelor's degree.

Year 5 | Complete your M.S. in Precision Medicine

You'll continue your graduate studies through MCW and complete the remaining coursework for the 30-credit Master of Science in Precision Medicine.

The planned sequence includes:

Fall

• Bioethics in Precision Medicine — 3 credits
• Cancer Precision Medicine — 3 credits
• Introduction to Health Care Informatics — 3 credits

Spring

• Epigenomics — 3 credits
• 'Omics Technology in Precision Medicine — 3 credits
• Precision Medicine Research Plan — 3 credits

Summer

• Precision Medicine Master's Thesis — 3 credits

Upon successful completion of MCW's degree and progression requirements, you'll earn your Master of Science in Precision Medicine from the Medical College of Wisconsin.

The course sequence shown is based on the planned dual-degree schedule and may vary for individual students.

Admission to the dual-degree pathway requires careful planning beginning early in your WLC experience.

To remain eligible for direct admission to MCW's Master of Science in Precision Medicine program, students must:

• Major in biology, biochemistry, or neuroscience at WLC.
• Earn a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA in WLC coursework.
• Maintain full-time enrollment at WLC as required by the agreement.
• Complete required coursework in genetics and molecular biology with grades of C or better.
• Complete the undergraduate requirements specified for the pathway within the program timeline.
• Apply to MCW during your junior year, preferably before the end of the academic year so you can receive an admission decision before registering for fall classes. The final deadline to submit all required application materials is July 1 following your junior year. Application materials include:
  • an official transcript;
  • three letters of reference; and
  • a personal statement.
• Meet MCW School of Graduate Studies admission requirements.
• If provisionally admitted, submit the required MCW enrollment deposit and complete all remaining admission requirements.
• Meet applicable MCW citizenship or lawful permanent residency requirements and institutional policies.

Because this is an accelerated pathway, students interested in Precision Medicine should work with their WLC academic advisor early to develop an appropriate course plan.

Your graduate curriculum connects foundational biomedical science with some of the technologies and questions shaping contemporary medicine.

Genetics and rare disease

Explore how genomic information can help scientists and healthcare professionals understand inherited conditions, undiagnosed disorders, and rare diseases.

Pharmacogenomics

Study how genetic differences among individuals can affect responses to medications and inform more individualized approaches to drug therapy.

Cancer precision medicine

Examine the molecular basis of cancer and the role of genetic alterations and precision assays in cancer diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment.

Epigenomics

Investigate biological changes affecting gene activity and how environmental influences can interact with mechanisms beyond the DNA sequence itself.

'Omics technologies

Explore genomics, transcriptomics, bioinformatics, functional genomics, and other technologies used to investigate the molecular basis of disease.

Health care informatics

Develop a broader understanding of how information and data are used within health care environments.

Bioethics

Consider the ethical, philosophical, clinical, and public-policy questions created by advances in precision medicine.

Research and thesis

Develop a precision medicine research question, create a research plan, and complete a master's thesis under faculty mentorship.

What degrees will I earn?

Students who successfully complete all requirements earn a bachelor's degree from Wisconsin Lutheran College in biology, biochemistry, or neuroscience and a Master of Science in Precision Medicine from the Medical College of Wisconsin.

How long does the WLC-MCW Precision Medicine dual-degree program take?

The pathway is designed to be completed in five years: approximately three years of undergraduate study at WLC, one year of WLC/MCW dual enrollment, and a final year completing the M.S. in Precision Medicine curriculum.

Which WLC majors qualify?

This pathway is available to qualified students majoring in biology, biochemistry, or neuroscience at Wisconsin Lutheran College.

Is admission to MCW automatic?

No. Students must satisfy all academic, application, interview, and institutional requirements for the direct-admission program. Qualified WLC students who meet the program's criteria have a defined direct-admission pathway to MCW's School of Graduate Studies.

What GPA do I need?

Students must maintain at least a 3.0 cumulative GPA on a 4.0 scale in coursework completed at WLC.

Are there prerequisite courses?

Yes. Students must complete coursework in genetics and molecular biology with grades of C or better. Coursework in cell biology, microbial pathogenesis, and immunology is beneficial but is not required under the agreement.

Are the MCW Precision Medicine courses online?

Yes. MCW currently delivers its Precision Medicine coursework online.

Do my MCW graduate credits count toward my WLC bachelor's degree?

Up to 9 MCW School of Graduate Studies credits completed during the dual-enrollment portion of the program may transfer back to WLC and apply toward WLC elective and total-credit requirements.

How many credits is the M.S. in Precision Medicine?
MCW's Master of Science in Precision Medicine consists of 30 graduate credits.

Does the master's program include research?

Yes. The curriculum includes a Precision Medicine Research Plan and concludes with a Precision Medicine Master's Thesis.

How does tuition work during the program?

During the dual-enrollment year, students pay tuition to Wisconsin Lutheran College. After transitioning to full-time graduate enrollment at MCW, students pay tuition to MCW according to its published tuition rate and policies.