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MCW Graduate School Information

About the Medical College of Wisconsin Graduate School

The MCW Graduate School offers master’s and doctoral degrees, certificate programs and postdoctoral education opportunities, along with the opportunity to train with nationally recognized biomedical and health researchers while contributing to cutting-edge, highly translational medical research and improved public and community health. We are a major component of the research engine of MCW that drives discovery, fueling the passion and creativity that lies within students and faculty to find solutions to the world’s most pressing health challenges.
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Welcome from the Dean

Daisy Sahoo

The School of Graduate Studies' primary mission is to provide graduate study and research training opportunities for degree-seeking students wishing to study in an interdisciplinary environment.

Daisy Sahoo, PhD
Dean of the School of Graduate Studies
Women in Science Endowed Professor
Professor of Medicine

Mission

The mission of MCW’s Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences is to provide world‐class research and training opportunities for students in the biomedical and health related sciences environment, which cultivates and integrates basic science and clinically oriented research, applied learning and community.

Graduate Student Outcomes

5.3
Average Years to Doctoral Degree Completion
2.6
Average Years to Masters Degree Completion
86%
PhD Student Success Rate
84%
Master's Degree Student Success Rate
Pie chart showing percentages of MCW PhD outcomes by title and industry

Helpful Links for MCW Graduate Students

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Admissions

Explore our admissions process, discover our programs, and take the next step toward advancing your future with us.

Admissions
Doctoral Programs

Programs and Degree Requirements

Read the academic bulletin for PhD degree programs, Interdisciplinary degree programs, Master's degree programs, and Certificate programs.

Academic Bulletin
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Tuition and Fees

View the MCW tuition and fees schedule, financial aid options, and due dates.

Tuition and fees for graduate school
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Office of the Registrar

Important resources regarding academic calendars, handbooks, catalogs, schedule of classes, transcripts, verifications, and links to forms.

Students
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Policies

MCW's policies, and federal and state laws and regulations for employees, learners, students, and applicants.

Policies
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Student Handbook

This handbook provides information on the important rules and regulations surrounding your graduate study.

2025-2026 Graduate School Handbook

History of the MCW Graduate School

The MCW Graduate School provides over 30 PhD, Master and Certificate programs in six academic disciplines meeting the needs of students who are either beginning their careers or looking to advance in their careers.

MCW’s Graduate School traces its beginnings to June 1936 with the conferral of the first non-MD graduate degrees from medical departments in the Marquette University School of Medicine. This 2016 marks the 80th anniversary of the beginning of graduate education in the biomedical sciences at what is today the Medical College of Wisconsin.

  • On September 30, 1967, Marquette University, due to financial constraints, terminated its sponsorship of the medical school and graduate degree programs offered by medical departments. The institution became a freestanding medical school, offering graduate degree programs in the biomedical sciences and was renamed Marquette School of Medicine. On October 14, the institution was renamed to the Medical College of Wisconsin.

  • In January 1995, the MCW Board of Trustees formally established the School of Graduate Studies as an academic school that was separate and distinct from the School of Medicine. William L. Hendee, PhD, who also served as Senior Associate Dean for Research, was named Founding Dean of the Graduate School; a position he held until 2006.

  • In September 2007, Owen Griffith, PhD, Professor and Chair of MCW’s Department of Biochemistry, was named Dean of the Graduate School, after having served as Interim Dean. He served as Dean until 2010.

  • In May 2010, Ravi Misra, PhD, Professor of Biochemistry, was named Dean of the Graduate School.

  • Since 2011, the MCW School of Graduate Studies has conferred approximately 170 PhD and 230 Master degrees.

  • In February 2024, Daisy Sahoo, PhD, Professor of Medicine and Vice Chair of Research, was named Dean of the Graduate School.

  • Today, the MCW Graduate School provides over 30 PhD, Master and Certificate programs in six academic disciplines meeting the needs of students who are either beginning their careers or looking to advance in their careers.

Contact Us

Have questions about our graduate programs, admissions, or academic requirements? Our team is here to help you every step of the way. Whether you're a prospective student, current applicant, or current student, we welcome your inquiries.

Graduate School Office
Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW)
Health Research Center, Suite H220
8701 Watertown Plank Rd.
Milwaukee, WI 53226

(414) 955-8218
gradadmissions@mcw.edu

You can also reach out to specific programs for detailed information regarding your area of interest.