Medical College of Wisconsin Graduate School Requirements

Access the online application here. A $50 application fee is required. Instructions for submission are provided in the system. Materials may be submitted in any order, but applicants should ensure all items are received by their program’s priority deadline.

Application fee waivers are available to those who within the last three (3) years have:

• Participated in a MCW high school and/or undergraduate research experience
• Received, or can provide proof of eligibility for, a GRE Fee Reduction Certificate
• Attended a MCW Graduate School fair
• Attended and presented at a local, regional or national conference/meeting (i.e. ABRCMS, NCUR, etc.)

Eligibility can be indicated within the online application. The need for supporting documentation may be required to verify fee waiver eligibility.

Official or unofficial transcript(s) from all current and previously attended colleges/universities. Applicants are encouraged to arrange for their transcript(s) to be sent early to ensure timely receipt by the MCW Graduate School.

Submission Options:
By mail:
MCW Graduate School
8701 Watertown Plank Rd.
Milwaukee, WI 53226

By email: gradadmissions@mcw.edu

Transcripts sent via email should be sent through one of the following approved third party vendors:

• E-Scrip Safe
• Parchment
• National Student Clearinghouse

Be advised that the following programs require official transcripts at the application submission stage:

• Interdisciplinary Program in Biomedical Sciences (PhD)
• Microbiology & Immunology (PhD) – International applicants only
• Physiology (PhD)
• Pharmacology & Toxicology (PhD)
• Public & Community Health (PhD)

While no minimum GPA is required, a 3.0 or higher (on a 4.0 scale) is recommended for competitive consideration. Applicants with a GPA below 3.0 may still be considered based on professional, extracurricular, and relevant program-related experiences.

• Test scores are not required for most programs.
• The following programs still require test scores:
  • Biostatistics (PhD): GRE
  • Medical Physiology: MCAT
• Any test score such as the GRE (ETS code: 1519) and MCAT scores can be emailed to gradadmissions@mcw.edu.
  • Include verification code and account number
• Competitive scores: GRE at or above the 50th percentile in all sections.
• Applicants with a terminal degree may request a test score exemption via email.
• Those required to take the GRE are encouraged to explore ETS Fee Reduction options.

• Applicants request recommendations through the online application; recommenders receive an email with submission instructions.
• Applicants must ensure letters are submitted by their program’s priority deadline.
• Submission options:
  • Online system (preferred)
  • Email: gradadmissions@mcw.edu
  • Mail:
    • MCW Graduate School
      8701 Watertown Plank Rd.
      Milwaukee, WI 53226
• Letters must be submitted directly by the recommender (not the applicant or a third party).
• Family members or healthcare providers should not submit recommendation letters.

• Must provide documentation from their home institution approving enrollment in the desired course(s).
• Send documentation to gradschool@mcw.edu.
• Submit the online application by the program’s priority deadline; applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.
• No application fee is required.
• No additional materials are needed beyond the application and home institution approval.

• Includes anyone residing outside the U.S. or studying in the U.S. on a visa.
• Applicants are responsible for maintaining and providing visa documentation as requested.
• Must submit official transcripts (and English translations, if applicable) showing all coursework and proof of graduation.
• Transcripts must include institutional seals/stamps and official signatures.
• Third-party credentialing services are accepted, and all records are subject to verification by MCW.

• Required for international applicants not enrolled in or graduated from a U.S.-based (non-online) program.
• Accepted tests (valid up to 2 years):
  • Duolingo (recommended score of 105 or higher)
  • IELTS (recommended score of 6.0 or higher)
  • TOEFL (recommended score of 100 or higher)
• Exemptions may be granted for applicants from institutions where English is the primary language of instruction.
  • Submit written exemption requests to gradadmissions@mcw.edu after applying.

• MCW Graduate School generally admits students after completion of their current graduate degree, but transfers may be considered in special circumstances.
• Eligibility conditions:
  • Academic status at the current institution must be clearly documented, and reasons for transfer disclosed.
  • PhD candidates must provide three letters of recommendation: from their current mentor/research advisor, Graduate School Dean or Program Director, and another who can appraise their work.
• If approved, MCW will compare completed coursework with program requirements to determine remaining courses.
• The applicant must meet the following requirements of an MCW degree program regardless of whether any have been fulfilled elsewhere:
  • Two (2) semesters of full-time study.
  • Completion of the qualifying examination
  • Completion of the thesis/dissertation under regulations which exist within the MCW Graduate School and the program

• Only courses that directly apply to your MCW program may be considered for transfer, and approval is not guaranteed.
• Talk to your advisor before requesting transfers or taking courses you hope to transfer.
• To transfer credits earned before admission (including MCW courses), submit the “Application for Transfer of Credit” during your first semester.
• Include official transcripts and course syllabi from the transfer institution.
• You’ll be notified in writing about which credits are accepted.

• Certificate Programs: No credits may be transferred in from other institutions. Up to 6 credits taken at MCW as a non-degree student may transfer.
• From Certificate to Degree: Credits transfer automatically if matriculating in a degree program within 1 year of completing the certificate. Transfers after 1 year require approval; generally, courses older than 3 years are not accepted.
• Master’s Programs: Maximum transfer is the larger of 10 credits or 1/3 of required graduate credits, including MCW and other institutions’ coursework.
• Doctoral Programs: Maximum transfer is 20 credits, including MCW and other institutions’ coursework.
• General Rules:
  • Only courses with a B (3.0) or higher are eligible.
  • Pass/Fail courses are not eligible.
  • Credits older than 5 years cannot be transferred.
  • Credits already applied to another graduate/professional degree cannot transfer, but may inform alternative course selections.

Use this form to request the transfer of graduate-level credits earned at another accredited institution toward your current MCW Graduate School program.

Transfer of Credit Request Form (PDF)