Program for Undergraduate Research Experience (PURE)

Participation in PURE is contingent upon applicants being able to apply their experience to course credit attainment or towards their general degree completion. Applicants may be requested to interview with any faculty that may be considering their candidacy. Preference is given to those applicants with a 3.0 GPA or higher.

If selected, applicants must successfully pass a background check. Students are expected to devote a minimum of 8 hours (maximum of 20 hours) each week to their faculty mentor for the duration of their participation in the program. A weekly schedule will be determined and agreed upon between the faculty mentor and the student prior to the student starting the program. Students must provide their own means of transportation.

As of November 1, 2021, all MCW program participants must provide proof of being fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

While there are not any deadlines associated with applying to PURE, applicants are strongly encouraged to submit their online application at least one month prior to the start of the semester/term of which they are applying to PURE for. For example, if your Fall semester begins the first week of September, you should apply to PURE during the first week of August at the very latest.

In addition to the online application, applicants must submit two (2) letters of recommendation as well as transcript(s) from their current and any previously attended college/university. One of the two letters of recommendation must be written by a current or previous college professor, adviser, or tutor. Letters of recommendation written by family members will not be accepted.

Documents such as letters of recommendation and/or transcripts can be sent via email to pure@mcw.edu or to the following address:

MCW Graduate School (PURE)
8701 Watertown Plank Rd.
Milwaukee, WI 53226

The length of time that a student participates in PURE must begin and end within the semester/term of which they are applying to PURE for. Students are strongly encouraged to complete their time in PURE prior to their final exam week at the end of the semester/term. Applicants can participate in PURE for a maximum of what the equivalent of one full academic year would be at their college/university. Students must re-apply to PURE for any additional semesters/terms they wish to participate in.