Madison College and UW–Platteville entered into a partnership that will allow biotechnology students to earn a bachelor’s degree and a post-baccalaureate certificate in four years.

Under the terms of the “3.5 plus .5” agreement, qualified UW–Platteville students can finish their undergraduate degree by completing Madison College’s one-semester, intensive biotechnology post-baccalaureate certificate program. Madison College credits will then be transferred to UW–Platteville so students can complete the UW–Platteville undergraduate degree requirements while earning a post-baccalaureate certificate in biotechnology.

Officials at both institutions laud the agreement as an example of collaboration that maximizes the use of available resources — and the potential of students.

“This partnership also takes advantage of the strengths of each institution for the benefit of students who are pursuing a career in biotechnology,” said Terry Webb, Madison College provost. “Both schools have a reputation for offering a rigorous curriculum that teaches the knowledge and skills employers seek. By linking Madison College’s post-baccalaureate certificate with UW-Platteville’s four-year biotechnology program, students are fully equipped to enter the job market.”

“This articulation agreement will benefit both UW–Platteville and Madison College, but most importantly it will serve to benefit our students,” said Dennis J. Shields, chancellor of UW–Platteville. “Students who select this opportunity will be better prepared once they enter the workforce and will gain a distinct advantage on their counterparts.”

Qualified students will be eligible to participate in the program this fall.

“Our students will have access to the phenomenal biotechnology equipment and resources at Madison College while undergoing a semester long intensive training course in those areas,” said Dr. Wayne Weber, dean of the UW–Platteville College of Business, Industry, Life Science and Agriculture. “This will be especially beneficial to our students in the molecular genetics emphasis and/or those pursuing a biotechnology minor in the biology department, along with other students that want to build experiences in the biotechnology area.”

“We’re very excited to begin this arrangement with Madison College because we think it will provide some fantastic opportunities for some of our students,” said Dr. Jeff Huebschman, chair of the UW–Platteville Biology Department. “We’re impressed with the facilities and the staff in the biotechnology program at Madison College and we think our students will be too.”

This partnership is another opportunity to help the state find qualified graduates in the biochemistry field. “This program ties in directly with Wisconsin economic growth by giving students the training to close the skills gap for a significant growth industry in the state, and the nation,” said Weber. “This industry, according to the Battelle/BIO State Bioscience Industry Development report, is an important economic driver for the nation.”