Illinois State University Articulation Agreement
This serves to record the understanding between Illinois State University (ISU) and Midwestern University (MWU) Glendale and Downers Grove campuses. Beginning with the class matriculating in Fall 2026, the MWU Programs agree to guarantee interviews for qualified ISU applicants in all programs except the College of Graduate Studies. The College of Graduate Studies in Downers Grove and Glendale both agree to guarantee acceptance into their programs for qualified applicants.
Requirements for Midwestern University Programs
As a condition precedent to receiving an interview or acceptance for MWU Programs, Applicants must meet all the requirements set forth below before the academic year commences for the incoming class:
- Have received, or be on track to complete and provide proof of completion by matriculation at MWU, a baccalaureate degree from ISU, if required by the program; and,
- Have completed the minimum number of the prerequisite courses ( as stated in the MWU Catalog) in the prescribed subject areas at a regionally accredited college or university with a grade of "C" ( or its equivalent) or better before the program begins; and,
- Have the ability to successfully fulfill all technical standards for the desired program; and,
- Demonstrate a good understanding of the desired profession and a sincere interest in a career in the field, including shadowing at least one ( 1) health care professional prior to admission; and,
- Medically-related experiences that indicate sufficient exposure for candidates to make informed decisions about medical careers; and,
- Personal integrity and sound moral character; and,
- Reflect a people/service orientation through community service or extracurricular activities; and,
- Abide by the MWU Drug-Free Workplace and Substance Abuse Policy; and,
- Pass a criminal background check; and,
- Meet all other requirements set forth by MWU, including requirements documented in the catalog, student handbook, and this Agreement.
Additional considerations
International students
- Must complete a minimum of thirty (30) semester hours of coursework in the United States. Of the thirty (30) semester hours, fifteen (15) hours must be in the sciences, six (6) hours must be in non-remedial English composition, and three (3) hours in Speech/Communication.
- Additional requirements for international students that have been accepted into Midwestern University Programs are included in the matriculation agreement. These requirements are in addition to any specific MWU Program requirement.
Final decisions
The final decision on acceptance for Applicants shall be up to the sole discretion of the Program Admissions Committee, subject to approval by the Dean and/or Program Director.
Limitations
- No Guarantee: This Admissions and Articulation Agreement does not guarantee admission to Applicants and does not imply that Applicants will receive favorable treatment from the MWU Programs. MWU reserves the right to deny Applicants admission.
- Non-Exclusive: The arrangements contained in this Admissions and Articulation Agreement are non-exclusive. MWU and ISU may enter into similar agreements with other entities.
- Other Colleges/Programs: This Admissions and Articulation Agreement does not apply to MWU colleges and programs not expressly identified herein.
- Use of Intellectual Property: ISU and its affiliates will obtain written approval and authorization from the MWU Office of University Relations prior to using the MWU’s name, marks, copyrights, or any other intellectual property, for any purpose. ISU shall provide drafts of all promotional materials to MWU for review and approval prior to use.
- No Third-Party Beneficiary: This Agreement is intended for the benefit of ISU and MWU only, and is not for the benefit of, nor may any provision hereof be enforced by, any other person or entity, including the applicant.
Although we anticipate a long and mutually satisfying relationship between our two educational institutions, this agreement may be discontinued for any reason providing that written notice is given twelve (12) months prior to such discontinuation and that those students who have been accepted under this agreement be permitted to complete their course of study.
Participating MWU Colleges/Programs
- College of Graduate Studies
- Biomedical Sciences and Precision Medicine
- College of Health Sciences - Downers Grove
- Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, and Physician Assistant Studies
- College of Health Sciences - Glendale
- Occupational Therapy and Physical Therapy
- College of Optometry
- College of Osteopathic Medicine
- College of Pharmacy
- College of Podiatric Medicine
- College of Veterinary Medicine
Program Specific Requirements for Qualified Illinois State University Students
Review specific requirements for your college/program of interest.
Graduate Studies Requirements for ISU Students
In addition to the requirements set forth in section “Requirements For All MWU Programs” above, Applicants must also meet the following requirements on the Admission below to receive a guaranteed acceptance with College of Graduate Studies (CGS) Glendale and/or Downers Grove programs:
Master of Arts in Biomedical Sciences (M.A.)
- Achieve a minimum of a 3.30 cumulative grade point average (on a 4.00 = A scale) in the respective Applicant’s undergraduate coursework (with a 3.00 cumulative grade point average in sciences); and,
- Complete a PostbacCAS application by June 1st; and,
- Provide one (1) letter of recommendation that can provide supportive comments regarding the academic readiness of the Applicant.
Master of Biomedical Sciences (M.B.S.)
- Achieve a minimum of a 3.00 cumulative grade point average (on a 4.00 = A scale) in the respective Applicant’s undergraduate coursework (with a 3.00 cumulative grade point average in sciences); and,
- Complete a PostbacCAS application by June 1st; and,
- Provide one (1) letter of recommendation that can provide supportive comments regarding the academic readiness of the Applicant.
Master of Science in Precision Medicine, Online Dual Degree
- Achieve a minimum of a 3.25 cumulative grade point average (on a 4.00 = A scale) in the respective Applicant’s undergraduate coursework;
- Complete a Precision Medicine Program MS application by April 15th;
- Admission to another Midwestern University program; and,
- Provide a personal statement that describes (1) their understanding of what precision medicine is and (2) how they believe it will help them in their current or future career
Post-Graduate Certificate in Precision Medicine, Online Stand-Alone or Online Dual Track)
- Achieve a minimum of a 3.25 cumulative grade point average (on a 4.00 = A scale) in the respective Applicant’s undergraduate coursework;
- Complete a Precision Medicine Program Post-Graduate Certificate application by April 15th;
- Admission to another Midwestern University program if dual track;
- Curriculum vitae if applying to stand-alone option; and,
- Provide a personal statement that describes (1) their understanding of what precision medicine is and (2) how they believe it will help them in their current or future career.
Health Sciences - Downers Grove Requirements for ISU Students
In addition to the requirements set forth in section “Requirements For All MWU Programs” above, Applicants must also meet the following requirements to receive an interview with College of Health Sciences (CHS) - Downers Grove.
Doctor of Occupational Therapy and Master of Occupational Therapy - Downers Grove, IL
- Achieve a minimum of a 3.50 cumulative grade point average (on a 4.00 = A scale) in the respective Applicant’s undergraduate coursework; and,
- Must complete an online application to OTCAS website by September 1st; and,
- Refer to the OTCAS application instructions for specific details about completing the application, required documents, and processing time; and,
- Must submit a minimum of two (2) letters of recommendation directly to OTCAS. The Office of Admissions will only accept letters of recommendation received directly from OTCAS. It is preferred that one (1) of the submitted letters is written by an occupational therapist who has supervised or mentored the Applicant or is a professional who can speak to the Applicant’s motivation, experiences in occupational therapy or readiness for entering the Occupational Therapy Program. The second letter can be written by either a college professor who taught the Applicant or a pre-health advisor who knows the Applicant well; and,
- Refer to OTCAS application instructions for specific guidelines and requirements for submitting letters of recommendation.
Physical Therapy - Downers Grove, IL
- Achieve a minimum of a 3.50 cumulative grade point average (on a 4.00 = A scale) in the respective Applicant’s undergraduate coursework (with a 3.10 cumulative grade point average in sciences); and,
- Must complete an online application to PTCAS website by September 1st; and,
- The PTCAS application includes instructions for specific details about completing the application, required documents, and processing time; and,
- Must submit a minimum of three (3) letters of recommendation directly to PTCAS. It is preferred that one (1) letter is written by a licensed physical therapist. The other two (2) letters can be written by pre-health advisory committee, pre-health advisor, or a college professor who knows the Applicant well; and,
- Applicants should refer to the PTCAS application instructions for specific guidelines and requirements for submitting letters of recommendation.
Physician Assistant Studies - Downers Grove, IL
- Achieve a minimum of a 3.60 cumulative grade point average (on a 4.00 = A scale) in the respective Applicant’s undergraduate coursework (with a 3.70 cumulative grade point average in sciences); and,
- Complete a minimum of 500 patient contact hours; and,
- Complete the CASPER SJT examination at the time of application.
Health Sciences - Glendale Requirements for ISU Students
In addition to the requirements set forth in section “Requirements For All MWU Programs” above, Applicants must also meet the following requirements to receive an interview with College of Health Sciences (CHS) -Glendale:
Occupational Therapy - Glendale, AZ
- Achieve a minimum of a 3.50 cumulative grade point average (on a 4.00 = A scale) in the respective Applicant’s undergraduate coursework; and,
- Must complete an online application to OTCAS website by September 1st; and,
- Refer to the OTCAS application instructions for specific details about completing the application, required documents, and processing time; and,
- Must submit a minimum of two (2) letters of recommendation directly to OTCAS. The Office of Admissions will only accept letters of recommendation received directly from OTCAS. It is preferred that one (1) of the submitted letters is written by an occupational therapist who has supervised or mentored the Applicant or is a professional who can speak to the Applicant’s motivation, experiences in occupational therapy or readiness for entering the Occupational Therapy Program. The second letter can be written by either a college professor who taught the Applicant or a pre-health advisor who knows the Applicant well; and,
- Refer to OTCAS application instructions for specific guidelines and requirements for submitting letters of recommendation.
Physical Therapy - Glendale, AZ
- Achieve a minimum of a 3.50 cumulative grade point average (on a 4.00 = A scale) in the respective Applicant’s undergraduate coursework (with a 3.10 cumulative grade point average in sciences); and,
- Must complete an online application to PTCAS website by September 1st; and,
- The PTCAS application includes instructions for specific details about completing the application, required documents, and processing time; and,
- Must submit a minimum of three (3) letters of recommendation directly to PTCAS. It is preferred that one (1) letter is written by a licensed physical therapist. The other two (2) letters can be written by pre-health advisory committee, pre-health advisor, or a college professor who knows the Applicant well; and,
- Applicants should refer to the PTCAS application instructions for specific guidelines and requirements for submitting letters of recommendation.
Optometry Requirements for ISU Students
In addition to the requirements set forth in section “Requirements For All MWU Programs” above, Applicants must also meet the following requirements to receive an interview with Arizona College of Optometry (AZCOPT) and/or Chicago College of Optometry (CCO):
- Must meet all admissions requirements of either AZCOPT and/or CCO for which Applicant is applying; and,
- Achieve a minimum of a 3.25 cumulative grade point average (on a 4.00 = A scale) in the respective Applicant’s undergraduate coursework; and,
- Complete the Optometry Admission Test (OAT) within the last five (5) years with minimum Academic Average and Total Science scores of 300; and,
- Must complete an online application at the Centralized Application Service for Optometry (OptomCAS) website by April 1st.
Osteopathic Medicine Requirements for ISU Students
In addition to the requirements outlined in section "Requirements For All MWU Programs" above, Applicants must also meet the following criteria to receive an interview with Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine (AZCOM) and/or Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine (CCOM).
- Achieve a minimum of a 3.50 cumulative grade point average (on a 4.00 scale) in the respective Applicant's undergraduate coursework (with a 3.60 cumulative grade point average in sciences); and,
- Receive a score of 504 or higher on the Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT) within the three (3) years prior to anticipated matriculation at MWU; and,
- Complete an online application at the American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine Application Services (AACOMAS). More information can be found on the AACOMAS website.
Pharmacy Requirements for ISU Students
In addition to the requirements set forth in section “Requirements For All MWU Programs” above, Applicants must also meet the following requirements to receive an interview with College of Pharmacy - Glendale, AZ (CPG) and/or College of Pharmacy - Downers Grove, IL (CPDG):
- Achieve a minimum of a 3.00 cumulative grade point average (on a 4.00 = A scale) in the respective Applicant’s undergraduate coursework; and,
- Must complete an online application at the Pharmacy College Application Service (PharmCAS) website by April 1st for the summer enrollment (June).
Podiatric Medicine Requirements for ISU Students
In addition to the requirements set forth in section "Requirements For All MWU Programs" above, Applicants must also meet the following requirements to receive an interview with Arizona College of Podiatric Medicine (AZCPM):
- Achieve a minimum of a 3.50 cumulative grade point average (on a 4.00 = A scale) in the respective Applicant’s undergraduate coursework (with a 3.60 cumulative grade point average in sciences); and,
- Receive a score of 495 or higher on the Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT) within the three (3) years prior to anticipated matriculation at MWU; and,
- Must complete an online application at the Centralized Application service for Podiatry (AACPMAS) website by May 1st.
Veterinary Medicine Requirements for ISU Students
In addition to the requirements set forth in section “Requirements For All MWU Programs” above, Applicants must also meet the following requirements to receive an interview with the College of Veterinary Medicine, Glendale (CVM):
- Achieve a minimum of a 3.40 cumulative grade point average (on a 4.00 = A scale) in the respective Applicant’s undergraduate coursework; and,
- Must complete an online application at the Centralized Veterinary Medical College Application Service (VMCAS) website by September 15th; and,
- Must submit a minimum of three (3) letters of recommendation from professionals who know the Applicant well to VMCAS, one (1) letter must be provided from a veterinarian; and,
- Provide to VMCAS official transcripts from every undergraduate, graduate, or professional school attended. Each transcript must be signed and sealed by the registrar of each institution.
Learn More About MWU
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