MATC strengthens and streamlines transfer partnership with UWM

Students with associate degrees can seamlessly transfer 60 credits using a new, simpler process

Mark Feldmann, feldmam1@matc.edu

January 23, 2024

MATC - UWM transfer

We hope these agreements will bolster the number of transfers and will make the entire region stronger.

Vicki J. Martin, Ph.D. MATC President

Milwaukee Area Technical College’s long-standing transfer partnership with the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (UWM) has become stronger and sleeker.

UWM this week announced agreements with MATC, Waukesha County Technical College, Moraine Park Technical College and Gateway Technical College that guarantee eligible associate degree graduates admission to UWM and a seamless transfer of at least 60 credits toward a bachelor’s degree at the university.

Officials from the five institutions gathered at UWM’s Lubar Entrepreneurship Center on Tuesday, January 23, to sign and celebrate the agreements.

See coverage of the signing:

Beginning in the summer of 2024, MATC students with an associate degree and at least a 2.0 GPA will:
  • Be guaranteed admission to UWM.
  • Need to complete only a brief, free intent form rather than a lengthier, formal admission application.
  • Be guaranteed transfer of at least 60 credits toward a bachelor’s degree at UWM. 

“As the largest source of transfer students for UWM, MATC is proud to join our colleagues at our sister technical colleges in strengthening this transfer process by making it easier and increasing the credits allowed while also expanding transfer options for students in our career-oriented associate of applied science programs,” said MATC President Vicki J. Martin, Ph.D.

MATC and UWM have been transfer partners since 1934, Dr. Martin said. In the fall of 2023, 205 MATC students transferred to UWM. “Our students have gone on and done exceedingly well,” she said. “They have been very successful.”

UWM requires a minimum of 120 credits for a bachelor’s degree, so under the new agreements, most incoming associate degree holders will be halfway to graduating. 

“Students won’t worry about potentially wasted credit; they will have less debt and be prepared for success,” Dr. Martin said. “We hope these agreements will bolster the number of transfers and will make the entire region stronger.”

The new agreements represent the most direct way for associate degree holders to work toward a UWM bachelor’s degree, said UWM Chancellor Mark Mone, Ph.D. He called previous transfer procedures a bit cumbersome and added that the new agreements resolve many of those issues. 

“We’ve had artificial barriers,” he said. “These agreements sidestep that.” 

Students interested in transferring will fill out the form and UWM admissions counselors will meet with them to create a personalized plan for their guaranteed 60 transfer credits.

Need to apply to MATC? https://www.matc.edu/apply/

Already at MATC and ready to apply to UWM? Visit https://uwm.edu/undergrad-admission/apply/transfer/associate-to-bachelors-degree/

About MATC: Wisconsin’s largest technical college and one of the most diverse two-year institutions in the Midwest, Milwaukee Area Technical College is a key driver of southeastern Wisconsin’s economy and has provided innovative education in the region since 1912. Nearly 30,000 students per year attend the college’s four campuses and community-based sites or learn online. MATC offers affordable and accessible education and training opportunities that empower and transform lives in the community. The college offers more than 180 academic programs; and transfer options leading to bachelor’s degrees with more than 40 four-year colleges and universities. Overwhelmingly, MATC graduates build careers and businesses in southeastern Wisconsin. The college is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.