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Wartburg College President Darrel Colson and Western Illinois University President Jack Thomas sign the Memorandum of Understanding between the institutions.
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WIU-QC, Wartburg College Agreement Offer Integrated History/Museum Studies Bachelor's/Master's Degree

May 10, 2016

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MOLINE, IL — A newly signed Memorandum of Understanding between Western Illinois University and Wartburg College has resulted in a strategic educational partnership between the Western Illinois University-Quad Cities' Museum Studies Graduate Program and Wartburg College's History Department.

Through the agreement, the two institutions will offer an integrated baccalaureate and master's degree program for students who wish to pursue a history bachelor's degree at Wartburg College and a museum studies master's degree at WIU-QC. After completing their bachelor's degrees, Wartburg College students can enroll at Western Illinois University and obtain their master's degrees in one year.

WIU Museum Studies Graduate Program Director Pamela White said the program will be beneficial for both institutions, as well as students.

"An integrated baccalaureate and master's degree program provides the opportunity for outstanding undergraduates to earn both degrees in a reduced period of time," White explained. "We have had a number of undergraduate students come to us from Wartburg College's history program, so we know, from experience, what excellent students they are. We are pleased to strengthen our collaboration with Wartburg."

According to WIU President Jack Thomas, the partnership between the two higher education institutions will streamline the bachelor's to master's degree transition.

"The partnership with Wartburg College provides the educational opportunity for a student to earn an advanced-level degree in museum studies in a reduced amount of time. It was an honor to have President Darrel Colson on our campus Tuesday to sign this mutually beneficial agreement with Wartburg College," Thomas said.

"This agreement is a win-win situation for all the parties involved. It is a win for Wartburg College and the history department," added Wartburg College History Department Chair and Professor Daniel J. Walther. "It is a win for WIU and the museum studies program, and, above all, it is a win for our students. Everyone benefits."

For more information, contact White at (309) 762-9481, ext. 62340, or via email at PJ-White@wiu.edu.

Posted By: Teresa Koltzenburg (WIUNews@wiu.edu)
Office of University Communications & Marketing