The Alternative Pathway to Professional Licensure Eligibility (APPLE) has received the final approval required to offer the course of study as an undergraduate degree at MLC. The Higher Learning Commission (HLC), MLC’s accrediting body, granted approval to offer APPLE as a degree program in an online credit-based, competency-based modality.
Learners enrolled in APPLE will complete 120 credits to earn an Elementary Education degree that mirrors our on-campus baccalaureate degree’s methodology and field experience requirements. There are slightly fewer credits in this degree program as learners are limited in the number of electives they can take and are excused from completing activity, choir, and musical instrument courses.
Individuals who have completed coursework or college degrees at other accredited institutions can request that official college transcripts be sent to MLC for review and application to their degree program. Individuals who are currently serving in a WELS elementary school may be able to apply and use those experiences to meet field experience and clinical requirements.
We will be opening registration soon for the first cohort of APPLE learners who will begin their studies in fall 2025. If you have questions about this program, please complete the Nontraditional Education Program Interest Survey and a member of our staff will respond to your inquiry.
