20 Years of Masters
We’re celebrating 20 years of our Graduate Studies Program!
Special thanks go to Professors Emeritus John Isch PhD DMLC ’58 and David Wendler PhD DMLC ’70, who were integral in establishing the program.
When we were first exploring options back in the 90s, we asked called workers what was important to them. They said, “We want you to focus on teaching as a ministry, of course. But please make it practical, convenient, and affordable too.” Under the leadership of Dr. John Meyer DMLC ’87, those are the keys that still guide us. The result: 280 graduates in 20 years!
Pictured: Our first graduates were Aaron Hartwig MLC ’02, ’08 and Brett Kriese MLC ’96, ’08.
Why They Choose MLC
In 2025 we graduated 17, including Sarah Birsching MLC ’19, ’24 (pictured).
Sarah researched other colleges and then chose MLC for three reasons: Christian perspective, affordability, and online accessibility—a factor that proved indispensable as she served calls in three different states while completing her coursework.
Sarah also loved the small classes and the professors, who clearly cared about their students’ success. And the practicality of the courses became apparent on day 1: “I was able to immediately take what I’d learned and put it into practice with my students. I feel more confident as a technology teacher and technology director. I can guide both the other teachers and my students in using technology as a powerful tool for learning.”
What Are the Needs of the Church?
What programs do we develop? Whatever the church needs.
We began with one master’s degree in education (with emphases in instruction, leadership, educational technology, and special education). We then added educational administration (ECE director, principal, and technology director emphases), special education, and theological studies.
But we’re not done yet. Our master’s in special education is now a 4+1 Accelerated Master’s Program that allows undergrads to complete five dual-credit courses (15 credits) before they graduate, leaving just five more courses to finish after they graduate. This saved WLA special ed teacher Kortney Bilitz MLC ’23, ’24 (right) a couple years and several thousand dollars!
It’s working so well that we’re exploring other 4+1 / 3+2 options as well.
