The most popular degree among American college students—a business degree—may also be the most versatile choice available for those re-entering the workforce. The UW Flexible Option offers a realistic option for adults in the workforce who are often balancing their education with work, family and other responsibilities.
According to a recent study by Georgetown University, colleges and universities are teaching more business administration majors than students in any other bachelor degree program; approximately 814 Bachelor of Science in Business Administration graduates for every 10,000 college degree holders nationwide. Include general business degrees, and that number swells to more than 1,300 grads. To put that in perspective, nursing (the most popular degree program that’s not business related) accounts for just 448 of those 10,000 grads.
The popularity of the business degree is easy to understand. The knowledge and skills students receive while earning a business administration bachelor’s are applicable to almost every industry there is. Healthcare, finance, media, information technology, engineering, the arts—they all need analytical problem solvers who understand how organizations operate and compete.
The business degree is also an important stepping stone for mid-career learners: adults looking to move up in their current organization or get ready for a return to the job market. There were nearly 8.2 million adult students over the age of 25 in the United States in 2014. And most of them earn their degrees while juggling full- or part-time jobs, busy family lives and other responsibilities.
Many busy people just can’t make the educational options out there for adults work with their schedules—especially those who are already leaders, who already have a lot of responsibilities at work. Until recently, ambitious students had to choose between on-campus classes and online courses with set schedules.
The solution? An innovative program designed to adapt to working adults’ busy lives, called the UW Flexible Option.
The first of its kind offered by a public system, this competency-based program isn’t structured around semesters or class schedules. Instead, students enroll in 3-month subscription periods they can start at the beginning of any month. They prove their mastery of the curriculum by completing competency area skills assessments. And they can progress at their own pace with the support of Academic Success Coaches who help students devise a learning plan, contact instructors and stay on track to earn the same popular degree others are getting the traditional way.
UW Flexible Option is giving people the tools and autonomy to set their own priorities while pursuing their career goals. This level of flexibility is a perfect choice for self-motivated learners, which are exactly the kind of people who typically thrive in face-paced business environments. They’re also exactly the kind of people employers want to hire.
Prospective students seeking more information about the UW Flexible Option Bachelor of Business Administration program are encouraged to call 1-877-895-3276, or email flex@uwex.edu.