Brandon Arbuckle

5 Reasons Why Business Administration is a Highly Sought-After Degree

April 2, 2021 -

Earning a business degree continues to be a reliable pathway to success across many industry sectors. In fact, a 2020 report found that a bachelor’s in business administration (BSBA) was the fourth most in-demand degree, beating out engineering and information sciences. The popularity of a BSBA degree may be surprising given its general nature. With so many different types of degrees, certificates, specializations, and credentials to choose from, what makes business administration a top choice?

1. A business administration degree leads to greater job security

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment in business and financial occupations is projected to grow by 5 percent from 2019 to 2029. This outlook predicts the creation of approximately 476,000 new jobs. Simply put: Earning a bachelor’s in business administration better qualifies you for these job opportunities.

Earning a bachelor’s degree—like the 100% online University of Wisconsin-Parkside Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, offered through UW Flexible Option—leads to greater job security. The Education Pays 2019: The Benefits of Higher Education for Individuals and Society report shows that adults 25 years old and older with a bachelor’s degree have a 50 percent lower unemployment rate than those in the same age group with only a high school diploma.

2. Business administration graduates hold administrator and managerial roles across various industries

Business administration graduates gain and strengthen broad skills that are crucial in running all elements of a business—marketing, sales, operations, finance, etc.—that apply to many different types of organizations and industries. This includes, but is not limited to:

Problem solving
Interpersonal communication
Operational functions
Financial tools
Systems thinking principles

A well-rounded business administration degree program prepares graduates to land and succeed in roles, such as:*Source: Emsi 2019.1
**Some positions may require additional training for continued advancement

In addition to the above job titles, business administration degree-holders may also pursue an entrepreneurial path and decide to start their own businesses.

3. A bachelor’s-level business degree increases your earning potential

As reported in 2019 by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for bachelor’s degree-level business and financial occupations was $69,820. This median annual wage is approximately $30,000 greater than all other occupations.

Across gender, race, and ethnicity, it is clear that earning a bachelor’s degree is one reliable way to ensure higher pay. In the Education Pays 2019: The Benefits of Higher Education for Individuals and Society report, all surveyed individuals reported a correlation between earning more and the level of education they completed.

Source: Education Pays 2019: The Benefits of Higher Education for Individuals and Society

4. Employers are looking for candidates with a bachelor’s-level business degree

While there are many business-focused educational opportunities offered through massive open online courses (MOOCs), such as LinkedIn Learning, Coursera, edX, Udemy, and others, these credentials are not the same as earning a bachelor’s degree.

To make the hiring process more efficient, employers use artificial intelligence (AI) plugins to quickly scan resumes for specific education. If you don’t have a required bachelor’s-level business degree, no amount of MOOCs or certifications can prevent your resume from being swiftly rejected.

While there are certainly some who argue that you don’t need a business degree to advance your career, at the end of the day, most employers are still looking for degree-holders. This is because it not only matters what you learn, but also who you learn from. Expert faculty and industry leaders within business degree programs, such as the 100% online UW-Parkside Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, provide insightful instruction and feedback on your work, which isn’t the case for other online credential options.

5. You don’t have to put your career on hold to earn a business administration degree

Online learning is now the norm. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, from fall 2012 to 2018, colleges that offered distance education (DE) courses and/or programs experienced a 29 percent increase in enrollment (from 5.4 million to 6.9 million). With the global COVID-19 pandemic pushing all levels of education to adapt through online, virtual learning, the market is only expected to grow.

The 100% online UW-Parkside Bachelor of Science in Business Administration is rooted in the online education space. In fact, the program has been around for five years, and its faculty is made up of UW System instructors who are experienced in teaching online and connecting with adult learners’ specific needs.

UW Business Administration graduate holding her diploma — UW-Parkside Bachelor of Business Administration graduate, Stacy Prodell.

Through competency-based education (CBE), students complete courses at their own pace, and their prior or current work experience is highly valued. Graduates, like Stacy Prodell, have found the CBE model beneficial in balancing coursework, family, and job responsibilities:

“If you were like me—really afraid of how much time getting your degree is going to take away from your family life—just know that it didn’t impact mine even a quarter as much as I thought it was going to. I think there’s a lot of people like me who would really benefit from an online program like this. It has changed my life, so why not yours too?
—Stacy Prodell, Spring 2019 UW Business Administration graduate

A Reliable Degree Built for You

Looking for more reasons why earning a business administration degree is the right choice for your future? Check out the AACSB accredited UW-Parkside Bachelor of Business Administration curriculum or contact a helpful enrollment adviser at 608-800-6762 or flex@uwex.wisconsin.edu.

Here’s How an Associate Degree Can Help You Earn a Bachelor’s Degree

March 10, 2021 -

Returning to school to earn a degree can be intimidating. You may be wondering how you’ll fit classes into your busy schedule, how you’ll be able to afford a degree, or how to narrow down your interests to one program.

An associate degree program can serve as a bridge to a bachelor’s degree in many ways. An associate degree allows you to complete general education requirements, fine-tune your interests, and—perhaps most importantly—gain confidence in your ability to be successful in an educational program.

What is an associate degree?

An associate degree is an educational credential between a high school diploma or GED certificate and a bachelor’s degree. On average, associate programs are 60 credits and take 2-3 years to complete. The degree is focused on equipping you with foundational knowledge and skills—such as critical thinking, oral and written communication, and resourcefulness. These skills, among so many others across the liberal arts, will prepare you to be successful in your next steps, whether that’s a bachelor’s degree or employment.

What is a liberal arts associate degree?

There are several different types of associate degree programs to choose from, including those that are career-specific and those that are based in the liberal arts. A liberal arts associate degree, such as an Associate of Arts and Sciences degree, is broad in its material. The liberal arts are those skills and attributes that describe the opening of the mind and the independence that comes with critical thinking, creativity, and self-sufficiency. The program does not focus on a particular subject area. Instead, it focuses on general education concepts so you have exposure to a wide variety of areas like English, psychology, biology, history, and music.

See if college is the right fit for you

Completing an associate degree can make the transition to a bachelor’s degree program feel less daunting. You’ll get a feel for courses and figure out the best way to fit them into your schedule. You’ll also learn to navigate course registration, financial aid, and support services—all skills needed in bachelor’s programs.

An associate degree is completed in a much shorter time than a bachelor’s, making the transition seem more attainable. An educational program takes time and commitment, and you can get a glimpse into what a bachelor’s degree schedule would look like for you while completing your associate degree.

Fine tune your interests, earn transferable credits

Maybe you haven’t decided which bachelor’s degree major you’d like to pursue yet, and that’s ok. A liberal arts associate degree program features a wide range of topics, including courses in English, arts and humanities, computing, math, natural science, and social science, among many more.

Completing an associate degree can make the transition to a bachelor’s degree program feel less daunting.

Courses in a liberal arts associate degree program are often transferable to four-year institutions to fulfill general education credits, which primarily make up the first two years in most bachelor’s degree programs. For example, all credits earned from the online UW-Milwaukee Associate of Arts and Sciences (AAS) degree offered through UW Flexible Option are fully transferable to all University of Wisconsin campuses, including UW-Madison. Your associate degree lays the foundation for more than 200 bachelor degree majors, giving you a wide variety of subjects to choose from.

With your associate degree fulfilling your general education courses, you’ll be ready to take the courses you are truly interested in when you start your bachelor’s program.

Earn an affordable associate degree, on your schedule

The UW-Milwaukee AAS degree offered through the UW Flexible Option is competency-based and self-paced, allowing you to move through courses as quickly or slowly as you feel comfortable. There are no rigid course schedules or academic deadlines. Instead, you complete assessments to prove you’ve mastered the material whenever you’re ready and able. If you are struggling with a concept, you can take the extra time you need to study it without the pressure of a looming exam deadline.

The UW Flexible Option provides you an affordable opportunity to earn a UW-Milwaukee Associate of Arts and Science degree. UW Flexible Option programs feature flat rate tuition. You take as many online classes as you are able in a 12-week subscription period for a single cost with our “All-You-Can-Learn” option. Since it is a flat rate, the more courses you take in a subscription period, the lower your cost-per-class becomes and—better yet—the quicker you graduate. There are no segregated fees beyond tuition, saving you even more money.

Not only is your tuition set low, it will also stay low. Your tuition won’t increase, no matter how long it takes you to complete the program. That’s the Flex Tuition Guarantee.

Supported, always

Even though you move through your UW Flexible Option program independently, you are not alone. When you begin, you’re paired with an Academic Success Coach who serves as your main go-to person as you move through the program. Your coach is your mentor and adviser, ready to help you earn your associate degree. Your coach will answer questions, offer advice, and connect you with any resources you may need.

You can also expect to get to know your instructors. They are available for any academic questions you have about the content, and can help point you in the right direction for academic resources.

A smooth transition to an online bachelor’s degree program

UW Flexible Option woman graduate smiling — Katie Limberg, AAS graduate through UW Flexible Option

If you find that you enjoy the flexibility online learning provides, you can choose to pursue your bachelor’s degree through other UW Flexible Option programs. Katie Limberg earned her Associate of Arts & Sciences through the UW Flexible Option in 2017, and is now enrolled in the UW Health and Wellness Management bachelor’s degree program.

“Having gone through UW Flex was a huge benefit to me,” Katie said. “I learned how to navigate online coursework and work out a schedule that I really thrived in, and I was able to take that experience into the UW Health and Wellness Management program.”

Are you ready to jumpstart your educational journey to a bachelor’s degree? Call an enrollment advisor at 608-800-6762 or email flex@uwex.wisconsin.edu.

*Note: If you prefer a more structured schedule, UW Extended Campus also offers a semester-based associate degree program. Read this helpful guide on choosing which online format may be best for you.

7 Questions Adult Learners Should Ask when Pursuing a Nursing Degree

March 9, 2021 -

Earning your Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) can feel like a long shot when it’s been several years since you’ve completed your Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN). Like many registered nurses (RN), you might have been in your early 20s the last time you were in a formal nursing school setting. While your employer may be requiring you to go back to school, there are many advantages to earning your BSN.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of registered nurses is projected to increase by 7 percent from 2019 to 2029. This growth is faster than the average for all occupations, indicating the increasing demand for nurses well into this decade. And, it’s important to note registered nurses who have their BSN often have even better job prospects than those without.

With these promising reasons to earn your BSN, it is completely normal to still have questions:

Am I too old to go back to nursing school? Will I fit in with my classmates? Do I have time to earn my bachelor’s degree? Does a BSN advance my career for the better?

Although it may be a tired saying, it still rings true—especially for adult learners earning their BSN—age is only a number. There is no “right” or “wrong” time to prioritize your learning. And, you certainly have not fallen behind by figuring out other important parts of your life first.

If you are considering a BSN program, ask yourself these seven important questions:

1. Is there a RN to BSN program that is built for adult learners like me?

Yes! The 100% online UW-Milwaukee College of Nursing RN to BSN program—offered through the UW Flexible Option—is specifically designed for adult learners. In fact, the average age of a UW Flexible Option student is 36 years old.

Program courses lean on your already established strengths as a RN. We value your work experience and know that although it may have been some time since you earned your ADN or nursing diploma, you have been learning and growing on the job ever since.

2. Will I need to quit my RN position to find time for coursework?

Nurse in blue scrubs, smiling next to medical equipment — Tiffany Breezee, RN to BSN graduate.

Not at all. While every student must figure out how to fit coursework into their work and life responsibilities, the online, self-paced format of the UW-Milwaukee RN to BSN program puts you in charge. Many students find it beneficial to work and complete coursework at the same time. Not only can you use what you’re learning on the job, but you can also use the knowledge and skills you’ve gained at work to progress faster through your coursework.

For example, graduate and cardiovascular intensive care unit RN, Tiffany Breezee, used her capstone project to reduce C.diff infections rates by 86 percent in her unit.

3. How will I fit nursing school into my busy life?

Man in blue shirt, smiling — Success Coach, Blake Bishop.

It’s up to you. Seriously. Not only is the UW-Milwaukee RN to BSN program 100% online, it is also competency-based education. This means that what you know and what you are able to do helps you advance faster in the program.

There are no mandatory log-on times, lectures, group work, or in-person campus visits. You can start any month, take as much—or as little—time you need, prove mastery of the course through assessments, and then repeat! No need to wait for the next semester to start a new course. This format puts you in control, which is invaluable for RNs whose shifts may change each week.

Of course, you aren’t expected to figure this all out on your own. You will have an Success Coach who can help determine the coursework pace that best fits your life. RN to BSN graduate, Jeanette Williams, was appreciative of her success coach, Blake Bishop, for his guidance in the program: “He’s very encouraging, always asking about my course, and was there to help plan future classes.”

4. Will my previous ADN courses transfer over to my BSN?

Absolutely! You’ve put in the work already, and that is recognized in the program. A minimum of 60 credits will be given for general education and nursing courses earned in your ADN or nursing diploma program. We will also review your transcripts for any additional transfer credit from coursework taken outside of your ADN.

5. How will I afford tuition for nursing school?

Budgeting for tuition is personal to you. Make sure to explore your financial aid options and speak with your employer’s HR department about tuition reimbursement.

Most programs require you to pay by course or by credit. In the UW Flexible Option, though, you pay for a flat-rate subscription period where you are able to complete as many courses you want within twelve weeks. This format is advantageous for highly motivated students who are looking to save money and shorten the time it takes to earn their BSN. If you’d rather focus on one course at a time, the Single Course Option allows you to complete one course within a designated subscription period.

Plus, with the UW Flexible Option Tuition Guarantee, we promise that as long as you are actively enrolled in the program, your tuition rate will not increase.

6. Will I learn from nursing experts?

Yes! The RN to BSN program is developed and taught by UW-Milwaukee College of Nursing faculty. From nursing center directors, to family nurse practitioners, to MSNs and APNPs, you will learn from highly experienced nurses and medical professionals who understand your role as an RN, because they are providing care, too.

7. Will my BSN be valued by employers?

The UW-Milwaukee College of Nursing is among the top 15 percent of nursing programs in the country. Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), your BSN from the UW-Milwaukee College of Nursing is the same degree on-campus students earn.

Through topical courses, such as palliative care, mental health nursing, and information management and healthcare technology, the RN to BSN program focuses on building relevant workplace skills, which you can implement immediately in your role. This means you will already apply what you learn before receiving your diploma.

It’s not “too late” to earn your BSN

Do your research, and know that the award-winning UW-Milwaukee RN to BSN program—offered by the UW Flexible Option—is made for adult learners like you. Through our program, earning your BSN can fit into your career, family, and overall life.

Have more questions? Our enrollment team is ready to help. Call or email an enrollment adviser at 608-800-6762 or flex@uwex.wisconsin.edu.

Passion for Technology Drives Information Science and Technology Instructor Dustin Schultz

February 11, 2021 -

“I love technology,” said Dustin Schultz, faculty member in UW-Milwaukee’s 100% online Bachelor of Science in Information Science and Technology (IST) program offered through UW Flexible Option. “It makes people’s lives easier when it’s done right, and I enjoy finding out how to do that.”

His grandmother gave him his first computer as a birthday gift at around 10 years old. After enjoying video games so much, he was excited to expand his technical knowledge to a new format.

“I became interested in changing components and upgrading parts of my computer,” Dustin said. “Within a few years, my first one looked the same on the outside, but it was totally new on the inside.”

Dustin earned his bachelor’s degree in Information Technology from UW-Milwaukee’s School of Information Studies (SOIS) in 2015. As a student, he worked as a help desk technician, and eventually was promoted to a supervisory position. Upon graduation, SOIS invited him to stay on as its first IT department coordinator. This is also when Dustin began teaching in the UW Flexible Option IST program.

“Both SOIS and the IT department were growing quickly from when I joined as a technician to the time I was graduating,” Dustin said. “We hired new instructors, we were opening up new classes, and we were bringing up new labs. The role that I took was basically a medium between our system administrator and the tech office. My role was managing the tech office, as well as duties as assigned.”

In January 2019, Dustin transitioned to a role outside of the school as a privileged access management engineer for Northwestern Mutual. He describes his role as a “password manager.”

“With all the security breaches going on nowadays, common practice is to take permissions off of your personal accounts and put them onto non-personal, shared accounts,” Dustin said. “Our primary job is to work with an application to manage those IDs.”

Even though he no longer works at the school full time, Dustin continues to teach in the UW Flexible Option IST degree program. The following Q&A highlights Dustin’s experience as a UW-Milwaukee IST instructor:

How did you become involved with the UW IST bachelor’s degree?

I was introduced to UW Flexible Option shortly after starting the IT coordinator position. Initially, it started with assisting and coordinating with the instructors to help them with course development and learning software navigation.

Then, a temporary position opened to teach the INFOST 330: Electronic Information Retrieval Systems course. Though it was in a different format, I had taken the course as an undergrad, so I was familiar with the content and felt comfortable in my ability to work with students. It’s not an IT-focused course, but it’s a database course. That course has really grown on me.

After enjoying that course, I was offered the opportunity to also teach the INFOST 240: Web Design I and INFOST 375: Multimedia Web Design courses. I still teach those three courses today.

What’s your favorite part about UW Flexible Option?

It’s a really modern take on higher education. Even right out of high school, timing for college is often a real detractor. People are so busy. The UW Flexible Option allows people to learn remotely at their own pace. This is an awesome way for people who are working 9 to 5 jobs to earn their degree. It gives those people the opportunity to get a degree on their own schedule, whether that’s six months or a few years.

The UW Flexible Option format was beneficial in March 2020 when learning around the world turned remote. Our students could continue learning because the program was already fully online. Their learning environment was more or less not affected.

How do you use your industry experience in your teaching?

At Northwestern Mutual, I work with teams that I may not be familiar with what they do or what they know. Working with students can be thought of in the same way. I don’t know my students’ day-to-day lives. When I am interacting with them, it’s really important for me to try to understand the background of where they’re coming from. I don’t know if I’m talking with someone who’s worked in IT for 10-20 years or if I’m talking to a stay-at-home mom who wants to earn her IST degree. Those communication and people skills are really important.

Why should prospective students consider the UW Information Science and Technology program?

After working with the staff at UW-Milwaukee SOIS and knowing them personally, I know they are an extremely passionate bunch of people, and I think that shows in the courses that SOIS offers.

The staff and instructors are also very interested in keeping the content up-to-date. When it comes to the ever-changing world of IT, the courses that students may take today or the new jobs that are spinning up today may not be in all collegiate programs yet. However, SOIS always offers new and progressive courses. I noticed this as a student myself, too. I took courses like multimedia web design, introduction to web design, and programming when these were fairly new to the field. Now, they’re introducing courses with security and privacy protection, which is an upcoming and important part of the industry today.

I know taking the jump can be scary for a number of reasons. However, there are so many accommodating educational options nowadays, and UW Flexible Option is a perfect example of that. We want to make it work for you. There is a workforce of people that want to help support you, including the academic success coaches. They understand that students have different backgrounds and lead very different lives, and they want to help you in any capacity they can.

Want to learn more about how expert faculty members and instructors, like Dustin Schultz, teach and prepare UW Flexible Option Information Science and Technology students for in-demand careers in the IT field? Check out the program’s curriculum or contact an enrollment adviser at 1-877-UW-LEARN (895-3276) or flex@uwex.wisconsin.edu.

What Can You Do with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing?

December 15, 2020 -

In early 2019, the World Health Organization (WHO) designated 2020 as the International Year of the Nurse and the Midwife. Little did we know how true this would be. As 2020 comes to a close during an unprecedented, severe spike in COVID-19 cases, there is no question that healthcare workers, specifically nurses, have showed up and sacrificed so much to keep our communities safe.

The Year of the Nurse will soon be behind us, but the healthcare system crisis will only continue to spotlight nurses and their role in fighting the pandemic. It is a pivotal time for registered nurses (RNs) who are considering to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). Finding a flexible, comprehensive, and well-rounded BSN program is crucial for nurses—like you—to better care for your patients.

Nursing Jobs and Career Paths

You may wonder why as a RN you’d go back to school to get a BSN. There’s many reasons, including:

Some hospitals and healthcare organizations require RNs to earn their BSN as a condition of employment
Earning your BSN puts you on a path to advanced nursing careers, such as Nurse Practitioner
BSN is a prerequisite for a variety of nursing specializations and graduate-level degrees. To name a few:
- Acute care
- Mental health
- Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS)
- Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)
- Nurse educator

Nationally, more than half of nursing positions require a bachelor’s-level nursing degree:

UW-Milwaukee RN to BSN graduate, Jeanette Williams, credits the 100% online UW Flexible Option program for refining her nursing specialty. Interested in the opportunities and increased demand within the mental health field, Jeanette is now ready to enter into a psychiatry graduate program.

Where Do Nurses Work?

As a nurse, you never stop learning. When you determine a speciality, unit, or career goal you are passionate about, there is a place and a need for you. In most cases, the best way to prepare is to equip yourself with the knowledge and skills you need by earning your BSN.

While hospitals employ a large number of nurses, other healthcare settings are actively seeking to hire BSN graduates. Some examples include: public health, home health, hospice care, urgent care, insurance pre-authorization units, correctional facilities, and school nurses.

Nursing Careers Outlook

According to the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for RNs is expected to increase by 7 percent in the next decade. This is faster than the average growth of all occupations. The highest growth is predicted for nursing positions in outpatient care centers, such as same-day surgery, chemotherapy, and rehabilitation.

An increase in the aging U.S. population drives this healthcare demand. Consequently, the ongoing global COVID-19 pandemic has presented a need for nurses who are experienced in caring for patients with chronic conditions and comorbidity factors, such as diabetes and obesity.

Generally, RNs with a BSN have higher employability and job prospects. From 2019 to 2029, there will be approximately 175,900 job openings per year for registered nurses. According to a December 2020 Emsi report, from November 2019 to November 2020, there were 37,848 bachelor’s-level job postings for nurses across Wisconsin.

Top Skills in a Nursing Career

A BSN builds upon your skills as a RN with a more global-system focus on healthcare. In addition to strengthening patient care, you develop skills that prepare you to make an impact on population and organizational levels.

Leadership, communication, management, and critical thinking are some of the top common/soft skills employers seek in BSN degree holders:

If you are ready to become a change leader in your nursing unit or organization, there has never been a more impactful time to gain the skills you need to provide high-quality care. Advancing your nursing career by earning a BSN can help you understand, learn from, and carry out evolving best practices as we continue to navigate the COVID-19 pandemic.

However, many RNs who want to earn their BSN struggle to find the time to do so. Flexibility is key in balancing work, life, and earning your BSN. With so many nursing degrees available to choose from, it is important to find a program that works for you and your life.

The 100% online, competency-based UW-Milwaukee College of Nursing RN to BSN program—offered through the UW Flexible Option—allows you to start any month of the year. Through a self-paced learning format, there are no in-person class times, putting you in charge of where and when you complete coursework.

If you are a motivated, self-directed learner who prefers to create and manage your own deadlines, then the UW Flexible Option RN to BSN program might be what takes you to the next level of your nursing career.

Call or email a helpful, knowledgeable enrollment adviser to get started at 1-877-895-3276 or flex@uwex.wisconsin.edu

UW Flexible Option Graduate Says Business Administration Degree Launched Her “Redemption Career”

October 30, 2020 -

Gabrielle Rivera is excelling in what she calls her “redemption career.”

Gabrielle took charge of her future when she graduated from the AACSB accredited UW-Parkside Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BSBA) program and completed the Project Management Certificate, offered through the UW Flexible Option. Both diploma and certificate are now framed in her office.

“They are on the sides of my work laptop, where it feels like a trifecta of completing a huge stage in my life,” she said.

Gabrielle is the director of business development at General Dynamics Information Technology, for Federal Financial Agencies. She landed the role less than a month after graduating from the BSBA program this spring.

“My current career is 100% a testament to what I have learned in the UW Flexible Option program,” Gabrielle said. “I have a solid platform to launch from, which is far from what I could say before I started the program.”

Working Toward Her Future—At Her Own Pace

When Gabrielle first enrolled in the UW Flexible Option BSBA program, she was an account executive for a major fitness brand. At the time, she was based out of Seattle, Washington, with a fluctuating work schedule that catered to clients’ needs.

Both the job market and the fitness industry were becoming increasingly competitive. Gabrielle was worried. Although her undergraduate degrees in philosophy and theology helped her work collaboratively with clients, she lacked the technical and business skills needed to advance her career.

“I knew that if I wanted to make a shift, I needed to do it now,” Gabrielle said. “I did a lot of research on programs, knowing that I really needed something that was just as flexible for my work and lifestyle, which is why the UW Flexible Option program worked so well for me.”

Gabrielle Rivera is now based in the Washington D.C. area as a director of business development.

The 100% online aspect of the UW Flexible Option BSBA program piqued Gabrielle’s interest. When she learned of the program’s self-paced format and that many of her college credits would transfer, she eagerly applied.

Today, her coursework from the program’s innovative competency-based curriculum has come full circle, as she applies her knowledge and experience directly to her director position.

“To now have such a deep accounting background has helped me gain a lot of confidence,” Gabrielle said. “In my current role, colleagues often give Excel spreadsheet presentations, and I have to be able to ask the important questions, to peel back the layers of the data and really understand how we are going to positively affect the business with that information—how we are going to turn something around or solve a problem. I know I can do that now.”

Academic Success Coach, Ariel Powers-Schaub.

Along with her gained accounting and IT skills, Gabrielle wanted to expand her project management experience. Virtually everyone she worked with had their project management certificate, so she knew she needed it to keep up.

Ariel Powers-Schaub, Gabrielle’s Academic Success Coach, advised her to supplement her BSBA degree with the UW-Parkside Project Management Certificate—offered by UW Flexible Option.

The certificate is also 100% online and a self-paced format. Gabrielle worked on the certificate while completing coursework for her BSBA degree and found the two greatly complemented each other, rounding out her education. She is the first BSBA graduate to concurrently complete the degree and the certificate.

Rooted in Support. Determined to Succeed.

As focused as Gabrielle was to earn her UW-Parkside degree and certificate, the commitment proved to be a juggling act. She credits the flexibility of the program for keeping her on track, especially last fall when her family made a major cross-country move to the east coast.

“I was starting the October subscription period last year, and I felt like I had gotten a little behind,” Gabrielle said. “I thought, if anybody is going to make this work, it’s going to be me, and I need to kick it into gear. And boy, did I!”

Gabrielle wasted no time, taking 14 to 20 credits per subscription period. And Ariel, her coach, was right there with her.

“The second I finished a course, I’d ask Ariel if I could enroll into another one,” Gabrielle said. “She was always like ‘Yeah, let’s do this!’ I leveraged her expertise in what combination of courses I should take based on what she experienced with other students. She was a major part of my success.”

Business Administration Graduate — Gabrielle Rivera and her husband, Ricky Rivera.

In February 2020, a couple of months before she finished the program, Gabrielle started interviewing for her current role. She felt prepared and confident. She not only was qualified but also had just completed coursework and projects that directly applied to the position. This self-proclaimed “redemption career” has renewed Gabrielle’s drive and fulfillment in her work. Now, five months into her director role, Gabrielle is grateful her hard work has paid off, and she plans to apply for MBA programs next spring.

When she thinks of prospective UW Flexible Option BSBA students, Gabrielle hopes that they are not scared to apply and to invest in themselves and their futures.

“It’s going to be tough, I definitely had some challenges,” she said. “But, if you already knew everything, you would already have the degree. Stay the course. Stay persistent. And, don’t hesitate to reach out if you need anything, because the coaches and professors care, and they are more than willing to help!”

Want to learn more about how the AACSB accredited, 100% online UW-Parkside Bachelor of Science in Business Administration through the UW Flexible Option can help advance your career goals? Or, do you want to learn more about the UW-Parkside’s Program Management Certificate? Call 608-800-6762 or email flex@uwex.wisconsin.edu to get started.

Busy Nurse Finds Opportunity to Complete Degree through UW Flexible Option

October 26, 2020 -

Jeanette Williams knew she didn’t have the time to jump head-first back into school, but that didn’t stop her. Instead of finding a way to fit her busy life as a working mom into a program, she found an online degree that catered to her needs: the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Bachelor of Science in Nursing, which is offered through the UW Flexible Option. She took one course per subscription period online, completing her BSN in three years.

While her kids were young, Jeanette took nursing prerequisite courses part-time at UW-Parkside. After moving, she enrolled in an associate degree program in nursing at Blackhawk Technical College in Janesville, Wisconsin.

Upon completion of her associate degree, she took a job as a registered nurse at the Monroe Clinic Hospital. The hospital required her to enroll in a bachelor’s in nursing degree program. Having completed prerequisite courses years before, Jeanette also felt motivated to finish her degree.

“I had already started a bachelor’s program and felt like it was silly to not finish it,” she said.

The program was a natural fit

The UW-Milwaukee BSN program came out on top as Jeanette was researching where to finish her degree. While she was drawn to the program’s affordability, 100% online format, and 12-week subscription periods, she was thrilled that all of her prerequisite courses taken at UW-Parkside transferred.

a mom and her two daughters smiling — *Jeanette and her daughters*

Even with years of experience in the field, Jeanette found the courses were engaging and relevant.

“I have heard other BSN-prepared nurses discuss their programs as ‘busy work’ or not learning much, if anything from them. I can happily say that this has not been the case with this program,” she said. “I have learned a lot and have had the opportunity to apply new things to my work.”

To manage her time, Jeanette looked ahead at her 12-week subscription period and scheduled when she would work on assignments in advance. Planning kept her accountable, while also ensuring she had time for family and friends.

Jeanette also had support built into the program. Blake Bishop, her Academic Success Coach, was always available to answer her questions and help in any capacity that he could: “He’s very encouraging and was always asking about how my course was going and planning future classes,” she said.

A bridge to graduate school and beyond

The courses helped Jeanette refine her healthcare interests: “When I started [the program], I was thinking about going into public health nursing,” she said “I took the public health class and decided it was absolutely not for me.”

Instead, she shifted her focus to mental health. While in her associate degree program, Jeanette was introduced to mental health topics and enjoyed the courses, but got the opportunity to dive deeper into the topic during NURS 448: Mental Health Nursing Across the Care Continuum, an elective course in the BSN program.

jeanette williams, a BSN graduate with her family by a river — *Jeanette and her family*

Seeing the opportunities and increased needs in the mental health field, Jeanette now has her eyes set on a psychiatry graduate program.

“It’s just nice to finally have my bachelor’s degree done and then to have the option of being able to go back to do what I really want to do ultimately,” she said.

Spreading the word

Jeanette loved the UW Flexible Option BSN program so much that she recommends it to coworkers who also need to complete their bachelor’s degrees.

“I’ve prompted at least four or five nurses that I work with to enroll in the program,” she said. “It is a rock-solid program in my personal experience.”

Ready to enroll in the UW Flexible Option Bachelor of Science in Nursing program? Our enrollment advisers are available to answer any questions you have. Call 608-800-6762 or email flex@uwex.wisconsin.edu.

An Inside Look at a Health Sciences Course: Disability, Society, and the Person

October 16, 2020 -

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), more than one billion people—or about 15 percent of the world’s population—have some form of disability. WHO also states that: “People with disability have less access to health care services and therefore experience unmet health care needs.”

The 100% online UW-Milwaukee Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Sciences: Health Sciences program—offered through the UW Flexible Option—equips students to create solutions for challenges healthcare settings face, such as disability inclusion. This training comes from courses like TherRec202: Disability, Society, and the Person, which teaches students how to foster positive interactions with individuals who have disabilities.

A student favorite

Jordan holding her University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee diploma — *Jordan Schumacher holding her University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee diploma.*

The TherRec202: Disability, Society, and the Person course is a favorite of many Health Sciences students, including Jordan Schumacher, the first graduate of the Health Sciences program.

“It strengthened my perspective and how I communicate with people who have different needs,” Jordan said.

That is exactly what instructor Patricia Thomas hopes students take from this course.

“The students see that disability is more than a medical condition,” she said. “They learn that they have the power to make significant changes for people living with a disability through many different avenues, whether that is decreased stigmas, education of work colleagues, advocacy, research, environmental changes, or other means.”

What will I learn in the course?

In the TherRec202: Disability, Society, and the Person course, students demonstrate knowledge and application of core concepts related to persons with disabilities. This includes knowledge and skills related to stigma, person-centered terminology, and the International Classification of Functioning (ICF).

By the end of the course, you will be able to:

Understand and apply the major concepts of the social science discipline, including its breadth and relationship to other disciplines
Develop writing skills sensitive to the disability community of all ages
Discuss and assess the limitations of societal presentation of disability and the possibility of alternative interpretations
Apply critical thinking to information presented on the topic of disability, health, and wellness
Interact and work with people from diverse backgrounds and cultures with a greater understanding and appreciation of difference

What types of assignments will I complete?

UW Flexible Option courses are 100% online and competency-based, which allows students to progress through course materials at a pace they set during a 12-week subscription period. Students are provided access to all course resources at the start of the subscription period and will complete the assessments as they are able to.

The four assessments for this course are:

Film critique written assignment on Finding Nemo: Describe accurate portrayal of the characters in the movie. Most students describe this activity as an enjoyable way to also engage children at home.
Case study using person-centered terminology: Analyze and correct a sample newspaper article using person-centered language. This assignment showcases a student’s ability to see a person beyond their disability.
Book reflection written assignment on Gimp by Mark Zupan and Tim Swanson: Compare and contrast the recovery journey of the main characters. Most students find this book enjoyable and gain an understanding of different types of recovery.
ICF Model of Disability written assignment: Relate this model to ableism and an overall holistic view of disability. Students gain awareness of viewing disability as a combination of body function, activity completion, and engagement in the community.

“The course strengthened my perspective and how I communicate with people who have different needs.” – HS graduate Jordan Schumacher

Who is the instructor?

Patty Thomas UW Health Science instructor — *Patricia Thomas, the instructor for this course*

UW-Milwaukee Patricia Thomas is the instructor for this course. With nearly 20 years experience at the university, she currently serves as the director for the Occupational Science and Technology undergraduate degree program and is the coordinator for the Therapeutic Recreation certification program. She focuses on undergraduate education—especially in the online format— of therapeutic recreation, disability, and cultural diversity. She was recognized for her creative teaching with the UW-Milwaukee Academic Staff Outstanding Teaching Award in 2010.

Prior to joining UW-Milwaukee as a faculty member, she worked for the Department of Veteran Affairs in several different healthcare systems. She also has experience working with youth in several recreation agencies—with an emphasis on inclusion, promoting the right for people with and without disabilities to play together.

Patricia earned her master’s degree in Public Administration from Long Island University and her bachelor’s degree in Recreation (with a therapeutic emphasis) from UW-La Crosse.

How much do I do in one week?

Students typically finish one or more assignments every 3 – 4 weeks, so there is time to receive feedback from the instructor on how to improve assignments. To keep up with this schedule, students should expect to spend an average of 9 hours per week on their coursework. However, given the self-paced and competency-based nature of the course, you can finish faster if you’re able, or take more time if you need.

What kind of support will I receive?

Students have access to several support systems while completing this course. The Health Sciences Academic Success Coach, Jane Schimmel, serves as a student’s point of contact for the program—guiding, supporting, and encouraging them along their journey. The instructor is a great resource for content clarification and feedback.

Jane Schimmel UW Health Science Academic Success Coach — *Jane Schimmel, the Health Sciences Academic Success Coach*

“Jane was involved with me and my education from the start,” Health Sciences graduate Jordan said. “She would check in to see how I was doing with my courses or if I needed any support at all.”

Key to success in the UW Flexible Option programs is a student’s ability to be self-directed with the many resources they have available. All UW Flexible Option students are plugged into a wide variety of academic support through the Student Resource Center, including library access, tutoring options, a writing coach specifically for UW Flexible Option Students, and other writing support resources.

Students in this course also have access to the UW-Milwaukee library resources, along with an exclusive library through UW-Milwaukee for the Health Sciences and Diagnostic Imaging programs, which includes information about how to find credible resources and cite sources correctly. This is helpful in strengthening assignments and developing critical thinking about disability and other topics.

UW Health Science Library Resources — *This resource is one of many available through the Health Sciences library. Here, students receive guidance on finding credible sources and citations.*

Have questions about TherRec202: Disability, Society, and the Person, or the online Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Sciences: Health Sciences program? Learn about our expert faculty, how to apply, and more. Enrollment advisers can help with all of your questions. Call 608-800-6762 or email flex@uwex.wisconsin.edu.

Want to earn an associate degree online? Choose the format that’s best for you

October 8, 2020 -

Earning your associate degree opens up the doors to many possibilities, including a higher earning potential and career advancement. However, choosing to go back to school is a big decision, and you should make sure that you’re choosing the program that best fits your lifestyle and learning needs. The University of Wisconsin Extended Campus has two associate degree programs to choose from: competency-based and semester-based learning.

Ready to enroll in an associate degree program? Contact an enrollment adviser Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. CT; or by appointment. Call 608-800-6762 (local) or 1-877-895-3276 (toll-free).

UW Flexible Option Grad Finds Her Passion in UW Health and Wellness Management Program

April 3, 2020 -

Katie Limberg is grateful that she took the step to advance her education through UW Flexible Option, especially because her college journey hasn’t always been clear. After graduating from high school, Katie attended UW-Stevens Point for one semester, but she soon realized she wanted to be closer to home with her sisters. There were also a lot of new developments in her life, including her fiancé landing a new job that required a move. About two years after leaving UW-Stevens Point, Katie was ready to go back to school, and she knew an online program would better fit her needs.

With the ability to transfer her previous college credits and the freedom to complete lessons and assignments on her own schedule, Katie decided that the UW Flexible Option Associate of Arts and Sciences (AAS) degree was right for her.

“I’m a planner, so I was motivated to put a calendar together of all of my coursework in order to stick with it,” Katie said. “While I was in UW Flex, I learned that the time you put into the work really shows in the grade you get out of it. There were definitely nights where I had a lot of work and I wanted to do other things. But knowing my work would pay off in the end—that kept me going.”

In December 2017, Katie obtained her Associate of Arts and Sciences degree through UW Flexible Option. She gathered so much momentum from the online structure that she knew she wanted to dive right back in. A year later, she enrolled in her first semester of the 100% online UW Health and Wellness Management program.

Read Katie’s full story on the UW Health and Wellness Management website.

Want to learn more about the UW-Milwaukee Associate of Arts and Sciences through UW Flexible Option? Talk with an enrollment adviser at 608-800-6762 or email flex@uwex.wisconsin.edu.

First Business Administration Graduate Uses Degree to Further Dentistry Career

December 2, 2019 -

When Stacy Prodell was in high school, she already knew where she wanted to establish her career—the dental industry. During her senior year, she got on-the-job dental assistant training and after graduation began to work full time as a dental assistant.

Originally, Stacy planned to go back to school to become a dental hygienist, but she was surprised by her love for assisting. After 15 years in that role, she was promoted to dental office manager, where Stacy found a new passion in the business side of dentistry. However, with these new responsibilities, she knew she needed to step up to the plate and grow, and obtaining her bachelor’s degree was crucial.

“I knew I couldn’t do a degree program that was going to negatively affect my job. I need the hours that I work,” Stacy said. “I also have a young daughter and a husband, and it was really important to me that if I’m already working full time, I don’t want to be out of the house anymore than I already am.”

Stacy Prodell is the office manager at Elite Smiles Dental in Appleton, Wisconsin.

During her search, a UW Flexible Option Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BSBA) Facebook ad grabbed Stacy’s attention. Unlike the previous classes she took at Fox Valley Technical College, this program was 100 percent online, which appealed to her even more.

“The next thing about this program that really sold me was that it is self-paced,” Stacy said. “I knew I could complete my degree as fast or as slow as I needed, and that really fit my life because I didn’t know how taking on coursework and projects were going to affect my family and career.”

Today, Stacy is proud to be the first graduate of this UW-Parkside BSBA degree, offered in the UW Flexible Option format, and she hopes other adult learners with busy jobs and families know that they too can get a degree on their own time.

Finding Success through Flexibility and Support

Students in the UW-Parkside BSBA degree, offered through the UW Flexible Option, have the ability to learn when and where they choose. Progress is not limited by a traditional semester or term-based schedule, and students are allowed to take breaks throughout their studies as needed.

Through an innovative curriculum, students focus on mastering competencies and skills by completing projects and passing assessments assigned to specific areas such as finance, operations management, information systems, supply chain management, and more. With this format, students are able to expand upon and apply their current knowledge and previous education to progress more quickly through the program.

Stacy Prodell is the first graduate of the 100 percent online UW-Parkside BSBA degree.

Upon graduation, students receive their bachelor’s degree from UW-Parkside, which is among the less than 5 percent of business degrees worldwide that are accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). To date, Stacy is one of more than 300 graduates from all of the offered UW Flexible Option degree programs.

Taking advantage of UW Flexible Option’s self-paced learning modality, Stacy successfully navigated life’s unpredictable road bumps, while still staying on track with her degree. Her Academic Success Coach, Ariel, provided support and an insider’s perspective on what projects to take and when to pump the brakes.

Stacy, her husband Eric, and their daughter Emma.

“Ariel talked me into taking a one-month break in between each completed subscription period, which was absolutely golden,” Stacy said. “I wouldn’t have known that I needed that time to breathe and reset unless Ariel had that insight and advice in the first place. If I had not taken breaks, I think I would have put too much work on my shoulders and quickly burn out, so her guidance was huge.”

Instead of being an extra stressor when other areas of her life needed more attention, Stacy found peace of mind thanks to the program’s flexibility. For example, there were a few times when her father was in the hospital and her priorities shifted.

“It was nice to know during that time that it was OK if I didn’t get everything done during subscription periods,” Stacy said. “If I didn’t finish a project, I could take an ‘in-progress’ grade and then pick up where I left off. Or, in some cases I knew when I needed to work ahead on assignments. If I had hard deadlines or needed to meet in-person for classes, I wouldn’t have been able to, so I am grateful that UW Flexible Option was made for people like me.”

One Degree Down and One More to Go

From understanding supply and demand models, to creating advanced Excel graphs, to managing people and looking for bottlenecks in her offices’ processes, Stacy was able to simultaneously take what she learned in this UW-Parkside BSBA program and directly apply it to her job.

Stacy with her UW-Parkside BSBA diploma.

“When I had projects where I needed to use a business model, it was so easy because I could plug in all the information I have for each of the dental offices I manage,” Stacy said. “I definitely had reservations about how good of an education I would get from an online degree program, but I learned so much, and I feel like I am now a very well-rounded professional ready to take on my current job and future responsibilities.”

With such a positive online degree experience behind her, Stacy is now ready to take on her next adventure: an online master’s degree in business administration (MBA) from UW-Parkside. Stacy admits that she had no intention of going on to graduate school, but after earning her bachelor’s degree, she wanted to keep the momentum going. Additionally, Stacy’s employers at Elite Smiles Dental have been incredibly supportive of her ambitious drive to continue her education through UW Flexible Option and now for her MBA.

Reflecting on her experience, Stacy has a few pieces of advice for prospective students: “Rely on your Academic Success Coach, because they really know what they are talking about,” she said. “Definitely plan yourself some time off between subscription periods—UW Flexible Option is self-paced for a reason, so use it.

“And if you were like me—really afraid of how much time getting your degree is going to take away from your family life—just know that it didn’t impact mine even a quarter as much as I thought it was going to. I think there’s a lot of people like me who would really benefit from an online program like this. It has changed my life, so why not yours too?”

What’s Next?

Want to learn more about how the AACSB accredited, online UW-Parkside Bachelor of Science in Business Administration through the UW Flexible Option degree can help advance your career and education goals? Call 608-800-6762 or email flex@uwex.wisconsin.edu to get started.

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