A recent announcement from the UW System reveals the top three career fields in Wisconsin through 2024: STEM (science, technology, engineering and math), Business and Entrepreneurship and Healthcare.
While demand in these fields span nationwide, Wisconsin is home to multiple large-scale employers and suppliers in each of these industries, making the state a hotbed for careers.
However, while growth in opportunities are a positive sign economically, jobs are not always easy to get. In fact, Wisconsin workers in these fields are finding that the absence of a degree poses a significant barrier for finding new jobs or advancing in their current companies – even with years of real-world experience.
The UW System recognized that the current professionals in these fields simply couldn’t make traditional adult education options work within their schedules. Even though they were willing to work toward a degree for career advancement, the only options available were unrealistic – either on-campus classes or online courses with set schedules.
Offering degree programs that provide busy working professionals a real path to success in all three of our state’s fastest growing fields just makes sense. So the UW System began work on an innovative solution that would ensure Wisconsin workers get access to the in-demand education they need – by adapting to working adults’ busy lives. The result? The UW Flexible Option.
UW Flexible Option offers programs aligned directly with the projected highest growth occupations in Wisconsin. Rather than structuring around semesters or class schedules, this competency-based program places students in 3-month subscription periods they can start at the beginning of any month. Students prove their mastery of the curriculum by completing competency skills assessments. And they can progress at their own pace with the support of Academic Success Coaches who help students stay on track toward earning their degree.
Reflecting the top three growing career fields in Wisconsin, UW Flexible Option offers degrees in the following fields:
Bachelor of Science in Information Science and Technology (IST)
This degree immerses students in information science; information architecture; information organization, storage and retrieval; and applications of the Internet.
Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BSBA)
The Business Administration degree builds a solid business foundation. In this robust and well-rounded management education, students will demonstrate skills in applying financial techniques and tools, addressing ethical issues in business, effectively understanding and managing global business challenges and more.
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN to BSN)
As the percentage of BSN-prepared nurses increases, a BSN degree will soon become the standard for all nurses – especially those who look for career advancement. The UW Flexible Option offers working RNs the chance to earn their degree at their pace.
Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Sciences: Diagnostic Imaging
A cornerstone of the medical field, diagnostic imaging is a rapidly growing profession. In fact, employment of diagnostic medical sonographers and cardiovascular technologists and technicians is projected to grow 39 percent from 2012 to 2022—much faster than the average for all occupations (Bureau of Labor Stats).
To find out more about UW Flexible Option, contact an enrollment adviser at 1-877-895-3276 or learn@uwex.edu. For a list of degree and certificate programs offered in the online UW Flexible Option format, please see the programs page.