UW System Board of Regents approves new online Bachelor of Science in Applied Computing program

April 7, 2017--The University of Wisconsin System Board of Regents approved a Bachelor of Science in Applied Computing program April 7. The new degree will be available online through UW-River Falls and four additional UW campuses. The program was developed in partnership with, and will be administered by, UW-Extension. The 61-credit online degree program will launch in September 2017, pending Higher Learning Commission approval.

University of Wisconsin online collaborative degree programs are designed to fill a recognized gap in the workforce.

"We interviewed computer and information technology professionals from diverse industry sectors," said David Schejbal, dean of the Division of Continuing Education, Outreach and E-Learning at UW-Extension. "We found that in nearly every corner of industry, businesses can no longer operate competitively without skilled, perceptive IT professionals. This program is designed to help fill that gap."

Computer and information technology represents one of the fastest growing fields in the United States. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs in this area are projected to grow 12 percent from 2014 to 2024. Job titles such as computer support specialist, computer and information systems manager, systems analyst, security analyst, web developer, database administrator, and software developer are among these in-demand positions.

"This is a unique and innovative program in that it focuses on the practical application of computer principles to address real-world problems," said UW-River Falls Provost Faye Perkins. "Students will learn hands-on skills to analyze technical problems and develop forward-thinking technology-based solutions that will help individuals, groups and companies."

Industry representatives helped shape the multidisciplinary curriculum. The online courses are designed to build technical and leadership skills, preparing graduates to solve real-world problems as part of a team. Technical courses cover software design and development, database management, systems analysis and design, and object-oriented programming, among others. Leadership courses build a strong foundation in business and communications, focusing on accounting, human resources, marketing, project management and operations. As with all UW online collaborative degrees, for the final course, students apply what they learn in a hands-on capstone project at a business or organization. These projects often lead to job opportunities and valuable connections.

To learn more about the Bachelor of Science in Applied Computing program, visit appliedcomputing.wisconsin.edu.

UW-River Falls provides lifelong learners with academic, professional development and enrichment programs that are practical, flexible, convenient and affordable. A complete list of courses, course descriptions and online registration information is available at https://www.uwrf.edu/ContinuingEducation/ or can be obtained by calling at 715-425-3256, 1-800-228-5607 or e-mailing outreach@uwrf.edu.