Spring 2020 enrollment planned for new master’s programs
SOMERS – In the upcoming spring 2020 semester, it is expected that graduate students will have the opportunity to enroll in two new online master’s degree programs at the University of Wisconsin-Parkside: a master of science in applied biotechnology (MS-ABT), and a master of science in information technology management (MS-ITM).
The UW Board of Regents approved the collaborative graduate degree programs in April 2019. Approval by the Higher Learning Commission is expected in July. Once the approval is granted by HLC, the programs will move toward their spring 2020 launch. UW-Parkside participates in seven of the 12 collaborative programs offered by the University of Wisconsin System.
“Having the opportunity to acquire knowledge and expertise from faculty throughout the UW System is an amazing benefit for students,” UW-Parkside Chancellor Debbie Ford said in a released statement. “I appreciate the work of UW-Parkside faculty to engage the university in these important academic programs.”
UW-Madison is the lead institution for the master of science degree in applied biotechnology with partner institutions UW-Parkside, UW-Green Bay, UW-Oshkosh, UW-Platteville, UW-Stevens Point and UW-Whitewater.
UW-Oshkosh is the lead campus for the master of science degree in IT management with partner institutions UW-Parkside, UW-La Crosse, UW-Stevens Point and UW-Superior.
The biotechnology program responds to the recognized growth of the industry and the increasing demand for highly-qualified professionals in the field. An advisory committee, which included representatives from the pharmaceutical industry, helped guide how the applied biotechnology program would be developed. The goal was to offer a credential as vigorous as an M.B.A., with an emphasis in science. The program offers three tracks: quality assurance and compliance, business management, and research and development. Students will be able to complete more than one program track.
The information technology program prepares students for important roles in the IT workforce. This degree addresses a recognized high-need area of IT Management as supported by research and input from employers and industry representatives. MS in IT Management is a multidisciplinary degree that builds bridges between the various functions of an organization and the information technology needed to support these functions. Classwork covers key areas such as IT operations, business analysis, cloud computing, enterprise security, data science, and management of emerging technologies. The curriculum, designed with the input from employer and industry representatives, provides opportunities to apply what is learned to project based experiences. It is a degree targeted to adult and nontraditional students possessing a bachelor’s degree and thus broadens access for alumni and others to advanced study.
“Looking decades ahead, the demand for graduate credentials will only increase,” said UW-Parkside Provost Dr. Rob Ducoffe.
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Contact Info:
John Mielke
Executive Director, Marketing & Communications
mielkej@uwp.edu
262-595-3226