Programs

Academic Programs

UW-Parkside offers approximately 40 undergraduate academic majors as well as a number of pre-professional programs; education licensure; and specialized programs such as environmental studies, sustainable management, ethnic studies and women’s, gender and sexuality studies. A consortial program is offered in nursing. The university’s academic programs are organized under four Colleges: Arts and Humanities; Business, Economics, and Computing; Natural and Health Sciences; and Social Sciences and Professional Studies.  UW-Parkside is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association. For information on UW-Parkside graduate programs see the Graduate Programs and Policies section of this catalog.

Majors for Bachelor’s Degrees

In order to graduate with a bachelor’s degree, every degree-seeking student must complete a major with a minimum GPA as specified by the major department or program. Usually, this minimum major GPA is 2.00 on a 4.00 scale, but some majors require a higher GPA. Students with transfer work must also attain the minimum major GPA (2.00) on a combination of transfer credits accepted toward the major and credits attempted toward the major at UW- Parkside. At least 15 credits of upper level (300 or above) major course work must be completed at UW-Parkside. UW-Parkside offers the following majors:

• Accounting (B.S.)
• Applied Health Sciences (B.S.)
• Art (B.A.)
• Biological Sciences (B.S.)
• Business Administration (B.S.)***, ****
• Business Management (B.S.)***
• Chemistry (B.S.)
• Communication (B.A.)
• Computer Science (B.S.)
• Computer Science/Mathematics (B.S.)
• Criminal Justice (B.A.)
• Early Childhood Education (B.S.)
• Economics (B.A.)
• Elementary Education (B.S.)
• English (B.A.)
• Environmental Studies (B.S.)
• Exercise Science (B.S.)
• Geography (B.A.)
• Geosciences (B.S.)
• Graphic Design (B.A.)
• Health Information Management and Technology (B.S.)**
• History (B.A.)
• International Studies (B.A.)
• Liberal Studies (B.A.)***
• Management Information Systems (B.S.)
• Marketing (B.S.)
• Mathematics (B.S.)
• Molecular Biology and Bioinformatics (B.S.)
• Music (B.A.)
• Nursing (B.S.)*
• Philosophy (B.A.)
• Physics (B.S.)
• Political Science (B.A.)
• Psychology (B.S.)
• Secondary Education (B.S.)
• Sociology (B.A.)***
• Spanish (B.A.)
• Special Education (B.S.)
• Sport Management (B.S.)
• Sustainable Management (B.S)**
• Theatre Arts (B.A.)

*Consortial program, degree is awarded by UW-Milwaukee.
**Collaborative online degree completion program.
***Also available as an online degree completion program.
***Flexible Option program

Minor Programs

UW-Parkside offers approximately 57 undergraduate minors, which consist of a formally approved program of 15 or more credits. A minor is not required for graduation.

Minors are declared, changed or removed by filing the same plan declaration form used for declaring majors. Course work in the minor must be completed with the minimum GPA as specified by the department or program under which the minor falls, usually a 2.00 on a 4.00 scale, but higher in some programs. Transfer students must attain the minimum specified GPA on a combination of transfer credits accepted toward the minor and credits attempted at UW-Parkside. At least half of the course work for the minor must be completed at UW-Parkside. UW-Parkside offers the following minors:

• Anthropology
• Biological Sciences
• Biological Sciences for Elementary Teachers
• Biological Sciences for Secondary Teachers
• Business Management
• Chemistry
• Chemistry for Pre-Health Professions
• Coaching
• Communication
• Computer Science
• Criminal Justice
• Digital Media and Production
• Economics
• Elementary Mathematics
• English
• English as a Second Language
• English Language Arts for Elementary Education
• English Language Arts for Secondary Education
• Environmental Studies
• Ethnic Studies
• Exercise Science
• French
• Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
• Geography
• Geography for Teachers
• Geosciences
• Global Management
• Graphic Design
• Health Communication
• Health Psychology
• History
• International Studies
• Legal Studies
• Management Information Systems
• Mathematics
• Medical Spanish
• Military Leadership
• Music
• Organizational Communication
• Philosophy
• Philosophy of Natural Science
• Physics
• Political Science (Student-Designed)
• Political Science for Teachers
• Pre-Health Professions
• Psychology
• Public Policy Studies
• Public Relations
• Sociology
• Sociology for Teachers
• Spanish
• Sport Management
• Studio Art
• Theatre Arts
• Web Development
• Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies
• World Politics

Concentrations for Bachelor’s Majors

A number of undergraduate majors provide students with the option to pursue an area of emphasis within the major called a concentration. Some majors require a student to choose a concentration, others provide them as an option to enhance their major. Concentrations are declared, changed or removed by filing the same plan declaration form used for declaring majors. The following concentrations are offered by majors at UW-Parkside:

• Medical Laboratory Sciences
• Pre-Athletic Training
• Pre-Chiropractic
• Pre-General Health
• Pre-Occupational Therapy
• Pre-Physician Assistant
• Pre-Physical Therapy
• Pre-Public Health

• Interdisciplinary Art
• Three Dimensional Studio Art
• Two Dimensional Studio Art

• Pre-Health Professions

• Finance
• General Business
• Human Resource Management

• General Business

• Biochemistry
• General Chemistry
• Industrial Chemistry
• Natural Products
• Pre-Health Professions
• Professional Chemistry

• Monetary and Financial Economics
• Quantitative Economics

• Film and Cultural Studies
• Language Arts

• Environmental Biology
• Environmental Chemistry
• Environmental General
• Environmental Geography
• Environmental Geology
• Environmental Policy and Society

• Fitness Management
• Strength and Conditioning

• Anthropology
• Applied Environmental Geography
• Planning

• Earth Science
• Environmental Geosciences

• Healthcare Management
• Healthcare Technology

• Humanities
• Organizational Studies
• Social Science Studies
• Women’s, Gender and Sexuality Studies

• Contemporary Commercial Music
• Jazz Studies and Performance
• Liberal Arts
• Music Education
• Music Performance

• Law

• Neuroscience

• Early Adolescent-Adolescent
• Middle Childhood-Early Adolescent

• Acting
• Design and Technology
• Direction and Management

*Major requires a concentration.

Majors for Associate Degrees

In order to graduate with an associate degree, every degree-seeking student must complete a major with a minimum GPA as specified by the major department or program. Usually, this minimum major GPA is 2.00 on a 4.00 scale, but some majors require a higher GPA. Students with transfer work must also attain the minimum major GPA (2.00) on a combination of transfer credits accepted toward the major and credits attempted toward the major at UW- Parkside. A minimum of 24 of the 60 credits toward the associate degree must be completed at UW-Parkside. UW-Parkside offers the following majors for associate programs:

• Financial Economics (A.S.)
• Green Chemistry (A.S.)
• Laboratory Sciences (A.S.)
• Liberal Studies and Leadership (A.A.)
• Military and Security Studies (A.S.)
• Physics (A.S.)
• Professional Studies (A.A.)

Undergraduate Certificate Programs

Certificate programs are designed to develop a particular expertise or set of skills and normally consist of 9 or more credits. A minimum of nine credits in a certificate program must be taken at UW-Parkside. Individual departments and programs may require more than nine credits to be taken at UW-Parkside. Both degree-seeking and non-degree seeking students may pursue certificate programs. Certificate programs should not be confused with certification or licensure programs which lead to certification by an outside agency. Certificates are declared, changed, or removed by filing the same plan declaration form used for declaring majors.

• Art History
• Design
• Digital Fabrication

• Business Fundamentals
• Project Management
• Sales

• Community Engagement

• Green Chemistry

• Conflict Analysis and Resolution
• Digital and Media Literacy
• Digital Media and Production
• Health Communication

• Cyber Security
• Data Science
• Mobile Development
• UNIX System Administration
• World Wide Web Publishing

• Creative Writing
• Film Studies
• Professional Writing and Communication

• Project Management

• Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
• Museum Studies

• Global Skills

• Leadership

• Ethics

• Human Measurement and Research
• Mental Health Skills
• Neuroscience

• Child and Family Advocacy
• Diversity and Inclusion
• Gerontology
• Health and Society
• Program Evaluation
• Social Justice
• Urban Studies

• Sustainable Enterprise Management
• Sustainable Management Science

Honors Program

The Honors Program is a university-wide multidisciplinary program that encourages and rewards excellence. It provides opportunities for students to expand beyond the normal boundaries of their courses through research, special projects and community-based work. Students who complete all of the program requirements receive recognition at graduation and on their transcripts. The Honors Program has two tracks: Academic Honors and Civic Honors. To enroll in honors courses or participate in honors projects in either track, students must first be admitted to the program. Admission is granted by the program steering committee.

Pre-Professional Interests

Pre-professional interests pertain to preparation for professional study and to undergraduate interests not corresponding to UW-Parkside programs. A student may indicate one interest by submitting a plan declaration form to the department and may drop an interest or exchange interests by submitting another form. Special pre-professional advisors are assigned to pre-professional interest students. For those professions requiring an undergraduate degree prior to entry to professional school, students must also declare an academic major and any minor they plan to complete. As a result, students may be assigned to both an academic advisor and a pre-professional advisor.

Pre-Professional Programs

UW-Parkside offers special advising for students with pre-professional interests in the following areas:

• Architecture
• Athletic Training
• Chiropractic Medicine*
• Dentistry*
• Engineering**
• Genetic Counseling*
• Health Professions*
• Kinesiology
• Law
• Medicine (M.D. and D.O.)*
• Occupational Therapy*
• Optometry*
• Pathology Assistant*
• Pharmacy*
• Physical Therapy*
• Physician Assistant*
• Podiatry*
• Veterinary Medicine*

*Because of the intensely competitive nature of the pre-health fields, students with 30 or more credits must maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 2.50 to be eligible for special advising in these interest areas. Students with GPAs below 2.50 will be counseled to re-evaluate their career plans and will be referred to the academic department of their chosen major and/or the Advising and Career Center for advice.

**The articulated pre-engineering/engineering agreement with UW-Milwaukee (UWM) creates a curriculum plan for students at UW-Parkside to complete and transfer coursework toward the first two years of a specified UWM engineering major in the College of Engineering and Applied Science (CEAS), and provides guaranteed transfer to students who complete all articulated pre-engineering courses and UWM admission requirements.

Teacher Education Program

Contact the teacher education advisor for detailed and current information regarding all licensure programs, or visit our website.

Master’s Degree Programs

The university offers the following graduate degree programs.

• Applied Biotechnology (M.S.)
• Applied Professional Studies (M.A.)
• Biological Sciences (M.S.)
• Business Administration (M.B.A.)
• Clinical Mental Health Counseling (M.S.)
• Computer and Information Systems (M.S.)
• Health and Wellness Management (M.S.)
• Healthcare Administration (M.S.)
• Sport Management (M.S.)
• Sustainable Management (M.S.)

Additional graduate course work is offered in other fields of study. For further information on graduate programs, consult the Graduate Programs and Policies section of this catalog.

Graduate Certificate Programs

Graduate certificate programs are designed for students at one of the following levels: students who have completed a baccalaureate or higher level degree from a regionally accredited institution and are enrolled for graduate credit; or students who are enrolled simultaneously in a graduate degree program.

Students must meet the admission requirements of a degree seeking or non-degree seeking graduate student to be eligible to earn a graduate certificate. At least 75% of the credits must be earned after completion of a baccalaureate or higher degree and students must attain a GPA of 3.00 in the certificate courses.

Certificate programs are designed to develop a particular expertise or set of skills. Graduate certificate programs will require a minimum of 12 graduate level credits; no more than 25% of the credits can be at the 500 or 600 levels. A minimum of nine credits in a certificate program must be taken at UW Parkside for program residency. Individual departments and programs may require more than nine credits to be taken at UW Parkside. Certificate programs should not be confused with certification or licensure programs which lead to certification by an outside agency.

• Smart City Policy and Civic Partnerships

Online Programs

• Business Management (B.S.)
• Health Information Management and Technology (B.S.)*
• Liberal Studies (B.A.)
• Sociology (B.A.)
• Sustainable Management (B.S.)*

• Applied Biotechnology (M.S.)
• Applied Professional Studies (M.A.)
• Business Administration (M.B.A.)
• Health and Wellness Management (M.S.)*
• Healthcare Administration (M.S.)*
• Sport Management (M.S.)
• Sustainable Management (M.S.)*

• Business Fundamentals
• Project Management
• Sustainable Enterprise Management*
• Sustainable Management Science*

*These programs are offered jointly by UW-Parkside and other UW partners.

Directed Study/Independent Study

Directed or independent study is available for credit in many majors and minors. It consists of focused study by an individual student or small team of students under the supervision of a faculty member. The value of directed or independent study is in focusing on a well-defined topic and working closely with a member of the faculty or teaching academic staff. Directed or independent study is generally not intended for students who are near the beginning of their academic program. An agreement must be signed between the student and the faculty supervisor and approved by the department chair or program director at the start of the directed or independent study. All directed or independent studies must conclude with a completed paper, project, report, or other product. Consult each program section of this catalog for details.

Internships

An internship is a supervised discipline related work experience that integrates career relevant leaning activities into a university education. Internships provide opportunities for students to develop and expand their knowledge and/or skills, gain experience in a work setting, put theory into practice, and expand awareness of potential careers. Internships often take place outside the university in a public or private-sector organization. Internships are offered for credit by most academic departments at the 400 level. Interns may be paid by the employer or may work as volunteers. An internship agreement describing the work involved, specific job duties, expected work products, and all required assignments must be in writing and signed by the student, faculty supervisor and the outside internship supervisor; and it must be approved by the department chair or program director by the start of the internship. An internship should include an experiential learning strategy, an emphasis on professional development, performance assessments, and student reflections. All internships must conclude with a completed paper, project, report or other product. Consult each program section of this catalog for details.

Air Force Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (AFROTC)

UWP students have the opportunity to participate fully in the Air Force Reserve Officers Training Corps (AFROTC) Program through a partnership with the host Marquette University. Students enrolled in the Air Force ROTC program attend AFROTC courses at Marquette University. Through this program, UWP offers its students the opportunity to prepare for initial active duty assignments as Air Force Commissioned Officers. In order to receive a commission, AFROTC cadets must complete all university requirements for a degree and courses specified by the Air Force. AFROTC offers four- and three-year programs leading to a commission as an Air Force officer. Four-year program students complete the general military course and the professional officer course. Consult the Center for Professional Studies section of the catalog for more information.

Army Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (AROTC) Program

UW-Parkside students have the opportunity to participate in the Army Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (AROTC) through Marquette University. AROTC is a leadership development program consisting of three interconnected components: 1) on-campus, 2) off-campus and 3) the Leadership Development Program (LDP). By design, the three components dovetail for seamless, progressive and sequential leader development and prepare men and women to receive commissions as second lieutenants in the U.S. Army, Army National Guard, or the U.S. Army Reserve. Consult the Center for Professional Studies section of the catalog for more information.

Parkside Access to College Credits (PACC) Program

The Parkside Access to College Credit Program (PACC) allows eligible high school students to earn college and high school credit simultaneously by taking and successfully completing designated courses at their high school, known as concurrent enrollment.  By taking college credit in high school, students also set themselves apart by demonstrating that they can succeed in college-level classes. Go to https://www.uwp.edu/learn/departments/professionalstudies/pacc/.