PHOTO: Courtesy of WLUK
GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – Local employers asked for more talent, and UW-Green Bay is delivering. The university announced a new accelerated computer science program to get people working in the field quicker.
When students return to UWGB next month, they’ll have a new choice.
The university announcing a new reduced credit bachelor’s degree in computer science. It’s an option driven by both students and the industry.
“We found for students in computer science, they were actually leaving early. So they were getting a job before graduation. And so to us, that was really saying the students were ready and the employers were ready for them. So when this became an option to offer a reduced credit degree, we thought, this is a great fit. This is going to work for students and for employers at the same time,” said Kate Burns, Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs.
Instead of the required 120 credits, that usually take four year to complete, students who choose the new program will get a bachelor’s degree in three and a half years after only needing 100 credits to graduate.
The missing credits would mean students would take fewer electives, focusing more on what the university calls a fundamentals pathway. The fundamentals pathway provides a broad overview of the field, along with hands-on learning.
Those interested in a more focused emphasis on artificial intelligence or cybersecurity would need to complete the 120 credits.
The reduced credit program is both a potential time and money saver.
According to Burns, “We know students have affordability and time on their minds when they’re thinking about higher education. And so it is really important to think about what are those faster pathways? So this is a great, fast, affordable pathway for students.”
University officials say they started exploring the reduced credit program about a year ago. They needed approval from both the Universities of Wisconsin system as well as college accreditation.
And they’re pleased to be the first school in the state to offer it.
“We think it will be great for students to meet their needs as well as the employer needs because we think that it is really needed within the region. So we’re really, really excited,” added Burns.
Students can start declaring for the program immediately.
University officials say there are two other programs they are in the process of reviewing for potential reduced credit degrees.
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