Portal offers growing menu of flexible and online degrees and certificates

Last month, the University of Wisconsin–Madison launched AdvanceYourCareer.wisc.edu, highlighting 44 convenient graduate programs for working professionals who want to continue their education. Since then, thousands have visited the site, and the university is adding two programs that address Wisconsin’s dynamic workforce needs.

Beginning in fall 2015, UW–Madison will offer two new online capstone certificates — one in geodesign and another in power conversion and control. The Web-based learning format is designed to accommodate a nontraditional student’s busy schedule. The certificates join UW–Madison’s other flexible graduate programs in such fields as business, education and health, recently ranked by U.S. News and World Report as among the nation’s best.

“UW-Madison is dedicated to serving Wisconsin citizens who need an advanced credential to further their career or move into a specialized field,” says Jeffrey S. Russell, dean of continuing studies and vice provost for lifelong learning. “That’s why we continue to create online, hybrid, accelerated and evening and weekend programs to fit their work and life schedules. And the fact that U.S. News and World Report rated our graduate programs so highly confirms that there’s no need to sacrifice quality for convenience.”

Since launching on February 5, AdvanceYourCareer.wisc.edu has attracted more than 14,000 visitors.

“We’ve already had a significant number of people request program information through AdvanceYourCareer.wisc.edu, eager to learn skills that employers are looking for,” says Toni Landis, program coordinator for the International Politics and Practice Capstone Certificate.“We’re excited about welcoming nontraditional students with these new flexible offerings.”

Christopher Salem enrolled in the Master of Science for Professional Educators program because it allowed him to stay in his job as a full-time teacher while working on an advanced degree.

“I needed a flexible program so I could do the work when it fit for me,” Salem says. “The quality of the program has prepared me to take the next step in my career, and networking with my professors and classmates will help me be successful in my field. People at the UW are more than willing to accommodate your schedule so you get the full experience of being in school again while meeting your demands outside of school.”

UW-Madison faculty and staff are developing additional degree and capstone certificate programs to be offered online or in other accessible formats. Capstone certificate programs provide a focused collection of graduate-level credit courses for returning adult students who wish to acquire specialized training to meet current and future job requirements.

—Dean Robbins

Hear Christopher Salem’s story