UW-Whitewater adds degree program to elevate health professionals

UW-Whitewater adds degree program to elevate health professionals

September 24, 2025

As part of a continued effort to fill vital workforce needs in the region, the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater has partnered with the state's technical colleges to deliver a pathway for allied health professionals to careers in healthcare management.

UW-Whitewater's Bachelor of Science in Health and Leadership Studies - launched this fall and recently recognized at a ceremonial signing of the articulation agreement with the Wisconsin Technical College System - is designed for students with Associate of Science degrees who are working in allied health professions, including dental hygiene, physical therapy, and cardiovascular technology.

According to the articulation agreement, students with an AAS degree in an allied health clinical or diagnostic field from any WTCS technical college are guaranteed admission to the program after transferring to UW-Whitewater.

"UW-Whitewater prides itself on being a transfer-friendly institution, and we believe this articulation agreement is a strong example of that," said Robin Fox, interim provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs. "This degree will create opportunities for students to earn a bachelor's degree and, ultimately, succeed in jobs that are critical to the healthcare of people in our state and around the region."

The major is housed in the university's College of Letters and Sciences and can be completed fully online with some in-person course offerings available.

The degree curriculum includes courses in leadership, communication, management, social work, biology, sociology and health education.

"The health and leadership studies degree is an ideal opportunity for students looking to make a difference in their communities," said Jason Janke, dean of the College of Letters and Sciences. "Through a unique blend of coursework, students will enhance their understanding of healthcare and build essential professional skills, such as communication, critical thinking and teamwork, which are crucial for effective leadership."

Students in Communication 328: Managing Conflict, a class taught by Assistant Professor Courtney Powers that is part of the Health and Leadership Studies curriculum, worked on a team-building classroom exercise on Tuesday, Sept. 17, 2024, using paper, string, tape and lengths of dried spaghetti to devise and build bridges to support weight placed on them. Powers, center, and entrepreneurship major Nazier Jones, right, react as his team's bridge between two desktops sustains a cell phone and deck of cards. (UW-Whitewater photo/Craig Schreiner)

Several jobs in healthcare are among the fastest-growing occupations in the nation, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Medical and health services managers - leadership positions in healthcare - are projected as the sixth-fastest growing occupation between 2024-34 at a rate of 23 percent.

UW-Whitewater offers several other majors closely related to health and leadership studies, including Integrated Science-Business, Corporate and Health Communication, and Healthcare and Pre-Professional.