Applied Computing - Maximize Your Potential with an Applied Computing Degree

Make Things Possible

In nearly every industry, businesses can no longer operate without skilled, perceptive IT professionals to drive process, create connections, and solve business problems. With the University of Wisconsin Bachelor of Science in Applied Computing, a hands-on computer science program with a valuable focus on the business skills employers need, you can be the problem solver who makes things possible – for your company and your career.

Applied Computer Science Maximizes Your Potential

Organizations need IT professionals who can not only excel technically, but who can also use their skills to drive business results.

Future-Focused Learning

The UW Applied Computing program proves to employers that you have the tools required to solve their organization’s day-to-day technical and operational issues. More importantly, it teaches you how to develop new technologies and participate in future tech innovation so you’ll know how to fix tomorrow’s problems.

Technology and Business Combined

Today’s employers need well-rounded IT professionals. This unique computer science curriculum has a sharp focus on business skills like project management, IS strategy, and legal and ethical issues, so you can use your technical expertise to propel the organization forward.

Real-World Application

Because the program was designed with working adults in mind, skills are combined and taught in the same way professionals utilize them day-to-day in the workplace. With the capstone course, you’ll get a chance to apply your knowledge in a real-world setting, giving you the practical experience employers will notice.

The Value of a University of Wisconsin Education

Where you get your degree is important to employers. How much you invest is important to you. The UW Applied Computing degree takes both into consideration–you’ll graduate with a degree from the University of Wisconsin; one of the the largest and most widely respected public and accredited higher education organizations in the country. And you’ll pay a flat-rate tuition of only $495 per credit ($30,195 total), whether you live in Wisconsin or out of state. Financial aid is available for students who qualify.

Convenient and Intuitive

Applied computing combines the theoretical study of a traditional computer science curriculum with the practical application of an IT degree and an understanding of today’s business environment. To ensure students gain hands-on expertise in the most up-to-date technologies, this applied computer science degree utilizes the Virtual Desktop Environment (or Virtual Lab)–a cloud-based resource for students with remote (one-stop) access to a desktop with every software tool and programming language you’ll need in your courses. Rather than spend an entire semester focused on a single technology, our courses bundle skills together in a way that reflects their real-life application. You’ll gain expertise in multiple languages and software platforms, and also have an awareness of how they can work together to best meet business needs.

Careers Outlook

Good IT applicants are hard to find–IT evolves quickly and constantly, and computer science professionals who have the expertise to develop and maintain cutting edge technology solutions are in high demand. Computer and information technology roles, including web developers, security analysts, software engineers, and database administrators, are some of the fastest growing fields in the country, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. But employers are having a hard time finding qualified applicants for IT roles. In fact, a 2017 study of IT positions in Wisconsin performed by labor and economic analysts Emsi found that there was approximately one hire for every three IT job postings in our state. With the right qualifications, you could help fill that professional need.

Capstone Course

Employers want to hire professionals who can perform on day one. The Applied Computing degree includes a final capstone course, which is performed at a real workplace and transforms your education into real-world experience. Each project is tailored to a student’s interests and career goals and often leads to job opportunities and professional connections. Students in other UW online programs have performed capstone projects for major organizations such as the UW Medical Foundation and the Green Bay Packers.

Technology + Business

Gone are the days of the isolated IT technician. Today, organizations need tech professionals who can anticipate business needs, perform the necessary operations to meet them, and make savvy business decisions based on the outcomes. Successful applied computing professionals leverage their technical expertise within a cross-disciplinary team working collaboratively to address issues within a business environment. The UW Applied Computing program’s sharp focus on business skills like project management, IS strategy, and legal and ethical issues ensures our graduates are prepared with the tools needed to propel the organization forward.