UW Applied Computing Frequently Asked Questions

Organizations in every industry require skilled technical professionals to develop and manage the programs, systems, and databases that allow a business to function. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, tech careers are growing at a higher rate than other professions; up to 27% industry growth, depending on the job title you pursue. In the face of this dramatic industry growth, there is a shortage of qualified IT professionals. According to a 2015 survey by global cloud-services company Appirio, 90% of C-level executives agree that finding and retaining technology talent is a top business challenge and that a lack of qualified tech professionals is a significant barrier to business growth.

An applied degree, such as the University of Wisconsin Bachelor of Science in Applied Computing, indicates to employers that you’re already skilled in the hands-on application of the tools and technologies you’ll need on a day-to-day basis. This degree can be the foundation for a variety of positions, including:

• Computer support specialist
• Computer and information systems manager
• Systems analyst
• Security analyst
• Web developer
• Database administrator
• Software developer

The UW Bachelor of Science in Applied Computing is intended for individuals who would like to advance their current role in IT  or those who would like to change careers to pursue this in-demand field. Working parents, professionals, and veterans will find the flexibility of online courses especially convenient.

Ideal candidates will hold at least 60 general education credits and can come from nearly any professional field.

See the Application and Admission page for details.

The following prerequisite course is required for admission to this program:

• College algebra or equivalent coursework

Students must satisfy this prerequisite before starting program coursework. Students will not be allowed to take an outstanding prerequisite course concurrently with introductory program courses. If college algebra is not included in your existing credits, University of Wisconsin Independent Learning offers an online, self-paced course that fulfills this requirement.

Program academic directors have the option to waive a prerequisite based, in part, on student work experience and background.

If you are not sure whether you meet these requirements, call 1-877-895-3276 or email learn@uwex.edu to discuss your options.

For details about how to apply, see our Application and Admission page. Also, an enrollment adviser would be happy to help you through the process.

The UW Bachelor of Science in Applied Computing is granted by five University of Wisconsin institutions: UW-Milwaukee, UW-Oshkosh, UW-Platteville, UW-River Falls, and UW-Stevens Point.

Although you will take courses taught by faculty from all five partner campuses and complete your program online, you will be asked to choose a “home” campus from one of the program’s degree-granting institutions: UW-Milwaukee, UW-Oshkosh, UW-Platteville, UW-River Falls, or UW-Stevens Point. Your home campus is the institution from which you will receive advising, career services, and ultimately, your diploma.

Yes, this degree is offered online; there are no on-campus meetings or requirements. Books and materials are handled through an online bookstore. For a list of frequently asked questions about online learning, please see our page, About Online Learning.

You may enter the program at the beginning of any term: fall, spring, or summer. Fall semester begins in early September, spring semester in late January, and summer semester in early June. View our Courses page for semester schedules and a list of upcoming courses.

Check out our About Online Learning page and call an enrollment adviser at 1-877-UW-LEARN (895-3276) to discuss whether the program is a good fit for your learning style and career goals.

Courses in the UW Bachelor of Science in Applied Computing program are taught by faculty from the five participating University of Wisconsin campuses. Online courses have the same rigor and requirements as on-campus classes and are taught by the same expert faculty.

View our Courses page for details.

It depends on how many courses you take in a semester. Nineteen three-credit courses, plus a one-credit capstone preparation course and a three-credit capstone course are required. Courses are offered in fall, spring, and summer terms, so it would be possible to complete the degree in as little as two years if you take full credit loads (approximately four courses) each semester. Students are encouraged to consider their own time constraints when estimating time to completion. Students with work, family, and volunteer obligations may require a slower pace.

There is no completion deadline. You may take as many semesters as you need to earn your degree.

There is no traditional internship requirement. However, the bachelor’s degree course APC 495: Capstone requires a student to complete a field experience project with the goal of gaining valuable, hands-on experience in this exciting field. (Students may be able to complete the project at their current place of employment).

Tuition for the online UW Bachelor of Science in Applied Computing program is a flat fee of $495 per credit ($30,195 total for 61 credits) whether you live in Wisconsin or out of state. However, textbooks (and software, if needed) are purchased separately and are not included in tuition.There are no additional course or program fees. As this is an online program, you will not pay segregated fees—fees in addition to tuition that cover the costs of student-organized activities, facility maintenance, and operations such as student health centers.

A variety of financial aid opportunities are available for returning adult students. Contact the Financial Aid Office at your home campus for detailed information.

Yes. Contact the Veterans Coordinator at your home campus for details.

Call 1-877-UW-LEARN (895-3276) or email learn@uwex.edu.