This program prepares you for a career as a licensed funeral director and embalmer in a profession that demands compassion, dedication, and creativity. Once accepted into the program, you will be immersed in all facets of the funeral profession and trained to become one of the best funeral directors in the expanding death-care career area.

Courses provide a variety of unique learning opportunities through lectures, hands-on labs, field trips, seminars, guest speakers, and internships. Topics include embalming, arranger training, grief studies, business management, religious funeral practices, regulatory compliance, and more.

Training takes place in classrooms, state-of-the-art embalming and restorative art labs, an arrangement conference room, a merchandise selection room, and a funeral chapel.

Upon completion of the program, you will earn an associate degree and be eligible to take the National Board Exam for funeral directors (required for licensure).

This program is offered in partnership with Milwaukee Area Technical College (MATC). You will complete one year at Western, then transfer to MATC to complete the degree.

An IoT integration specialist understands the Internet of Things. They understand connected devices that run our world, from the sensor level to the cloud. As an IoT integration specialist, you will have the skills to build and integrate the connected systems of the future in many different work environments, like manufacturing, modern agriculture, health care, and civil works. If you want to combine hands-on skills with computer programming and networking, this is the program for you.

This program is designed to provide you with the skills needed to enter the growing field of mechatronic and robotic systems. Highly paid technicians in this field are responsible for setup, troubleshooting, repairs, and modifications of programs in a wide array of computer-controlled industrial and manufacturing operation.

Competent mechatronic and robotic system technicians possess the skills to tackle the complexity of equipment used in a variety of advanced manufacturing applications. These skills include experience with sensors, Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC-Industrial Computers), Human Machine Interfaces (HMI-Touch Screens), motors, motor drives, and robotics.

Additional coverage of Industry 4.0 topics such as Smart Sensors, SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition), and machine vision systems will prepare you for both an intellectually and financially rewarding career in this field.

You may also choose to continue your education with engineering bachelor degree transfer options. See the program transfer agreements information for more details.

A promising and challenging career awaits you in a career field that continues to expand. Becoming a paralegal will immerse you in all facets of the law while working under the direction of a licensed attorney. To excel in this role, a paralegal must possess strong communication skills, enjoy collaborating with diverse individuals, demonstrate attention to detail, excel in problem-solving, and uphold ethical standards. Western's program is proudly approved by the American Bar Association (ABA). According to the ABA, a Legal Assistant/Paralegal is defined as "a person, qualified by education, training, or work experience who is employed or retained by a lawyer, law office, corporation, governmental agency, or other entity and who performs specifically delegated substantive legal work for which a lawyer is responsible." Our program covers all aspects of legal domains, including criminal, family, real estate, civil, business, and estate/probate law. Graduates find careers in various sectors, including private practice, corporate legal departments, and government entities. This program offers articulation agreements that facilitate transfer toward a bachelor's degree and, for some students, serve as a route to law school. This program is offered in a blended format that combines face-to-face and online instruction.

Pursue a rewarding career in the field of criminal justice with the knowledge and skills acquired through this associate degree program. At Western, you'll gain the expertise needed to make meaningful contributions to community safety and well-being. Coursework spans a wide range of subject matter essential for entry-level criminal justice professionals, emphasizing the integration of theory and practical application.

With this degree, you'll have the opportunity to pursue specialized certifications in law enforcement and jail operations by enrolling in and successfully completing the respective academies offered at Western. Additionally, for those aiming to further their education, Western maintains transfer agreements with many local universities, creating a seamless pathway to attain a bachelor's degree in criminal justice or related fields.