Programs | Page 5 | Western Technical College

Programs

Programs

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Programs

Business Specialist

Financial Aid Available: 

Financial Aid Eligible

Gain a strong foundational understanding of business management as well as enhanced skills in leadership, business communications, critical thinking, and problem solving with Western's Business Specialist technical diploma. This program emphasizes fundamental business knowledge through exposure to broad areas such as human resources, finance, leadership strategies, process control, computer applications, and basic business law.

You'll come away with relevant skills and abilities to achieve your professional and personal goals. This technical diploma program is a pathway to the Business Management associate degree for those who are interested in further advancement. Courses are offered entirely online or in a blended format that combines in-person and online learning to meet your preferred learning needs.

Career Cluster: 

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Business Specialist Image

Degree Type: 

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Career Opportunities: 

Administrative Officer/Specialist
Business Manager
Business Administrator

Program Credits: 

30.00

Total Cost: 

$4 924.50

Pathway: 

Business Specialist

Application Fee: 

$30 Application Fee

Application: 

Application

Program Code: 

BSSP

First Term: 

Organizational Behavior
Business Concepts
Computer Applications for Business
Technical Reporting
Strengths Seminar

Second Term: 

Principles of Management
Managing People
Intro to HR Management
Math w/ Business Applications

Third Term: 

Introduction to Accounting
Business Law

Graduates: 

24

Graduates Responding: 

15

Employed in Related Occupation: 

2

Employed In Non-related Occupations: 

0

Seeking Employment: 

0

Continuing Education: 

12

Not in Labor Market: 

0

Part Time: Responding: 

1

Full Time: Responding: 

1

Full Time: Average Hours Per Week: 

40

Related Occupations: 

Printing Assistant

Program Number: 

311024

Explore Courses Body: 

The following list is not the official course list for this program. It is intended to give students an idea of what coursework will be required.

Current students should use the MyWestern self-service portal when registering for class.

Typical Start: 

Fall, Spring

Landscape Horticulture Technician

Financial Aid Available: 

Financial Aid Eligible

Western's Landscape Horticulture program is designed for people who are passionate about plants, landscaping, and the intricate world of horticulture. Our program blends theoretical knowledge and practical experience, ensuring you not only grasp the essential concepts but also master the hands-on skills crucial in the field. Deep dive into plant identification and taxonomy, explore plant biology and greenhouse operations, and become a landscape transformation and design expert. Our courses cover a variety of topics integral to horticulture. You will engage in interactive workshops, scenario-based learning, and real-world projects, providing a holistic and immersive learning experience.

Your time in our program will challenge and enrich your understanding of plants and their environments. You'll learn to navigate the complexities of plant care, pest management, and sustainable landscaping practices, equiping you to create flourishing landscaptes in harmony with nature. We also explore advanced horticulture techniques, landscape site assessments, and the intricacies of retail greenhouse management, preparing you for a successful career in the horticultural industry. Our courses on soil science and sustainable landscape design add depth to your knowledge, ensuring a well-rounded education. By the end of the program, you will have transformed your passion for plants into practical skills and knowledge, ready to make a significant impact in the world of landscape horticulture.

Career Cluster: 

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Landscape Horticulture Technician Image

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Plant Health Care Technician
Landscape Installation Technician
Lawn Care Technician
Greenhouse Technician
Irrigation Installation Technician
Tree & Shrub Care Technician
Landscape Maintenance Technician

Program Credits: 

30.00

Total Cost: 

$4 924.50

Pathway: 

Landscape Horticulture Technician

Application Fee: 

$30 Application Fee

Application: 

Application

Program Code: 

LNHT

First Term: 

Fundamentals of Plant Identification
Holistic Plant Health Care
Landscape Installation and Maintenance
Greenhouse Fundamentals
Introduction to Plant Science
Introduction to Soils
Strengths Seminar

Second Term: 

Greenhouse Management & Entrepreneurship
Landscape Design Principles
Advanced Horticulture Practice
Sustainable Landscape Design
Landscape Site Assessment
Horticulture Career Readiness
Greenhouse Crop Production

Program Number: 

310015

Explore Courses Body: 

The following list is not the official course list for this program. It is intended to give students an idea of what coursework will be required.

Current students should use the MyWestern self-service portal when registering for class.

Typical Start: 

Fall

IT-Network Technician

Financial Aid Available: 

Financial Aid Eligible

If you have solid computer skills and a desire to expand your knowledge, Western's Network Technician program will be highly beneficial to your future career. This program offers a blend of classroom instruction and hands-on training, equipping you with the skills needed to offer network support in small- to medium-sized businesses and home offices.

As part of your training, you will explore the fundamentals of Linux and Windows server administration, gaining a well-rounded understanding of network technology. If you decide to pursue Western's IT - Cybersecurity & Network Administration associate degree, all the courses you complete in the Network Technician program will transfer, ensuring a smooth transition and a broader range of opportunities in the field.

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Career Opportunities: 

Computer Network Support Specialists
IT Specialist

Program Credits: 

25.00

Total Cost: 

$4 103.75

Pathway: 

IT-Network Technician

Application Fee: 

$30 Application Fee

Application: 

Application

Program Code: 

ITNW

First Term: 

IT Hardware/Software Fund
Cisco 1: Networking Fund
Introduction to Cybersecurity
IT Exploration
Math w/ Business Applications
Strengths Seminar

Second Term: 

Cisco 2: Switching & Routing Technology
Linux Administration
Windows Server Admin 1
Cybersecurity Essentials

Program Number: 

301504

Explore Courses Body: 

The following list is not the official course list for this program. It is intended to give students an idea of what coursework will be required.

Current students should use the MyWestern self-service portal when registering for class.

Typical Start: 

Fall

Software and Technology: 

This program requires specific software and technology to complete classwork. Click here to see the list of items you will need for your courses.

If you do not have access to the items listed for your program, or if the items you have do not meet the requirements, resources may be available. Submit a Student Resource Request using our online form.

Internet access is required to access student accounts from off campus. The Learning Commons can provide information on free, off-campus Wi-Fi spots. Contact them at LearningCommons@westerntc.edu or call 608-785-9198.

For additional specifications, please review Technology and Software Recommendations for Most Classes on Western’s IT Knowledgebase.

Digital Marketing

Financial Aid Available: 

Financial Aid Eligible

Western's Digital Marketing program explores marketing, with a focus on effectively managing a range of popular digital tools. Our courses are continuously updated to keep pace with the ever-evolving digital landscape. You'll explore topics such as website content management, marketing analytics, SEO, social media, digital advertising, copywriting, e-commerce, as well as the fundamental principles of marketing and marketing strategies.

This associate degree provides you with the foundational knowledge, concepts, tools, and skill set required to effectively market a business in today's dynamic digital environment.

Career Cluster: 

Videos: 

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Digital Marketing Image

Degree Type: 

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Career Opportunities: 

Digital/Social Media Specialist
Digital Marketing/Social Media Coordinator
SEO Specialist
Digital Content Specialist
Content Marketing Specialist

Program Credits: 

60.00

Total Cost: 

$9 849.00

Pathway: 

Digital Marketing

Application Fee: 

$30 Application Fee

Application: 

Application

Program Code: 

DGMK

First Term: 

Business Concepts
Computer Applications for Business
Marketing Principles
Digital Design Components
Technical Reporting
Strengths Seminar

Second Term: 

Marketing-Research
Internet Marketing
Digital Advertising
Content Marketing
Math w/ Business Applications

Fourth Term: 

E-Commerce
Social Media Strategies
Email Marketing
SEO and Marketing Analytics
Speech

Fifth Term: 

Integrated Marketing Campaign
Inbound Marketing
Personal Brand
Project Management
Economics
Intro to Psychology

Program Number: 

101048

Explore Courses Body: 

The following list is not the official course list for this program. It is intended to give students an idea of what coursework will be required.

Current students should use the MyWestern self-service portal when registering for class.

Secondary Description: 

Students are required to attend this live interactive class session, one evening each week virtually using webinar software either from home or at one of the Western regional campuses.

University Transfer Agreement: 

Franklin University
Website
Viterbo University
Website
PDF

Typical Start: 

Fall

Paralegal Transfer Policy

In order to complete the paralegal program, at least eighteen semester credits or equivalent must consist of general education courses which is subject to Western Technical College’s transfer policy. Additionally, at least eighteen semester credits or equivalent must consist of legal specialty courses completed at Western Technical College.

Find a Class

Take a class at Western! Enrolling in an individual course is a great way to build a specific career skill or explore an area of interest. Or, if you're enrolled at another college, you can take a class at Western and apply the credits toward your degree.

Class Search

Search our online database for classes by keywords, program, credit or non-credit.

Solar Installation Technician

Financial Aid Available: 

Not Financial Aid Eligible

Solar energy is a growing industry in western Wisconsin. The Solar Installation Technician certificate is designed to address the needs of regional utility power suppliers that offer renewable energy options, as well as private companies that provide solar solutions for residential, commercial, non-profit, and government sectors.

Western has several solar panel systems that not only provide power to buildings, but offer the perfect, real-life training opportunity.

This certificate is a pathway into the Building Science and Energy Management associate degree, which can lead to career advancement opportunities.

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Solar Installation Technician Image

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Career Opportunities: 

Solar Installer/Service Technician
Solar Site Evaluator/Permit Technician
Solar Electrician
Electrical Technician

Program Credits: 

14.00

Total Cost: 

$2 298.10

Pathway: 

Solar Installation Technician

Application Fee: 

$30 Application Fee

Application: 

Application

Program Code: 

SOIT

First Term: 

Construction Industry Basics
PV Design and Install 1
Intro to Energy Effic & Mgmt
Introduction to Building Science
College Mathematics
Strengths Seminar

Program Number: 

614815

Explore Courses Body: 

The following list is not the official course list for this program. It is intended to give students an idea of what coursework will be required.

Current students should use the MyWestern self-service portal when registering for class.

Typical Start: 

Fall

Non-Traditional Occupations

Consider a non-traditional occupation! 

A non-traditional occupation (NTO) is defined as any occupation in which women or men comprise less than 25% of the workforce. Today, many women and men are breaking down barriers to pursue careers.

Why Non-Traditional?

NTO careers can mean:

Individualized Technical Studies

Financial Aid Available: 

Financial Aid Eligible

Program Image: 

Individualized Technical Studies

Degree Type: 

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Additional Information: 

  • A minimum of 20 Core Credits must be focused in one discipline. A discipline is described as a program cluster:
    • Agriculture, Foods and Natural Resources
    • Architecture and Construction
    • Art, A/V Technology and Communications
    • Associate of Arts and Science
    • Business, Management and Administration
    • Education and Training
    • Finance
    • Health Sciences
    • Hospitality and Tourism
    • Human Services
    • Information Technology
    • Law, Public Safety and Security
    • Manufacturing
    • Marketing
    • Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics
    • Transportation, Distribution and Logistics
  • A minimum of 25% of the total program requirements must be earned at Western Technical College.
  • Time and completion of the ITS program is dependent on course offering options and your individual schedule.
  • The program is intended for currently employed individuals who have specific career objectives not met by Western Technical College’s existing degree programs.
  • The Adult Learning Specialist and an Occupational Advisor are required to assist with the development of the curriculum sequence and guide the student toward their career goals.

Additional Admission Requirements: 

To determine if the ITS program meets your needs, contact Kim Panzer, Credit for Prior Learning Specialist/ITS Program to schedule an appointment to review the ITS self-assessment and begin the process of completing the ITS Program Plan. You can reach Kim by phone at 608-785-9873 or by email at CPL@westerntc.edu.

Application Fee: 

$30 Application Fee

Application: 

Application

Program Code: 

ITS

Program Number: 

108251

Explore Courses Body: 

General Studies

Credits
Behavioral Science (Select one)
809-198 Introduction to Psychology
809-199 Psychology of Human Relations
Other 809 courses may be permitted		 3
Communications (Select two)
801-195 English Comp 1
801-198 Speech
801-197 Technical Communication
Other 801 courses may be permitted		 6
Math/Science (Select one)
804-107 College Math
804-123 Math with Business Applications
Other 804 or 806 courses may be permitted		 3
Social Science (Select one)
809-195 Economics
809-196 Introduction to Sociology
809-122 Introduction to American Government
Other 809 courses may be permitted		 3
General Studies Electives
Additional courses electives		 6-15

Total General Studies

21-30

Individual Technical Studies

Credits
Core Credits
Focused in one discipline		 20
Additional Credits
Additional credits earned in other disciplines		 19-20

Total Individualized Technical Studies

39-40

Total Credits

60-70

Secondary Description: 

The Individualized Technical Studies (ITS) associate degree is a flexible program intended for students with specific career goals that can’t be met by other degree programs at Western. It is a customized program that allows you to draw from a variety of existing courses in traditional disciplines and programs. You are encouraged to explore credit for prior learning (CPL) based on previous work experience, coursework, and military service training. CPL enables you to accelerate the completion of your educational goals.

Examples of an ITS degree could be:

  • Childcare Administration: Combining Early Childhood core program classes with Human Services and Business and Management courses
  • Marketing and Design: Pairing courses from Marketing with Art, A/V Technology, and Communications courses
  • Criminal Justice Management: Combining Law, Public Safety, and Security courses with Business, Management, and Administration courses
  • Business Management & Sales: Coupling Business and Management with Administration and Marketing courses
  • Computer Support Manager: Pairing Information Technology courses with Business or Management with Administration courses

Typical Start: 

Fall, Spring, Summer

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