Liberal Arts

Individualized Technical Studies

108251
AS
60.00

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
$10,069
Location
La Crosse

Previous education and work experience could qualify for Credit for Prior Learning, saving you time and money. Find out more about what may apply to this program.

Additional 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.

Most of Western’s classes require the use of a personal computer or laptop, standard software, internet access, and other technology-related items.

If you do not have a personal computer or laptop, or if the one you have does not meet the following criteria, resources may be available. Submit a Student Resource Request using our online form.

Computer/Laptop Hardware

  • Smartphones are not recommended for completing assignments.
  • Chromebooks are not recommended due to issues with installing software that is needed for classes, such as Office 365.
  • Web camera with microphone (usually built into newer laptops or can be purchased separately) is necessary for online participation.

Software Needs

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

Campus Resources

Need Assistance?

  • Contact the Learning Commons! The staff are happy to answer questions, provide individualized assistance, and direct you to other supports as needed.
  • A minimum of 20 Core Credits must be focused in one discipline. A discipline is described as an area of interest:
    • Advanced Manufacturing
    • Agriculture & Natural Resources
    • Business & Professional Services
    • Design & Construction Technology
    • Education & Human Services
    • Health Sciences
    • Liberal Arts
    • Public Safety
    • Science, Technology, Engineering, & Math
    • Transportation
  • 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.

This program is part of a career pathway, a laddered approach to career education. It allows you to earn employer-recognized credentials that lead to job and career advancement.

1
Course Intro Information

Western offers most courses in a 7-week format, but course length can vary. There are two 7-week sessions in each term, so courses listed below may not be taken at the same time. See the 7-week sessions page for more information.

This course list gives you an idea of what coursework will be required but is not the official list. Current students should use the MyWestern self-service portal for academic planning.

General Studies: 21-30 credits

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

Individual Technical Studies: 39-40 credits

  • Core Credits – 20 credits (focused in one discipline)
  • Additional Credits – 19-20 credits (additional credits earned in other disciplines)

 

Total Credits: 60-70

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Other Programs in This Area of Interest

Choose from an Associate of Arts or Associate of Science track, or if you’re looking for something more hands on, consider Individualized Technical Studies. Graduates are prepared to continue their education at a school of their choice.

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Associate of Science

208002
AS
61.00

Western's University Transfer programs are equivalent to the first- and second-year general education courses offered at traditional universities. Our Associate of Science program prepares you for Bachelor of Science programs in the University of Wisconsin System as well as many other four-year transfer partners.

General education courses include English, math, science, history, social sciences, the humanities, and health and wellness courses. You could save 40 percent by taking these AS degree courses at Western before transferring to a four-year program of study in the natural and physical sciences or social sciences!

If you have a particular college or university in mind, reach out to a Western College Advisor before selecting courses in order to develop a transfer plan or select one of the direct transfer plans developed with our four-year partners.

$12,866
Location
La Crosse
Location
Online

Previous education and work experience could qualify for Credit for Prior Learning, saving you time and money. Find out more about what may apply to this program.

Graduates - 35
Graduates Responding - 15
Employed In Related Occupation - 1
Employed In Non-related Occupations - 5
Seeking Employment - 1
Continuing Education - 8
Not In Labor Market - 0
Graduates Responding Employed Part Time in Related Occupation - 1
PT Average Hours per Week - 20
PT Median Annual Salary - $8,000
Related Occupations - Substitute Teacher

Most of Western’s classes require the use of a personal computer or laptop, standard software, internet access, and other technology-related items.

If you do not have a personal computer or laptop, or if the one you have does not meet the following criteria, resources may be available. Submit a Student Resource Request using our online form.

Computer/Laptop Hardware

  • Smartphones are not recommended for completing assignments.
  • Chromebooks are not recommended due to issues with installing software that is needed for classes, such as Office 365.
  • Web camera with microphone (usually built into newer laptops or can be purchased separately) is necessary for online participation.

Software Needs

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

Campus Resources

Need Assistance?

  • Contact the Learning Commons! The staff are happy to answer questions, provide individualized assistance, and direct you to other supports as needed.
  • Write and speak effectively for diverse audiences
  • Apply reading comprehension skills in a variety of contexts
  • Apply research methods for academic inquiry
  • Develop mathematical reasoning and strategies to solve a variety of problems
  • Examine physical phenomena using scientific tools and methods
  • Grow in communicative language proficiency and cultural competence in a language other than English
  • Use the tools and methods of the social sciences to explore historical and/or social phenomena.
  • Develop an awareness of the embeddedness of prejudice, discrimination, and privilege in historical systems of thought and practice

How is this different from the Associate of Arts program?

This program differs from the Associate of Arts program in the following ways:

  • 10 additional credits in the Mathematics and Natural Science categories
  • 12 fewer credits in the Humanities and Social Science categories
  • History requirement
  • Differing elective credits

View Course Options Here (PDF)

This program is part of a career pathway, a laddered approach to career education. It allows you to earn employer-recognized credentials that lead to job and career advancement.

1
Course Intro Information

Western offers most courses in a 7-week format, but course length can vary. There are two 7-week sessions in each term, so courses listed below may not be taken at the same time. See the 7-week sessions page for more information.

This course list gives you an idea of what coursework will be required but is not the official list. Current students should use the MyWestern self-service portal for academic planning.

View the Associate of Science course options.

icon - in-person learning format
In-Person
icon - online learning format
Online
icon - calendar
Summer
Start
icon - calendar
Fall
Start
icon - calendar
Spring
Start

Other Programs in This Area of Interest

Choose from an Associate of Arts or Associate of Science track, or if you’re looking for something more hands on, consider Individualized Technical Studies. Graduates are prepared to continue their education at a school of their choice.

Ask a Question
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Associate of Arts

208001
AS
60.00

Western's University Transfer programs are equivalent to the first- and second-year general education courses offered at traditional universities. Our Associate of Arts program prepares you for Bachelor of Arts programs in the University of Wisconsin System as well as many other four-year transfer partners. You can save thousands of dollars and earn the same bachelor's degree!

Our classes are tailored to fit your needs:

  • Gaining knowledge and experience in the arts that broaden perspectives.
  • Increasing problem solving abilities.
  • Developing improved communication skills.
  • Cultivating college-level literacy practices.

Choose courses that emphasize your individual educational goals! The AA degree is designed to provide essential soft skills for future careers and support transfer into arts, social sciences, or humanities degree programs.

If you have a particular college or university in mind, reach out to a Western College Advisor before selecting courses in order to develop a transfer plan or select one of the direct transfer plans developed with our four-year partners.

$12,655
Location
La Crosse
Location
Online

Previous education and work experience could qualify for Credit for Prior Learning, saving you time and money. Find out more about what may apply to this program.

Graduates - 32
Graduates Responding - 15
Employed In Related Occupation - 6
Employed In Non-related Occupations - 2
Seeking Employment - 1
Continuing Education - 6
Not In Labor Market - 0
Graduates Responding Employed Part Time in Related Occupation - 1
PT Average Hours per Week - 10
PT Median Annual Salary - $8,300
Graduates Responding Employed Full Time in Related Occupation - 3
FT Average Hours per Week - 45
FT Median Annual Salary - $53,000
Related Occupations - Adolescent Secure Worker, Community Outreach Specialist, Elementary Special Ed Teacher, Lactation Peer Counselor, Patient Registration Supervisor

Most of Western’s classes require the use of a personal computer or laptop, standard software, internet access, and other technology-related items.

If you do not have a personal computer or laptop, or if the one you have does not meet the following criteria, resources may be available. Submit a Student Resource Request using our online form.

Computer/Laptop Hardware

  • Smartphones are not recommended for completing assignments.
  • Chromebooks are not recommended due to issues with installing software that is needed for classes, such as Office 365.
  • Web camera with microphone (usually built into newer laptops or can be purchased separately) is necessary for online participation.

Software Needs

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

Campus Resources

Need Assistance?

  • Contact the Learning Commons! The staff are happy to answer questions, provide individualized assistance, and direct you to other supports as needed.
  • Write and speak effectively for diverse audiences
  • Apply reading comprehension skills in a variety of contexts
  • Apply research methods for academic inquiry
  • Develop mathematical reasoning and strategies to solve a variety of problems
  • Examine physical phenomena using scientific tools and methods
  • Grow in communicative language proficiency and cultural competence in a language other than English
  • Use the tools and methods of the social sciences to explore historical and/or social phenomena.
  • Develop an awareness of the embeddedness of prejudice, discrimination, and privilege in historical systems of thought and practice

How is this different from the Associate of Science program?

This program differs from the Associate of Science program in the following ways:

  • 12 additional credits in the Humanities and Social Science categories
  • 10 fewer credits in the Mathematics and Natural Science categories
  • No History requirement
  • Differing elective credits

View Course Options Here (PDF)

This program is part of a career pathway, a laddered approach to career education. It allows you to earn employer-recognized credentials that lead to job and career advancement.

1
Course Intro Information

Western offers most courses in a 7-week format, but course length can vary. There are two 7-week sessions in each term, so courses listed below may not be taken at the same time. See the 7-week sessions page for more information.

This course list gives you an idea of what coursework will be required but is not the official list. Current students should use the MyWestern self-service portal for academic planning.

View the Associate of Arts course options.

icon - in-person learning format
In-Person
icon - online learning format
Online
icon - calendar
Summer
Start
icon - calendar
Fall
Start
icon - calendar
Spring
Start

Other Programs in This Area of Interest

Choose from an Associate of Arts or Associate of Science track, or if you’re looking for something more hands on, consider Individualized Technical Studies. Graduates are prepared to continue their education at a school of their choice.

Ask a Question
Ask a Question
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