Fall

This apprenticeship is aligned to the WTCS 10-522-1 Foundations of Teacher Education associate degree program. Working as an educational assistant in a school setting serving students in any combination of grades K-9 (i.e. elementary, middle school), Educational Assistant apprentices support the planning and preparation of learning for students, monitor and maintain safe as well as effective learning environments, and deliver meaning learning experiences under the supervision of a licensed teacher. Educational Assistant apprentices will also participate in principled teaching which includes self-reflection, professional growth and purposeful engagement within the broader school community.

Explore how nature can become a powerful part of early learning. This advanced technical certificate is designed for early childhood professionals who want to deepen their understanding of nature-based education and bring it into their everyday teaching.

You'll learn how to create engaging, developmentally appropriate experiences that support children's growth through outdoor exploration and nature-focused activities, whether you work in an urban or rural setting.

This credential includes four 3-credit courses and is offered with support from the Wisconsin Registry.

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

This certificate program is an introduction to 3D modeling and rapid prototyping. Utilizing Solid Works, you will create 3D parts and assemblies which can later be printed using manufacturing processes on our 3D printers. Learn how to create models, set up a 3D printer and connect it to Wi-Fi, troubleshoot the system, and prepare the model for printing.

As a child care provider working in the field, this certificate will expand your skills, provide new insights, and meet state licensing and quality criteria through credit-based courses for professional development. It's not necessary to be enrolled in the Early Childhood Education (ECE) program to participate, but credits will transfer to the ECE associate's degree program if you choose to continue your education.

Expand your skill set and tap into your creativity by learning how to use desktop publishing software. Create professional-looking newsletters, brochures, booklets, fliers, illustrations, and more for internal and external customers.

Take your creativity to the next level with Western's Digital Photography Certificate. In this short-term program, you'll master the essentials of digital imaging-from composition and lighting to image editing and visual storytelling. Whether you're an aspiring photographer or a creative professional in marketing, design, or media, our hands-on curriculum will help you produce impactful visual content. Build your skills, expand your portfolio, and open the door to new career opportunities in today's image-driven world.

The Web Design certificate gives students and working designers experience with the software, methods, and best practices for designing web content and online experiences. You'll take hands-on courses in Adobe Illustrator and Adobe Photoshop to gain the skills and techniques needed to create and modify graphics for web and mobile. You'll explore front-end web design programming, including CSS and HTML.

If you're considering a career in marketing, an understanding of effective digital content is essential. This certificate program will provide an introduction to marketing principles, with an emphasis on developing quality content for various digital formats. You will also explore elements of promotional campaigns, including design basics, media buying, and the use of analytics to measure results.

Courses are offered in several flexible delivery methods, including face-to-face one evening per week, at our La Crosse campus or our regional locations, or completely online.

The Digital Content Specialist certificate is an embedded credential within the Digital Marketing Specialist certificate and the Digital Marketing associate degree. Continue your education for more earning potential.

A background in accounting is highly valued by employers. You can enhance your skill set with a certificate in Computerized Accounting. Included is a basic overview of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and training in accounting software, Microsoft® Word®, and Excel® programs. This certificate allows you to learn skills in your current employment or apply the credits toward the Accounting Assistant technical diploma or Accounting associate degree program for more earning potential. Classes are offered in a traditional setting, online, and via Interactive Television for some locations.