In-Person

Western's Fire Protection Technician program is designed to provide you with the latest knowledge and skills in fire prevention and firefighting, preparing you for a rewarding career in the fire service. As a firefighter, you'll be a frontline responder, taking action in the face of accidents, fires, natural disasters, and various emergencies that jeopardize lives and property. You'll collaborate in teams to rescue victims, offer assistance, recover property, and operate essential firefighting equipment such as ladders and firefighting vehicles. During periods of non-emergencies, firefighters also play a vital role in educating individuals and businesses on fire safety, maintaining firefighting equipment, and conducting training to uphold your knowledge and skills.

While most firefighters serve in city fire departments, opportunities also exist in diverse settings such as airports, chemical plants, and wildland firefighting. The training offered in this program not only prepares you for these roles but also sets the stage for achieving essential certifications, including Wisconsin IFSAC Firefighter I & II, Fire Inspector I, Hazmat Operations, Driver/Operator-Pumper certification, and the Nationally Registered Emergency Medical Technician-Basic (NREMT-B) certification. With these skills and certifications, you will be well-equipped to make a significant impact in the field of fire protection and emergency response.

In the United States, buildings represent one of our biggest energy consumers. As a result, buildings have been targeted for energy reduction strategies to reduce cost and dependence on carbon based fuels. Building Science and Energy Management will examine the built environment and how it relates to energy using the latest research, tools, and technology available. You will gain hands-on experience working with community projects and in living laboratories in Western's state-of-the-art facilities. Study topics include energy auditing, energy management, renewable energy systems, and integrated design.

The focus of the program is to prepare you for entry-level work in the growing renewable energy, energy efficiency, and building systems industry. Having these unique skills will give you a leg-up in an increasingly competitive job market.

Western's Interior Design associate degree program will transform your creativity and attention to detail, channeling them into innovative design practices. It provides a comprehensive understanding of aesthetic theory, materiality, and functionality to shape interior spaces effectively. Throughout your training, you will develop a strong academic portfolio while gaining expertise in conceptual design development, space planning, visual communication, sustainability, regulatory compliance, and construction document preparation.

By mastering the art of generating holistic and contextually aware design solutions, you will actively contribute to enhancing the human experience through interior design. This program also prioritizes the development of crucial skills, such as being an attentive listener, a flexible thinker, and a resourceful problem solver.

Graphic designers have a passion for art, design, and impactful visual communication. They also possess excellent computer skills. Businesses and organizations rely on effective brand and marketing communications, including logos, signage, brochures, packaging, videos, advertising, and website design.

At Western, our Graphic Design program is well-known for its comprehensive approach to design education. We equip students like you with the fundamentals and skills in art, technology, advertising, and marketing. You'll conceptualize, create, and produce designs for both print and electronic media. In your first year, you'll be introduced to graphic design industry software, typography, and design principles. As a second-year student, you'll apply and enhance these skills in a unique, hands-on instructional environment that integrates marketing and advertising concepts with design. The final semester focuses on portfolio development and preparing you for a career in the field.

With this degree, you'll have a range of career opportunities, including roles as graphic designers and graphic artists in advertising agencies, printing companies, corporate marketing departments, publishers, public relations firms, and web and app design. Some graphic designers also work as freelancers, and your earning potential can increase with extended and diverse work experience.

The Business Management program at Western is designed to provide you with the knowledge and skills necessary to manage people and processes to achieve organizational goals. It covers foundational business disciplines such as finance, human resource management, marketing, and operations management.

Courses emphasize the development of teamwork, leadership, and management skills. This approach empowers you to lead teams, control business processes, and make informed decisions based on data. The learning environment provides you with opportunities to showcase leadership, problem-solving, critical thinking, professionalism, and networking skills.

Whether you're seeking to enter the workforce or enhance your marketable skills, the Business Management program can be your key to success. Your skills will be in demand across various industries, including healthcare, manufacturing, construction, insurance, and retail.

Classes are offered in both a hybrid in-person and online format to meet your preferred learning style.

Accountants are in demand in every business and industry. If you possess strong attention to detail, organizational skills, and effective problem-solving abilities, this program could be an excellent fit for you.

Businesses depend on their accounting departments to present a precise and clear financial overview. Accountants play a pivotal role in decision-making processes, providing crucial information. Team collaboration is essential, as accounting intersects with all facets of operations. Accountants handle tasks such as payroll, accounts payable and receivable, budgeting, and generating financial reports.

Our associate degree program accommodates both those seeking entry-level accounting positions and individuals with existing accounting responsibilities looking to enhance their skills. Instruction is flexible, offered in traditional face-to-face settings, online formats, computer conferencing, or a combination of these methods. You will gain proficiency in accounting software, spreadsheet applications, and relevant technologies.