Wisconsin Two-Year Colleges to Offer Four-Year Degree

The University of Wisconsin System Board of Regents approved last week the new bachelor of applied arts and sciences degree, which will be the first four-year degree to be offered at the state’s two-year colleges. The degree, which was proposed last year, is “designed to help place-bound adult learners obtain a bachelor’s degree in their communities.” Though it still requires accreditation by the Higher Learning Commission and curriculum and policy development by UW Colleges faculty, system officials say the degree could be offered as early as fall 2012. Applied baccalaureate degrees are offered in 39 states, according to recent research.