UW-Stout will offer three-year graduation plan

Select majors will be able to complete their bachelor's degree in three years

By: Hillestad, Amanda

Posted: 10/22/09

At a time when the average number of years to finish a bachelors degree is approaching five, the University of Wisconsin-Stout is allowing members of three popular majors to graduate in just three. On Oct. 14 Chancellor Sorensen announced that he had accepted the recommendations of a task force composed of Edwin Biggerstaff, Damien Hanft, Karen Martinson and Associate Vice Chancellor Janice Coker to offer students majoring in Psychology, Business Administration and Hotel, Restaurant and Tourism Management the opportunity to finish their degrees in three years. These three majors were chosen because they are some of the largest majors on campus and consistently offer summer and Winterm classes, an important element of the plan.

"I just think they can be more efficient in how they go to school," said Chancellor Sorensen in support of the plan. "In these challenging economic times, we need to offer our students every avenue possible to complete their degrees quickly."

Graduating in three years has always been an option in the past. "We always have a few students who decide on their own to fast track their degrees," said Coker. "This puts a more formal process around it and provides the student with the support to accomplish it." According to Hanft, UW-Stout is the first school in the University of Wisconsin system to have an official three year program and it is the first school in the country to allow Hotel, Restaurant and Tourism Management majors to graduate in three years.

Beginning in the fall of 2010, interested students can sign a contract with the University outlining both parties' obligations for the three year plan. Students who sign the contract get priority enrollment so they can get the classes they need to complete their majors. These students are required to take summer and Winterm classes and meet with their advisor on a regular basis to stay on track. The members of the task force expect about two to five percent of students in each major will opt for the acceleration program. "In Hotel, Restaurant and Tourism Management we have about 600 students so about 15 or 20 will likely take advantage of this program," said Hanft.

It will be easiest for freshmen starting in 2010 to utilize the new program, but anyone in any year is welcome to join. Hanft warns however that it may take longer than three years depending on when you start.

Taking classes during breaks may sound unpleasant but it has been very beneficial for many students like applied psychology graduate student Sadie Larson. She never feltlike she lost touch with school because of the summer classes and WinTerM. Because of her accelerated program, Larson could graduate with her master's degree before many of her friends earned their bachelors degrees.

There will be no changes in admission requirements to enter any of these majors, nor will credit numbers or general education requirements decrease. Students also must complete all co-ops, internships or field experiences needed for the major. The requirements will simply be filled faster. Students who participate in this program won't save any money on tuition since Stout charges per credit but they will save at least a year's worth of campus living expenses and will get a job and a paycheck earlier. Freshman Business Administration major Alyssa Mabb supports the idea. "It sounds like a lot of work and you would have to be really focused but it is a good idea," said Mabb. According to Coker, if the three-year program goes well for Psychology, Business Administration and Hotel, Restaurant and Tourism Management students, the plan will likely be applied to all majors in the coming years.

All members of the task force pointed out the greater flexibility granted to students who sign up for the accelerated program. Students could complete more than one degree in four years or spend an entire year studying abroad rather than the traditional semester. They encourage all students to consider participating. Contract signing will not occur until Fall 2010 but if you are interested and in one of the three applicable majors, please talk to your program advisor to find out how this exciting program can work for you.