It’s official—beginning this fall, ÁñÁ«Ö±²¥ will offer its first four-year degree, a Bachelor of Applied Science (B.A.S.) degree in Professional Studies.
The degree plan was approved Friday, Jan. 29, by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), the entity that oversees and authorizes regional accreditation for Wyoming community colleges.
The NWC Professional Studies program provides students with the knowledge, skills and abilities to become successful managers and leaders in their area of specialization. This degree is designed for those looking to build upon current skills or academic progress.
“The BAS in Professional Studies program represents a significant milestone in the pursuit of ÁñÁ«Ö±²¥’s mission to be student-centered and cultivate our community,” NWC Interim President Lisa Watson said. “This unique program will allow students to attend classes in-person, over live video, online or a combination of those options depending on their individual needs. In this way, the College can provide the Big Horn Basin with access to a flexible and affordable bachelor’s program that delivers high-quality career preparation in a personal and convenient manner.”
The curriculum is focused on enhancing student skills in communication, management, marketing and organizational leadership, while providing the ability for students to apply those skills in practical ways that allow for career mobility. This new program is made possible by using existing faculty and staff resources at NWC.
Students who pursue the B.A.S. will take 14 upper-level classes that make up the program core, which are offered in a short-term format that allows those courses to be completed in eight weeks instead of the traditional 16 weeks. Because of the shorter timeframe, these courses are more intense, and students will be enrolled in no more than two of these core courses at any given time.
Additionally, courses will be delivered in an adaptive hybrid model, meaning the 14 upper-level courses that make up the program core are offered simultaneously in both a traditional face-to-face format and an online format. Students enrolled in the Professional Studies program can move seamlessly between these two formats during courses based on their individual situations.
“This degree is a great fit for working professionals who are looking to advance to management,” said Renee Dechert, NWC professor of English and coordinator of the B.A.S. program. “Classes have a technical grounding that provides the basis for a four-year degree. In addition, the degree will be available entirely online so that it better fits into the lives of those with a job and other responsibilities.”
Students enrolled in the Professional Studies program will take core courses such as Business and Professional Communication, Technical Writing in the Professions, Human Resource Management, Introduction to Marketing and several other like courses.
Students interested in pursuing the B.A.S. degree are encouraged to visit to learn more. The deadline to apply is April 1, 2021.
For more information about applying, contact NWC Enrollment Services Director West Hernandez at 307-754-6103 or West.Hernandez@nwc.edu.