CWU Introduces its First Online Undergraduate Degree: IT and Administrative Management

September 15, 2009

Ellensburg, Wash. — Students who want to pursue a career that blends technical expertise with management, leadership, and communication skills now have the opportunity to take all their classes online as part of Central Washington University’s first completely online undergraduate degree program, approved by the Higher Education Coordinating Board in late August.

The bachelor of applied science degree, with specializations in information technology and administrative management, was designed for students and people already in the workforce who have completed a two-year applied or technical degree.

“In developing this degree, we did a lot of research into what both employers and employees need to be successful in the workplace,” says Lori Braunstein, coordinator of the new program. “Only about 10 percent of the 7,000 graduates with technical associate degrees transfer to baccalaureate programs. Students with technical degrees need to know they now have the option to complete a bachelor’s degree.”

Employers are seeking workers with a mix of technical knowledge in a given area — whether that area is business, health services or social services — with a set of courses that will provide transferrable skills in the areas of management, communication, and leadership.

“Higher education levels are associated with higher wages — the gain in wages from an associate’s degree to a bachelor’s degree is equal to $21,754, according to the 2008 Washington State Labor Market and Economic Report, ” Braunstein says.

Students can now enroll in the program for the fall 2009 quarter. The degree can be completed in eight quarters should a student attend full time; however, part-time enrollment is also an option.

“In addition to taking courses in project management, leadership and supervision, customer relations management and business writing, students will also complete their general education courses through CWU, all through an online program,” says Robert Lupton, department chair. “This really is a great opportunity for place-bound students.”

Students who are not place bound and want a more diverse approach to education with both online and in-person courses can take the same degree program through the CWU centers at Lynnwood, Des Moines and Everett, which is offered through a combination of evening and weekend classes. Students who want a traditional college experience can complete the degree at CWU’s main campus in Ellensburg.

For information about the program and application materials, go to www.cwu.edu/~itam/bas_online. To speak directly with Braunstein, call 509-963-3070 or e-mail her at braunstl@cwu.edu.

Media Contact: Lori Braunstein, Information Technology, 509-963-3070, braunstl@cwu.edu

Liz Bryson, Public Relations and Marketing, 509-963-2714, brysone@cwu.edu

Teri Olin, Public Relations and Marketing, 509-963-1416, onlint@cwu.edu

Central Washington University is a master's degree-granting institution with approximately 10,000 students and 1,500 faculty and staff. More than 160 undergraduate and master's degrees are offered. Founded in 1891, the Ellensburg campus is located in the heart of Washington State, nestled between the Cascade Mountains and the Columbia River. Since 1975, CWU has served the needs of placebound students at six university centers throughout the state. CWU is an AA/EEO Title IX Institution.