Blackhawk Technical College is one step closer to expanding its undergraduate program offerings after receiving approval Friday from the University of Wisconsin Board of Regents to offer Associate of Arts and Associate of Science degrees.

The final step to offering these new degrees is expected to come in May with approval from the Higher Learning Commission, Blackhawk’s accrediting agency. The college has already received approval from the Wisconsin Technical College System (WTCS).

The degrees, which are made possible through a partnership with the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater and UW-Whitewater at Rock County, will allow students to earn credits that can be put toward any bachelor’s degree at UW-Whitewater or any four-year university.

“We are so grateful to UW-Whitewater and UW-Whitewater at Rock County for their partnership. This is a watershed moment for Blackhawk Technical College by enhancing our ability to serve our community,” said Dr. Tracy Pierner, president of Blackhawk. “This partnership and approval will provide more access to bachelor’s degrees for all residents in Rock and Green counties. Historically, our region lags both state and national averages for bachelor attainment. Blackhawk will now be poised to be part of the solution to this workforce gap.” 

Students will take general requirement courses at Blackhawk and at UW-Whitewater at Rock County that emphasize either arts or sciences based on their individual educational goals. This pathway enables students to receive all the cost savings and convenience of a liberal arts or sciences transfer degree while attending Blackhawk.

“We are thrilled to partner with Blackhawk Technical College in order to provide additional high-quality educational opportunities for students,” said Tricia Clasen, interim dean and assistant vice chancellor of UW-Whitewater at Rock County. “We are enthusiastic about the opportunity for future collaborations made possible by the work on these new pathways.”

Blackhawk is one of eight WTCS colleges that received Board of Regents approval Friday for Associate of Arts and Associate of Sciences degrees. Of the 16 WTCS institutions, 14 will offer these degrees.

“Congratulations to Blackhawk Technical College and their stakeholders who supported this effort,” said Dr. Morna K. Foy, WTCS president. “In response to the needs of local employers, K-12 partners, and economic and workforce development organizations, Blackhawk will provide expended educational opportunities for students in their communities.”