Independent higher education in Wisconsin plays a critical role in addressing workforce needs and fueling economic growth across the state.

Wisconsin businesses looking for talented, motivated professionals are finding new hires at Wisconsin’s private colleges, delivering career-ready graduates with cutting-edge degrees.

Independent, nonprofit higher education is a driving force for Wisconsin’s workforce readiness and vitality. Two-thirds of WAICU-member graduates stay, work, and live in our state. As career needs change to meet new business demands, our 22 campuses continue to offer new degrees and programs.

Technology continues to be an “in demand” skill for professionals, and our campuses offer trending education such as AI in the classroom. At the Milwaukee School of Engineering (MSOE), AI is incorporated in all majors. “AI isn’t just another tool, it is the next transformative technology that will define our future,” said MSOE Professor and Director of Applied AI Education Dr. Olga Imas.

MSOE President Dr. John Walz added, “The world is evolving at an unprecedented pace, and the demand for highly skilled engineers, nurses, and business leaders has never been greater. Artificial intelligence has the potential to reshape every aspect of our lives. Our students don’t just study artificial intelligence, they work with it, shape it, and harness its potential.”

To meet business needs in a data-driven world Viterbo University recently launched a new Bachelor of Business Administration in data analytics. Viterbo’s newest academic major was developed in response to the needs expressed in meetings with local employers, where they articulated a need for employees who can analyze systems and complex data sets to make impactful business decisions.

“The data analytics program combines the university’s core business curriculum with courses in business intelligence, data analysis, and computer science, machine learning, and ethics,” said Viterbo University Vice President for Academic Affairs and Institutional Effectiveness Dr. Tonya Wagner. “The program will help develop the next generation of ethically centered and data-informed business leaders.”

Wisconsin’s private colleges excel at producing graduates with much-needed medical degrees. WAICU-member campuses are currently graduating 54 percent of nurses and partnering to increase these numbers. Edgewood College is partnering with Beloit College for a dual-degree Bachelor of Arts or Science (BA/BS) and Bachelor of Science in nursing (BSN) program, preparing students to become a registered nurse (RN).

Edgewood College Associate Dean of Nursing and Health Sciences Dr. Quinn Mullikin said, “We are excited about the promise of the Beloit/Edgewood partnership. By sharing our collective strengths and resources, this collaboration expands pathway options to students seeking careers in nursing while also addressing community healthcare needs.”

In addition, Alverno College, Concordia University Wisconsin, Herzing University, and Edgewood College all offer accelerated nursing degree programs.

Our campuses are also addressing the state’s teacher shortage. Lakeland University is among Wisconsin’s first teacher apprenticeship programs. This program also helps state school districts address ongoing concerns with hiring, training, and retaining teachers.

“The teacher apprentice program is the latest way we can partner with our peers to provide solutions to regional and statewide educational challenges,” said Lakeland President Beth Borgen. “This partnership leverages our strong relationships with the state’s technical colleges and our commitment to learning that happens on the job through our Cooperative Education program.”

Our campuses offer more than 400 majors and minors. Explore them all on our website using our Find Your Fit tool.