UW-Stevens Point: Collaboration results in online health and wellness degree

Students across Wisconsin may now earn a Bachelor of Science in Health and Wellness Management degree from the comfort of their own home.

The new online bachelor’s degree completion program was developed by UW-Extension in collaboration with the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point School of Health Promotion and Human Development (HPHD), UW-La Crosse, UW-River Falls and UW-Superior.

This new program is designed for students with an associate degree or 60 transferable credits. It will prepare students for careers developing and managing wellness programs for private companies and public agencies.

“Because the classes are 100 percent online, this program provides flexibility for nontraditional students who can earn a quality UW degree from wherever they live and at times that are convenient for them,” said Vicki Carlson, outreach program manager of UW-Stevens Point College of Professional Studies Continuing Education.

The health and wellness profession is rapidly growing. According to a 2009 survey by Integrated Benefits Institute, well over half of the responding employers plan to increase their resources for health and productivity initiatives over the next two years.

“The skills and knowledge gained in this degree are enormously applicable to a variety of settings: corporate, community agencies, insurance, medical,” said Annie Wetter, head of HPHD.

Classes are to begin January 2012.

For more information, including application instructions, call 1-877-UW-LEARN or email hwm@uwex.edu.