Flexibility in accounting class options introduces new possibilities for traditional, transfer, and non-traditional students.
“Creativity” and “accounting” are two words not typical thought of as going together. But “creativity” and “accounting” can go together well. How? Just ask University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point’s accounting faculty. Their creativity is helping to develop a high-quality accounting educational experience with increased flexibility that is benefiting students.
COVID-19 brought out one of the first improvements to the program–that being hybrid and virtual class options. These virtual options give traditional students more flexibility to fit work and classes into their schedule, but they also benefit nontraditional students who need the flexibility that online classes offer to fit classes into their busy lives.
Another enhancement to the undergraduate teaching arena was borrowed from UWSP’s new MBA program: eight-week class options. Shorter class durations are advantageous in the MBA program because they allow students to become more immersed in subject areas and create schedules that are more accommodating to the busy lives of MBA students. The undergraduate accounting area has seen similar benefits. The shorter class times allows students to learn a concept, then apply that concept learned in class in their job or internship. Another benefit to these accelerated class time frames is that it allows students to have a lesser class load during tax season, so students can work more at accounting firms during that time.
One last addition to the accounting program with a big impact: transfer agreements with area technical colleges. A recent agreement with Mid-State Technical College allows students to earn a two-year associate in applied science degree in accounting from Mid-State, then begin as juniors in the accounting major in the UW-Stevens Point Sentry School of Business and Economics, with credit for the full 60 credits already earned.
Through this program, students can start locally in their educational journey and experience significant cost savings on tuition and living expenses on their way to a four-year degree. This program benefits traditional student as well as returning students. Bo DeDeker, assistant professor of accounting at the Sentry School of Business and Economics at UW-Stevens Point, notes that, “This agreement, along with flexible course offerings from the UW-Stevens Point accounting program, will help working adults come back to finish their four-year accounting degree and gain the skills needed to advance their careers. We welcome the opportunity to partner with Mid-State Technical College to serve this important population of students.”
By becoming creative, Sentry School of Business and Economics faculty members have found new ways to increasing the flexibility of earning an accounting degree. Are you looking to return to school to finish your degree? To learn more, visit uwsp.edu/finishup or speak with an advisor to discuss your options, contact Max Trzebiatowski at 715-346-2695.