New Transfer Pathways at Blackhawk Offer Students a Powerful Option

Blackhawk Technical College will now offer two new degree programs that give students a powerful option: A streamlined, low-cost path to a bachelor’s degree.

Made possible through a partnership with the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater and UW-Whitewater at Rock County, Blackhawk’s new Associate of Arts and Associate of Science programs will allow students to build an academic foundation at Blackhawk, earning credits to be put toward any bachelor’s degree program at UW-Whitewater or any four-year university.

“We are pleased to work in partnership with UW-Whitewater and UW-Whitewater at Rock County, providing another opportunity for students seeking a bachelor’s degree,” said Dr. Tracy Pierner, President of Blackhawk Technical College. “These programs give students a broad range of study that will offer a seamless transfer into a bachelor’s degree program.”

As a technical college, Blackhawk’s focus is on career or trade-specific training, but these new programs mark a significant shift for the college by also focusing on general education. 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.

"UW-Whitewater at Rock County is delighted to partner with Blackhawk Technical College. By leveraging the many strengths of the UW-System and by building bridges with our regional partner, we are creating even more opportunities for students in Rock County,” said Dr. Tricia Clasen, Dean and Assistant Vice Chancellor of the College of Integrated Studies/Rock County Campus.  “Together, we are opening doors for even more students to begin their journey for the life and career they want.”

Students often experience a loss of college credits as they transition from the two-year to the four-year sector, but through these programs, students can transfer as a junior to a four-year university or college, said Marissa Greuel Hainstock, Blackhawk’s Transfer Coordinator.

“This partnership between the two-year and four-year colleges in our area create a stronger educational community for our residents,” Greuel Hainstock said. ““The Associate of Arts and Associate of Sciences programs will allow students who are still exploring their career options to enroll in a program that provides them a solid foundation for many future occupations.”

Students also could potentially save thousands in tuition by starting at Blackhawk. The average cost per credit at a public, four-year college or university in Wisconsin is $290, according to Education Data Initiative. For an Associate of Arts or an Associate of Science degree at Blackhawk, it’s $188.90 per credit.

Blackhawk received final approval to offer these new programs earlier this month from the Higher Learning Commission, Blackhawk’s accrediting agency. Many of the other colleges within the Wisconsin Technical College System are moving forward with similar programs. In May, Blackhawk was one of eight WTCS colleges that received Board of Regents approval for Associate of Arts and Associate of Sciences degrees.

About Blackhawk’s Associate of Arts

If you are interested in pursuing a bachelor’s degree in subjects such as communication, business, arts, social sciences or humanities, discover the Associate of Arts.

About Blackhawk’s Associate of Science

If you are interested in pursuing a bachelor's degree in subjects such as science, technology, engineering or math, discover the Associate of Science.