HEALTH AND LEADERSHIP STUDIES
Bachelor’s Degree Programs
Build a career from your job in allied health.
Communication, interpersonal engagement, and critical thinking are essential in the ever-changing landscape of healthcare. UW-Whitewater has worked with partner organizations to incorporate these skills into a Health and Leadership Studies major to prepare allied health professionals for careers in healthcare management.
Choosing from coursework in health studies, leadership and organizational literacy, and communication skills, students in the program will prepare for leadership positions in health and healthcare, a growing sector of the job market. Students with an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree in an allied health clinical and diagnostic field from an institution with an articulation agreement with UW-Whitewater are eligible for admission to the program.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs in the United States are expected to grow between 2023 and 2033 in the following health professions:
- Health supervisory positions (29 percent)
- Health technician positions (9 percent)
- Health educator positions (7 percent)
Program and degree requirements
CAN WE BRAG A LITTLE?
A transfer-friendly program.
UW-Whitewater’s Health and Leadership Studies program is specifically designed for people working allied health jobs who have earned an AAS in allied health clinical and diagnostic fields. A B.S. in Health and Leadership Studies is a gateway to healthcare management jobs.
Why study Health and Leadership Studies at UW-Whitewater?
Real demand. Real impact. Real local.
There is high demand for workers in healthcare professions, and you won’t have to go far to find opportunities. According to the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development, there is expected growth in health educator, health supervisor roles, and health technician jobs in the state between 2022-32. In roles where a B.S. would be required or expected, there is an expected 25.5 percent increase in health supervisor roles with a predicted median salary of $110,010.
Resources for adult, online learners
Not learning in the traditional way? UW-Whitewater has you covered.
Whether you’re continuing your education while raising a family or returning to school after a long hiatus, you belong here.
Adult students »
With one of the state’s most robust online student populations, our faculty and staff specialize in remote learning. Support for online students goes beyond the virtual classroom. UW-Whitewater
Online resources »
Location, location, location
Located within 75 miles of Madison and Milwaukee, UW-Whitewater allows you to maximize your hands-on learning with potential employers and internship sites within a short driving distance. Large healthcare systems and networks are dotted throughout southern Wisconsin, including Mercyhealth, Fort HealthCare, Stoughton Hospital, UW Health, SSM Health, Advocate Health, and the Froedtert & The Medical College of Wisconsin health network.
Level up your AAS with a B.S.
UW-Whitewater partnered with the 16 Wisconsin Technical College System (WTCS) institutions to optimize the transition for students with an Associate of Applied Science degree to a Bachelor of Science program. The B.S. in Health and Leadership Studies is a great fit for students with AAS degrees in the following programs or with the following roles:
- Biomedical tech/bio tech/biotech lab tech
- Dental hygiene/hygienist
- Occupational therapist assistant
- Physical therapy assistant
- Cardiovascular technology
- Respiratory therapy
- Radiographer/sonographer
- Surgical tech
- Clinical/medical lab tech
Flexibility in learning
The B.S. in Health and Leadership Studies can be completed primarily online with some in-person course offerings available, creating an ideal pathway for people working in allied health professions with needed flexibility. Students can choose from multiple courses in leadership and organizational literacy, health studies, and communication skills to fulfill degree requirements.
Achieve your desired outcome
The B.S. in Health and Leadership Studies program partners with UW-Whitewater’s Alumni Mentor program and the Career Services office to ensure students have support on their way to graduation and a successful career.
What our Health and Leadership Studies students do
Take courses in leadership and communication
Develop essential skills through hands-on learning opportunities
Get real-world experience through internships and jobs
Hands-on learning experiences
Students in the Health and Leadership Studies major will have the option of completing a capstone project or internship that aligns closely with their interests.
UW-Whitewater’s robust Undergraduate Research Program provides opportunities for students to work 1:1 or in small group settings on projects with faculty mentors.
Some courses in the program include a Community-Based Learning component, allowing students to engage with community partners in project-based learning.
Campus and community involvement
Students at UW-Whitewater benefit from a number of student organizations. The following may be of interest to students in the Health and Leadership Studies program.
Women in STEM
Students who identify as female and are interested in careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM)
An affiliate of the national organization, SHRM is for UW-Whitewater students interested in careers in human resources.
Pre-Health Associates of Today
UW-Whitewater’s pre-health club includes students interested in careers in health care.
What our graduates do
Supervise allied health professionals
Lead spaces in hospitals and clinics
Positively impact their communities
Careers: What can you do with a Health and Leadership Studies degree?
Graduates of the Health and Leadership Studies program can expect to earn consideration for the following jobs or types of jobs:
- Health education specialist
- Medical and health service manager
- Laboratory technologist and technician
- Healthcare-specific information technologist
- Healthcare-specific management and operations analyst
- Healthcare navigator
Want to learn more about a major in Health and Leadership Studies?
Kara Meissen, Academic Advisor | 262-472-1618 | krumenak@uww.edu
Loren Wilbers, Program Coordinator | 262-472-1407 | wilbersl@uww.edu
UW-Whitewater offers the following Health and Leadership Studies undergraduate options:
Minors
In addition to UW-Whitewater’s general education requirements, as a Health and Leadership Studies major, you’ll take a variety of core and elective classes that will vary based on your chosen emphasis. Here’s an example of classes most Health and Leadership Studies majors will take:
- Communicating Leadership
- Nonprofit Theory and Practice
- Current Topics in Health and Wellness
- Culture, Medicine and Health
- Writing in the Sciences
To apply, you’ll complete the UW-Whitewater standard application for admission and indicate your interest in earning a degree in Health and Leadership Studies.
