“I stand taller, I feel stronger and I know that other ... - UW-Milwaukee

“I stand taller, I feel stronger
and I know that other things
will continue to change in my life.”
Carmen

“Deciding to go back to school
was not the easiest choice
I’ve ever made, but it is the
best one. And for all the bumps
along the way, I know that
in the end I have made the right
decision.”
Corie
We believe the
power to change
your life and your YOU.
world lies within
Ideas shape society. They spark innovation. They move culture.
And they can come from anywhere at any time. That’s why we’ve designed a
university experience for adults that brings people together – because we know
the best ideas still remain to be heard. Your time is now.
At UW-Milwaukee, we consider you more than a student. You become our
partner in shaping the future of society. That is why we’ll connect your inner
strengths and talents with renowned faculty and professionals. We want your
experience and know-how to enrich our learning.
Explore this guidebook. You’ll see UWM’s commitment to adult students on
every page. You’re not a niche market to us. Your life is a balancing act, and
we’ll give you the tools and resources to keep going and moving forward.
You’ll graduate with the right combination of academics and experience to start
the next chapter in your life and to start it strong. We believe in the power of
your ideas. Make the time for yourself now.
We want you
to have everything you need
to harness your power.
Introduction | 1

2 | Adult Students
Time and math
are funny things
Many adults considering a return to school try out this word problem: “In four years, I’ll be
X years old.” You may not like the answer, but don’t let the math get you down!
Instead, ask yourself how old you will be in four years if you don’t come back to school.
The math doesn’t change, but your life can.
And you won’t be alone. Someone just like Darrell Finch may be sitting next to you. He
started a degree in education years ago and returned to school later in life to earn a
degree in Educational Policy and Community Studies. Off campus, Finch is an educational
specialist for the Housing Authority of the City of Milwaukee, and the students in his
program have a 100 percent high-school graduation rate. He is exactly the kind of adult
student we love.
We’re so serious about helping our adult students find their way that we have an office
devoted exclusively to them and their unique academic needs: the Office of Adult and
Returning Student Services, or OARSS. From pre-admission advising to our weeklong
welcome and celebration for non-traditional students, OARSS is here to help!
Learn more about other adult students at adultstudent.uwm.edu. What are you waiting
for – the math to change?
“ I’m a returning student in my
fifties and I thought returning to
school would be hard. But I eased
back into school, took it slow and
realized this is not as hard as I
thought. I set a goal, and that was
to get my bachelor’s degree in
education. If you don’t do it, you’ll
always say: ‘I wanted to but didn’t
really try.’”
Darrell Finch, senior in his fifties
Education Specialist, Housing
Authority City of Milwaukee
Major: Educational Policy and
Community Studies
Darrell has achieved a nearly 100 percent high-school graduation rate among students he
works with in Milwaukee’s Highland Homes public-housing community. He is a role model with
expectations. “Having a great education, and being around great people at UWM is paying off
for me and the families I serve.”
Adult Students | 3

4 | UWM Online
Like thousands of adult students at UWM, you have
good reasons for wanting to complete a degree. UWM
understands that flexibility is key to you. So is belong-
ing to a real university. Through UWM Online, you’ll
experience powerful ideas and be a part of a dynamic
community that leads to the fulfillment of lifelong
dreams and real results.
In online courses, you will work both independently
and with others in the “online classroom.” That’s the
choice Dana Bear made when deciding to transfer to
UWM: all online courses.
Fully online courses are designed for students who:
• enjoy active and participatory learning.
• want to replace travel time with online study.
• value the freedom of ‘anytime, any place’ learning.
Blended courses and programs combine online
and in-person courses for a flexible, student-centered
experience. A significant portion of the learning
activities takes place online. Time spent on instruction
that traditionally occurs in the classroom is reduced,
but not eliminated.
So many options,
such limited time.
Blended courses are designed for students who:
• enjoy a variety of communication modes.
• value personal contact in their learning.
• appreciate the convenience and flexibility to adapt
to individual work and family schedules.
Are online and blended
courses for me?
Almost all students who take online and blended
courses appreciate the convenience and flexibility to
adapt to individual work and family schedules, but
they also need to be ready for the challenge. Quiz
yourself:
• Do you express yourself well in writing and read
with a critical eye?
• Are you comfortable working with computers
and using the Internet?
• Are you good at managing and scheduling your
time?
• Are you willing to take responsibility for your own
learning as well as work collaboratively with your
classmates and instructor?
You are ready for online or blended learning if you
could easily respond “yes” to the questions above. If
you are questioning any of your answers, visit online.
uwm.edu for more information, including tips for suc-
cess. You’ll hear success stories from other online stu-
dents like Dana, who make UWM online and blended
courses work for them!
“ I didn’t want to go to a
diploma mill like other online
universities. Going to a college
with a strong reputation
was important to me.
Having the online option is really
nice to get my work done with a
hectic life.”
Dana Bear, sophomore at 22
Major: Psychology
Dana is a 100-percent online student who transferred to UWM after having
her daughter and “wanting to create a great future for her.”
UWM Online | 5

6 | Transfer
Leonard would have lost credits at other schools, but most of his courses
transferred to UWM. “Basically, it was the course curriculum and cost
that helped me choose UWM.”
“ I decided to get my bachelor’s
degree because I still felt like my
job skills were missing something.
When I attended MATC, they had
a transfer agreement. If you have
your associate’s degree, you can
transfer over as a junior … do two
more years and you’re done. ”
Leonard Carter
Senior
Major: Information Science and
Technology
You may have been down
this road before…
If you are looking to transfer previously earned credits
to UWM, you are not alone. In the fall of 2011, 39
percent of our new adult students had at least some
college credit. Maybe it’s been a while since you were
last in the classroom. How have things changed?
What do you need to do to get back into the swing
of things? We have the resources to get you started
on your way. Let’s say it again: you are not alone.
If it has been a while since you’ve been to school,
you might be looking for some one-on-one guidance
about the process. Talk to our advisors in the Office
of Adult and Returning Student Services (OARSS) and
get all the help you need. Check out our website at
adultstudent.uwm.edu for hours and contact infor-
mation. We are here to help.
And maybe, just maybe, your last experience in col-
lege does not reflect your true potential. Take a deep
breath. We use a comprehensive admission process
for new freshmen and transfer students where we
look at your academic past as well as your potential
for future success. The key is to be thorough in your
application statement. Tell us why your transcripts
look like they do, the good and the not-so-good, and be
clear about the steps you know you will need to take
to succeed at UWM. We will listen.
One of the other big questions before you is how many
of those credits will transfer. If you are transferring
credits from a University of Wisconsin System school,
check out how your courses transfer at tis.uwsa.edu
at your convenience.
Keep in mind, UWM remains the number one transfer
destination in the University of Wisconsin System. In
fact, we educate more Wisconsin citizens than any
other university, including UW-Madison! With more
than 180 degree programs and majors, you are sure
to find a program that fits your future and makes the
most of your past.
Quick Fact:
CollegeToolkit.com reports that 30
percent of students transfer at
some point in their college career!
The biggest piece of advice: ask
questions. CollegeToolkit suggests
you write down all the questions you
can about academic differences
between your previous school and
UWM, plus any student life
adjustments you will need to make.
Take these questions to the OARSS
staff. We’re here to help!
Transfer | 7

8 | Resources
“ Don’t think you have to go it
alone. Take advantage of all the
resources and assistance that the
University provides. My education
is 100 percent funded by military
benefits.”
Quinn Madson, junior at 29
Major: Interdisciplinary Arts &
Technology
Quinn has three children and a fiancée; works full
time as a lead developer of web and mobile services;
subscribes to the “get things done” philosophy.
We’ve got your back!
We understand that coming back to school represents
a big change and that change can be a little scary! As
junior Quinn Madson can tell you, balancing life as a
student, employee, spouse and parent is hard work.
But UWM has lots of resources to help you achieve
both balance and success.
Academic Advisors The university assigns a
professional academic advisor to you, even if you
are undecided about your major. In some schools and
colleges, you may also have a faculty advisor whose
area of study aligns with your choice of major. Of
course, you always have your OARSS advisor, too, so
you are more than covered! You can find the name of
your advisor by looking on your PAWS account. See
advising.uwm.edu for information on advisors.
The Student Success Center (SSC) Located
in Bolton Hall, the SSC is your one-stop resource for
information about the range of resources available
on campus. Starting fall 2011, all incoming transfer
and returning adult students will receive a peer
mentor or Student Success Advocate (SSA). SSAs
make contact with their assigned students before
school starts, make at least bi-weekly contact with
each student, and serve as a resource and mentor
throughout their first year. More information on SSAs
and programming for adult students can be located at
http://www4.uwm.edu/ssc/tass/.
The LGBT Resource Center provides a safe
and welcoming space on campus for LGBT students
and their allies. Its mission is to embrace the diversity
of the UWM student community, increase awareness
and education about LGBT issues, and provide a
resource for students and community members who
want to learn about and advocate for LGBT issues.
lgbt.uwm.edu
Resources | 9

10 | Resources
The Life Impact Program was established to
assist disadvantaged parents in their efforts to attain
a higher education. Program participants may be eli-
gible for renewable scholarships as well as academic,
professional and personal support including a life
coach. Of the program graduates, 95 percent have
reported employment and/or are seeking advanced
degrees. lifeimpact.uwm.edu
Our Military Education Benefits Office
(MEBO) is dedicated to providing current and past
members of the military as well as their qualifying
dependents with accurate information and timely pro-
cessing of their state and federal military educational
benefits. uwm.edu/mebo
Norris Health Center is your on-campus health
resource. The staff at Norris will be your partner in
being a healthy student, providing treatment if you
are ill or injured, but more important, assisting you
in understanding your health needs and in learning to
make healthy choices on a daily basis. nhc.uwm.edu
Panther Academic Support Services
(PASS) provides undergraduate students with a
variety of academic support services to help them
learn, achieve and succeed in college. PASS programs
include supplemental instruction, small group tutor-
ing, walk-in and online tutoring and student groups.
pass.uwm.edu
The Student Accessibility Center (SAC)
works with students with mobility, sensory, commu-
nication, mental or learning differences, as well as
those with basic health impairments. Students are
eligible for services through SAC if they are enrolled in
the university and can provide documentation of their
disability. sac.uwm.edu
University Housing has saved a place just
for you! Kenilworth Square is designed for upper-
classmen and adult residents with one- to three-
bedroom apartments on Milwaukee’s East Side.
universityhousing.uwm.edu
The Women’s Resource Center (WRC) pro-
motes understanding at UWM of the diversity of
women’s lives and experiences, and the role gender
plays in everyone’s life. The WRC promotes and sup-
ports the health and well-being of women juggling
school with other responsibilities, builds partnerships,
and advocates for change to create a campus climate
that enhances the quality of life for all members of the
university community. wrc.uwm.edu
Helena is in college at the same time as her older
children. “We have been so encouraging to each
other.” But her academic success has inspired all
five of her children. “They know Mom is ‘going for it’
and they want to be a part of it. Going back to college
has changed my whole family for the better.”
“ Going back to college was
always a far off dream, a maybe
someday dream. But after surviv-
ing cancer my life was flipped
upside down. It was the advice of
a counselor that showed me that
I absolutely could and should do
this now.”
Helena Dulaney, sophomore at 38
Pre-Law
Life Impact Student
Quick Fact: The National Survey of Student Engagement
knows you know your stuff. “Adult learners are more engaged in
classroom-based activities, as they are more likely to come to class
prepared, to rewrite papers before submitting them and to more
frequently ask questions in class.” nsse.iub.edu

12 | Cost
Is it worth it? You bet!
At some point, you’re going to ask yourself: “Can I afford to go back to school?” Well, the real question
should be: “Can I afford not to?”
Sure, college tuition could be one of the largest expenditures you’ll ever make – but it’s also one of
the best investments. The typical bachelor’s degree recipient can expect to earn about 66 percent more
during a 40-year working life than a high school graduate!
Here are the estimated yearly tuition and fee numbers for 2011-12:
Wisconsin residents: $ 8,681
Minnesota residents 1 : $ 12,334
MSEP 2 : $ 12,516
Nonresidents: $ 18,012
Books & other class materials $ 1,000
Applying for Financial Aid
Apply early – March 1 is our priority filing date, but the earlier
you file the better, as many funds are limited. Here’s the process:
1. Apply for admission to UWM (see pages 26-27).
2. Apply for financial aid online at fafsa.gov (form available
January 1), designating UWM as a recipient of your application
by using Title IV code 003896.
3. You will receive a Student Aid Report (SAR) that confirms the
information you listed on the FAFSA. If you provide an email
address on your FAFSA, this information will be emailed
to you. Review the information for accuracy and keep the
SAR for your records. You should receive this information
within three weeks of filing. If you don’t, check your status
on fafsa.gov.
4. If we have questions about your financial aid application or
need additional information to process your offer, we will
contact you via email. Once your eligibility is determined,
we will send an email asking you to review the offer via your
PAWS account. Please check your email and PAWS account
regularly for any “TO DO” items.
5. If you need to make corrections to your SAR, submit the
corrections online at fafsa.gov using your Department of
Education PIN.
23,000 students
were awarded more
than $283 million in
financial aid in 2010-2011.
Scholarships
There are several universitywide scholarships, including the
Diversity Academic Achievement Scholarship Program, Illinois
Scholar Award and the Outstanding Scholar Award. More than
$7.5 million in institutional scholarships were awarded in 2010-
2011. Be sure to check our scholarship listings, along with
specific school/college awards as well as an extensive list of
scholarship websites at scholarships.uwm.edu.
Military Education Benefits
More than 1,000 military veterans and their dependents attend
UWM using a range of federal and state military education
benefits. Contact UWM’s Military Education Benefits Office at
414.229.6392 or visit uwm.edu/mebo.
Financial Aid Office
More than 23,000 students received more than $283 million in
financial aid in 2010-2011. Financial Aid specialists are available
to help take the challenge out of financing a college education
and guide you through the financial aid process. Be sure to
check out our website for important details on applying for aid,
the types of aid available and additional resources. We are
confident you will find UWM very affordable as you compare
your out-of-pocket costs with other colleges.
Website: financialaid.uwm.edu
Email: finaid@uwm.edu
Phone: 414.229.4541
1 Minnesota residents may be eligible for the Wisconsin/Minnesota tuition reciprocity program. An application form and information are available online at
www.ohe.state.mn.us, or contact the Minnesota Higher Education Services Office at 651.642.0567 or 1.800.657.3866.
2
UWM is a participant in the Midwest Student Exchange Program (MSEP). Students from Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Michigan, Missouri, Nebraska
and North Dakota may qualify for reduced nonresident tuition of $12,516. Minnesota is also a participant; however, students from this state benefit
more from the Minnesota reciprocity program. For details and updated information, visit MSEP.uwm.edu or call the Department of Recruitment and
Outreach at 414.229.2222.
On the cover: Carmen Alicea Latus, sophomore at 42
Major: Clinical Social Work
Carmen manages a hair salon, is married and has two sons, 23 and 13.
“ I decided to attend college when I found myself in a job realizing
that hard work alone wouldn’t offer me any more growth options.
It was time for me to get educated so that more windows of
opportunity would be opened for me.
When choosing UWM I had already done my homework with
other colleges. At first I wasn’t sure I’d fit in. Then I realized there
are different ages of students at the college and I was not the only
adult student on campus.
I’m determined. A lot of people don’t believe they can do this,
at a certain age. It’s easier to say no than to just go for it. Don’t
hesitate if it’s what you truly desire.”

“ I want my girls to be proud of
me and see that I was able to
get my degree even at my age .
. . It’s worth it because I want to
be able to give to them the life
I never had growing up.”
Corie Miller-Liberacki,
senior at 32
Major: Education
Minors: Natural science,
English
UWM’s Office of Adult and Returning Student
Services (OARSS) has staff specifically
dedicated to working with adult students.
OARSS advisors will meet with you in person
by appointment, or discuss your questions
and concerns by phone or email. OARSS
advisors understand the issues of adults
returning to school – many of them have been
there themselves. They will be happy
to provide information on UWM’s programs
and services, advise you on choosing an
academic program, or discuss your prior
academic records.
UWM offers new adult and transfer students
an adult orientation program before the start
of each fall and spring semester. You will be
invited to orientation after you have been
admitted to the University.
At orientation, you can prepare for the
upcoming semester by picking up a UPASS
(a free bus pass good on all Milwaukee
County Transit System routes), paying your
tuition, buying textbooks, making any
necessary changes to your schedule,
meeting with financial-aid counselors and
having your photo taken for your campus ID.
While Bill and Corie are working or in school, their four daughters – 12, 7, 3
and 1 – are in school or attend the UWM Children’s Center year-round,
“which is a relief to us,” says Corie.
“ I was in a job interview and was
actually told, ‘With your experi-
ence, I’d hire you for a manager
position if you just had a
In addition, degree you can in take anything!’ a campus Nowadays tour and
meet with a academic degree is advisors. a necessity, The plus event it is
co-sponsored allows by me OARSS to change and the fields Department to
of Recruitment something and Outreach. I really enjoy.”
Bill Liberacki, junior at 41
The OARSS office also celebrates National
Major: Conservation and
Nontraditional Environmental Student Week Science (the first full
week in November) Minor: with Geography
a reception. Each
UWM school and college nominates an
outstanding adult student to honor at this
event. Current and prospective students
are invited to attend the open house to
network and celebrate the power of being
an adult student!
The OARSS office also works with adult
students who are interested in returning to
school but not necessarily to earn a degree.
We offer several special audit programs as
well as the opportunity to take enrichment
classes as a nondegree student.
Contact OARSS by email at oarss@uwm.edu
or by phone at 414-229-5932.

“ If I have a two-hour lecture with
a voice-over Powerpoint, I know
how I think and when I do my best
thinking. Online classes help make
the information sink in because
I can push the stop button and
come back to a lecture when my
whole attention is there. ”
Gwen Verchota,
Online student from Minnesota
Graduate program,
School of Nursing
Gwen already has a job lined up. She’ll be working for a large healthcare
corporation with an online nurse practitioner service—the first of its
kind in the U.S.
Get the Most from the Best
As an adult student, you are a savvy consumer. You
want a quality education with flexible classroom
delivery and the supportive resources that will help
you succeed. We are sure we can do that for you here
at UWM.
Gwen is a perfect example of a working professional
who decided to do one of our fully online degrees: a
Ph.D. in nursing. See her video at online.uwm.edu,
where she discusses her amazing learning experience.
Gwen was supported by her family, loved the broader
perspective her Ph.D. peers gave her and thrived in
an online learning environment where UWM faculty
expanded her thinking and expressed her ideas in a
whole new way.
Because we are committed to helping you have a
similar experience to Gwen’s, we encourage you to
work with the Office of Adult and Returning Student
Services (OARSS).
Advisors in OARSS will meet with you by appointment,
in person, or by telephone, email or IM to answer your
questions. We will be happy to provide information
on UWM’s programs and services, advise you on
choosing an academic program, or discuss your prior
academic records. By starting your UWM experience
with OARSS, we can help you make decisions about
how to get off to a good start through pre-admission
advising. adultstudent.uwm.edu
UWM offers you an orientation program called TASO
(Transfer and Adult Student Orientation) before the
start of each fall and spring semester. At TASO, you
can prepare for the upcoming semester when you pick
up a UPASS (bus pass), pay tuition, buy textbooks,
change your schedule, complete financial aid loan
counseling, and have your student ID photo taken. In
addition, you can take a campus tour and meet with
academic advisors. This event is co-sponsored by the
Student Success Center. taso.uwm.edu
The OARSS staff also celebrate National Nontraditional
Student week with a reception every year. Each UWM
school/college nominates an outstanding adult stu-
dent to honor at this event. Current and prospective
students are invited to attend the open house to
network and celebrate the power of being an adult
student! Watch for an invitation to this special event!
OARSS | 17

18 | Academics
Academics
POWER | it’s 14 schools and colleges (including the Graduate School and the School of
Continuing Education) in one university, offering more than 180 programs
and majors – and hundreds of career options.
POWER | it’s a world-class faculty, deeply engaged in teaching and research.
POWER | it’s a campus rich with diversity that values differences – UWM
students represent all 50 states and 85 countries; rural, urban
and many more communities.
POWER | it’s being located in the economic and cultural capital of the state,
where UWM opens doors to diverse career connections for every student:
employment, internships, mentors, professional organizations and more.
It’s all available to you
at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.
Whatever your
passion – cracking the code on
a public health crisis, appearing on stage
with legends of the theatre, designing
equipment to boost manufacturing produc-
tion and employment – UWM academic
programs immerse you in learning labo-
ratories right here on campus. The City
of Milwaukee itself offers ways to reach
out and connect within the community via
our Institute for Service Learning, giving
you access to nontraditional, hands-on
classrooms – and free, unlimited mass-
transportation flexibility in the UPASS.
Yes, power can
be convenient.
Speaking of convenience: Online classes
are available in most majors.
Visit academics.uwm.edu
for details and contact info.
Architecture &
Urban Planning
The School of Architecture & Urban Planning (SARUP)
is a designated Center of Excellence and the only
accredited architecture school in Wisconsin. It boasts
an award-winning research and design faculty with
expertise in sustainability, BIM (Building Information
Modeling) and generative design, digitally based design,
preservation, urban design, real estate, structures, morphologic
design, architectural history and theory, architectural
programming, law and practice, and design
as a response to the physical, cultural and social
environment. Travel is essential to seeing the world
through a new lens. SARUP is proud to offer an array
of studios and research seminars in foreign settings.
Peck School of the Arts
The Peck School of the Arts is the only school in the
University of Wisconsin System dedicated exclusively
to the arts. New and established artists from around
the world enroll in its intensive, innovative programs
in art and design, dance, film, inter-arts, music and
theatre. The Peck School of the Arts presents more
than 350 events yearly, including exhibitions, live performances,
film screenings and expert lectures.
• Art
• Art Education
• Dance
• Film
• Inter-Arts
• Music
• Music Education
• Theatre
• Theatre Education
Lubar School of Business
In the Lubar School of Business, students work with
faculty who are ranked internationally for excellence,
and have the opportunity to network with leaders in
the Milwaukee business community. The School’s
location in the economic heart of the state connects
Lubar students to world-class companies through class
projects, internships and job placement. Over half a
million dollars in scholarships are available to Lubar
students each academic year.
• Accounting
• Finance
• Human Resource
Management
• Information Technology
Management
• Marketing
• Supply Chain and
Operations Management

20 | Academics
Education
UWM’s School of Education graduates more educators
than any other college or university in the state, and
offers students a unique opportunity for an urban experience
in more than 200 area schools and community
programs.
• Teacher Certification
• Interpreter Training
• American Sign Language
Studies
• Community Education
• Educational Studies
Engineering & Applied Science
UWM is one of two public universities in Wisconsin
offering engineering degrees at the bachelor’s, master’s
and doctoral levels. Students have access to internships
and co-ops with leading companies – Harley-
Davidson, Rockwell Automation, Briggs & Stratton
and GE Healthcare to name a few – plus extraordinary
undergraduate research opportunities with internationally
recognized faculty.
• Applied Mathematics and
Computer Science
• Civil Engineering
• Computer Engineering
• Computer Science
Health Sciences
• Electrical Engineering
• Industrial Engineering
• Materials Engineering
• Mechanical Engineering
The UWM College of Health Sciences offers
Wisconsin’s largest number of health-related degree
programs. Many of the School’s programs are nationally
recognized, having achieved the highest accredita-
tion possible. Programs and diverse internship opportunities
in Metro Milwaukee give students an edge in
preparing for high-demand careers.
Health Care Administration and Informatics
• Health Care Administration
Therapeutic and Human Movement Sciences
• Athletic Training
• Communication Sciences and Disorders
• Kinesiology
• Occupational Studies
Biomedical Sciences and Diagnostics
• Biomedical Sciences (Biomedical Sciences,
Cytotechnology, Diagnostic Medical Sonography, Medical
Technology, Public Health Microbiology, Radiologic
Technology)
Information Studies
Learn how information is retrieved, organized, manipulated,
repackaged and applied across our increasingly
digital culture and economy. The Bachelor of
Science in Information Science and Technology (BSIST)
program immerses students in information science;
information architecture; human factors in information
seeking and use; information organization, storage and
retrieval; and applications of the Internet. The program
provides a substantial offering of online courses and
encourages students to combine their studies with
one of UWM’s minors or certificate programs. It also
welcomes incoming transfer students by maximizing
transfer credits toward degree completion. Upon graduation,
BSIST graduates will be ready for careers in information
architecture, database development, systems
analysis, web publishing and many other related fields.
Letters & Science
The largest of UWM’s schools and colleges incorporates
a curriculum that spans all of the areas traditionally
included in a liberal arts education: the humanities, the
natural sciences and the social sciences. It’s a place to
explore options before declaring a major. A third of
the university’s undergraduates earn an L&S degree.
The college prepares students to enter the workforce
in a variety of professions with practical knowledge
in their field and exceptional skills in critical
thinking, problem-solving and communication. L&S
offers numerous opportunities for students to enhance
their educational experience through first-year seminars,
study abroad, undergraduate research, internships,
honors courses and service learning. More than
20 certificate programs are open to undergraduates
seeking to build on their major with a specialized
course of study. Within the 40+ academic programs
listed below, there are additional concentrations and
interdisciplinary options to explore.
• Actuarial Science
• Africology
• Anthropology
• Arabic (minor only)
• Art History
• Applied Mathematics and
Computer Science
• Applied Mathematics and
Physics
• Atmospheric Sciences
• Biochemistry
• Biological Sciences
• Chemistry
• Chinese*
• Committee Interdisciplinary
Major (CIM)
• Classics
• Communication
• Comparative Literature
• Conservation and
Environmental Science
• Economics
• English
• Film Studies
• French
• Geography
• Geosciences
• German
• Global Studies
• History
• International Studies
• Italian
• Japanese* (major under
development)
• Jewish Studies
• Journalism, Advertising,
and Media Studies
• Latin American, Caribbean
and U.S. Latino Studies
• Linguistics
• Mathematics
• Microbiology
• Philosophy
• Physics
• Political Science
• Portuguese (minor only)
• Psychology
• Religious Studies
• Russian
• Sociology
• Spanish
• Urban Studies
• Women’s Studies
Find out more
academics.uwm.edu
Letters & Science continued
Pre-Professional Programs in:
• Chiropractic Medicine
• Dentistry
• Law
• Medicine
• Optometry
Nursing
• Pharmacy
• Physician Assistant
• Podiatry
• Veterinary Medicine
UWM boasts the largest nursing program in Wisconsin,
combining a strong grounding in humanities and science
with clinical experience in more than 130 community
health care agencies. The college is nationally
known for two community nursing centers providing
health care to the underinsured and uninsured.
Helen Bader School
of Social Welfare
With field placements at more than 250 agen-
cies throughout Wisconsin and diverse study-abroad
opportunities, students in the social work and criminal
justice majors in the Helen Bader School of Social
Welfare graduate with real-world experience, ready for
the workforce or graduate school.
• Criminal Justice
• Social Work

22 | Academics
Our Newest Schools
School of Freshwater Sciences
The UWM School of Freshwater Sciences is the only
graduate school in the nation dedicated solely to the
study of freshwater. Only college graduates are admitted
to the school’s master’s and doctoral degree programs,
but a series of competitive internships and programs
can help undergraduate students get their foot
in the door. The National Science Foundation Aquatic
Biology and Mathematics Program and the Remotely
Operated Vehicle Team assign undergrads to research
projects that offer stipends, mentorship and access as
they prepare for a career dealing with one of the greatest
issues of our time: the future of freshwater.
Joseph J. Zilber School
of Public Health
Open only to graduate students, this new school does
offer undergraduate electives to prepare students considering
a career in the expanding public-health professions.
The Healthcare Living Learning Community
accepts undergraduates interested in nursing, social
work, psychology, health sciences and more. The community
combines coursework with hands-on projects
and site visits for a closer look at the variables and
opportunities that improve and sustain positive health
outcomes for many population groups – particularly in
an urban context.
Discover UWM Student
stories at uwm.edu
Graduate Studies
Your UWM degree is great preparation for any career
– and for furthering your studies at the graduate level.
UWM offers more than 100 master’s, doctoral and
graduate certificate programs in every school, in fields
of study from Africology and chemistry to kinesiology
and the performing arts. UWM’s two new graduate-
level schools – Freshwater Sciences and Public Health
– have been generating a lot of interest nationwide.
Both offer unique, highly specific research and aca-
demic opportunities to undergraduates as well. For
more information visit graduateschool.uwm.edu
Faculty
Outstanding Faculty
The 1,400 faculty and instructors at UWM are committed to innovation
and discovery in their research and excellence in teaching.
They’ve been featured in the Washington Post, New York Times,
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Scientific American Mind, Chicago
Tribune, Boston Globe, Nature, Discover and other noteworthy publications,
and on National Public Radio.
Some faculty are known for their innovation and entrepreneurship,
which shape the Wisconsin economy. Others are known for advancing
scientific discovery in freshwater research, manufacturing engineering,
informatics, clinical and educational psychology, geography
and urban sustainability.
Others inspire artistry. Established artists come to UWM as
advanced students, visiting artists and guest instructors from New
York, San Francisco, Senegal and beyond to refine their craft.
• One of our history professors is an international expert on the
U.S. Census.
• Several of our physics professors are engaged in an international
effort to find evidence of gravitational waves in space,
one of Albert Einstein’s greatest predictions.
• Four of Milwaukee’s five poet laureates were members of the
UWM faculty.
• Self-healing metals (think “Terminator,” without the violence)
were first created at UWM by an engineering professor who is
an international leader in materials engineering.
• Our graduate School of Freshwater Sciences boasts worldclass
biologists, including one who pioneered knowledge
about how tiny aquatic creatures called zooplankton survive.
These examples offer the briefest of introductions to the hundreds
of amazing experts undergraduates can learn from and work with
at UWM.
Q. So with 30,000 students,
won’t I be one of hundreds
in a classroom? Do TAs
teach most of the classes?
A. Our class sizes are very manageable
– your core major classes tend to be
around 28-30 students. Lecture halls
can be larger but most have smaller
group discussion and lab options
associated with them, to give them
more of a “small class” feel. Speaking
of the discussions and labs, those are
the main areas that teaching assis-
tants (TAs) work within – classes
and lectures are taught by profes-
sors, and TAs assist with labs and
small discussions. Ninety-five percent
of full-time faculty hold the highest
possible degree in their discipline. Our
TAs are master’s and doctoral students
qualified to assist in this capacity.

“ The biggest detriment to my long-term
growth was not having a degree. I’ve also
noticed the trend where companies are
not only looking for the degree, but also
being much more critical about a reputable
source—more than a piece
of paper. My degree has
expanded my options and I’m
much more confident in my abilities to
deliver a quality product to the companies
I work for.”
Josh Moore , 38
UWM Class of 2010
Business Administration:
Management Information Systems
“My career and home life are always busy, but I dedicated time to fit
school into my schedule,” says Josh, husband, father of three and IT
operations director. “When going back to school, being focused and
taking pride in my work are what helped me stay motivated.”
Getting started when
you’re finished.
Many great career journeys begin with a UWM
degree. And just as many students are on a great
career path only to discover they are limited in
their choices without a college degree. Just ask
Josh Moore! When he was growing as a leader in
the technology field, a degree was the one missing
piece in his portfolio. He wanted the education that
would help him better understand the business side
and leverage technology to solve business problems.
That’s what he got here at UWM.
You know graduation isn’t the end; it’s a beginning.
And it’s not the end of your connection to UWM. You
can continue to call on campus resources for help
after you have your new diploma.
The Career Development Center is available
to UWM students and alumni. The CDC staff can help
you navigate the career planning process; match your
interests, values, skills and personality to potential
careers; develop resumes, interviewing skills and
salary negotiation strategies; and identify graduate
school or internship programs that will take your edu-
cation to the next level. cdc.uwm.edu
As a UWM graduate, you will automatically become
a member of the Alumni Association, a dues
free organization that strives to connect alumni to
the university and each other. This organization dates
back to 1904 when the alumni of the university’s
initial predecessor, the Milwaukee Normal School,
began holding regular meetings. Stay connected to
the growing network of nearly 130,000 UWM gradu-
ates worldwide! See alumni.uwm.edu.
Since 2006, Alumni Career Services has
helped hundreds of alumni manage their careers
through career counseling and programs. Alumni
Career Services is here to assist you at every stage of
your career from your first job out of college through
retirement. We even help employers reach and recruit
UWM’s best and brightest experienced alumni.
Will it be worth it all in the end? Yes, literally! Year
after year, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics shows
that the more education you have, the more earning
power you get.
Quick Fact: Every year,
the U.S. Department of Labor Bureau
of Labor Statistics gathers data that
indicates the more education you
earn, the more earning power you
get! Their research also shows that
the more educated you are, the less
likely you are to be unemployed.
www.bls.gov
Graduation | 25

26 | Admissions
Degree-seeking students
UWM is committed to both excellence and access.
In considering applicants for admission to degree
programs, we look for evidence of solid academic
preparation and the potential for further intellectual
development. Each application is given a
comprehensive review, with all relevant factors
considered.
If you have been an exceptionally strong student,
you’ll find plenty of company here, with lots of
opportunities for academic challenge. But, in fact,
we admit students with a fairly wide range of
academic preparation. The key question is, do you
demonstrate the potential for academic success
here at UWM? To help determine this, we look at a
number of factors.
High school graduation (or the equivalent) is
required for admission. Believe it or not, we will
need a copy of your high school transcript! We
carefully consider your academic preparation, as
evidenced by your pattern of coursework, grades
in specific courses and other information gleaned
from your high school transcript as well as
transcripts from any other college or university you
have attended. You may also want to send us your
ACT/SAT scores, though these are not required for
applicants age 21 or above.
Time to begin
We will also consider any other relevant
information you provide that helps us get a more
complete picture of who you are. We get most of
this information from the application form, so be
sure to fill it out completely, including sections
eight and nine.
Some programs have more stringent academic
requirements than others. Go to uwm.edu. Click
on “Academics” to look up the school or college
that houses your major and to get complete
information.
Deadlines for degree programs
Applications are accepted beginning Sept. 15
for the next fall semester. For most programs,
applications are accepted until July 1 for fall
(Dec. 1 for the spring term), or until enrollment
capacity has been reached, whichever comes first.
However, some programs have much earlier
deadlines. Students interested in architecture, art
(visual art) or nursing should apply by Jan. 1 for fall
(Nov. 1 for spring).
For more information on the application process,
visit our website at uwm.edu. Click on Admission.
How to apply to UWM
Here’s the process in a nutshell:
1 Complete, sign and submit the UW System
Application available online at
apply.wisconsin.edu.
2 Pay the required application fee.
3 You may send your ACT/SAT scores, too.
4 Submit official transcripts to:
University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee
Department of Enrollment Services
P.O. Box 749
Milwaukee, WI 53201-0749
That’s it! After your file has been reviewed, you
will be notified of your admission status. Usually
this takes no more than four weeks, but it may take
longer at certain times of the year.
Electronic applications (apply.wisconsin.edu) are
STRONGLY encouraged. Help is available with that
process at 1-800-442-6459. If you are not able to
apply online, please contact the OARSS Office at
414-229-5932 for other options.
Nondegree students
Apply as a Nondegree Student if you would like
to take credited classes for the “university
experience.” Many adult students begin this way.
To qualify for admission, you must have graduated
from a recognized high school at least one year
prior to the desired semester of enrollment. A GED
or HSED is perfectly fine, too! We also ask that you
be in good academic standing with any post highschool
work you have done. In most cases, we won’t
need your transcripts, but we’ll let you know if they’d
be helpful in assessing your admissibility to UWM.
Like degree-seeking students, you are encouraged
to complete the online application at apply.
wisconsin.edu rather than use the paper form.
If using the online form is not possible, you may
request that materials be sent to you by contacting
OARSS at 414-229-5932. We also recommend that
you view UWM’s course selection online at
schedule.uwm.edu before you make your
admission decision.
There is NO application fee to apply as a nondegree
student, but nondegree students are NOT
eligible for financial aid in most circumstances.

28 | Campus resources
Campus resources
UWM is committed to helping you find your
path and your place. Again, we encourage
you to make the Office of Adult and Returning
Student Services (OARSS) your first stop.
HOW TO CONTACT OARSS
Schedule an appointment:
414-229-5932
Email us: oarss@uwm.edu
Website: adultstudent.uwm.edu
Virtual tour of campus:
www.uwm.edu/map
Visit us on campus:
2442 E. Kenwood Blvd.
Mellencamp Hall, Room 212
Our mailing address is:
University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee
OARSS
P.O. Box 749
Milwaukee, WI 53201-0749
Office Hours:
Monday-Tuesday 8 a.m.-6 p.m.
Wednesday-Friday 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
There are a host of other resources that will
help you on your educational journey. For
more information, contact any of the following
offices. The prefix for all campus numbers is
414-229-.
Academic Opportunity Center 4696
African American Student
Academic Services 6657
American Indian Student Services 5880
UWM Bookstore 4201
Campus Information 1122
Campus Tours 2222
Career Development Center 4486
Center for International
Education/Study Abroad 4846
Center for Volunteerism and
Student Leadership 3161
Children’s Center 5384
Computer Labs and Help Desk 4040
Financial Aid 4541
Health Center 4716
Honors College 4658
IDs 3800
Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender
(LGBT) Resource Center 4116
Library Information 4785
Military Education Benefits Office 6392
Panther Academic Support Services 3726
Parking and Transit 4000
Roberto Hernandez Center 6156
Southeast Asian American Student Services 5282
Student Accessibility Center (Voice/TTY) 6287 TTY
Student Association 4366
Student Employment 4487
Student Organizations 5780
Testing Office (placement) 4689
Undergraduate Research 2641
Women’s Resource Center 2852
This publication is produced by the Office of University Communications and Media
Relations and the Department of Enrollment Services, and may be requested in
accessible format.
Photos by UWM Photo Services
Graduation Rate Data, provided in compliance with the Student Right to Know
legislation, is available on the Web at: right2know.uwm.edu.
Like other institutions of higher education, UWM is required to publish an annual
security report. The latest campus security measures report is available through the
Office of Student Life, P.O. Box 413, Milwaukee, WI 53201, or online at
www4.uwm.edu/safety.
The University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee is an equal opportunity, affirmative action
institution, and does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, sex, color, creed,
national origin, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, religion, ancestry,
pregnancy, marital status, parental status or any other protected status recognized
by state or federal law.

Adult Guidebook 2012-13
adultstudent.uwm.edu