New Degree Program at UW Presents Skilled Green Collar Workforce-


The University of Wisconsin has brought the prospect of energy independence and economic potency to its newest program, which is the nation’s first online Sustainable Management bachelors degree programs available at a university level. The university extension has come together with several other University of Wisconsin campuses – UW Parkside, UW River Falls, UW Superior and UW Stout – so that they may create a degree program that provides green job recruits with the organization abilities they will need to manage tenantable business practices in their field. The 21 course, 63 credit degree curriculum takes about two years to complete and was originated with strategic collaboration from leading green energy supporting companies like FedEx, SC Johnson, Eastman Kodak, Ford Motor Company, Johnson Controls, Quad Graphics, Modine Manufacturing, Veolia Environmental Services and Kohl’s. The course is a pioneering step for the renewable energy industry, designed to maintain negligible carbon footprints and individual versatility that online courses offer. “I commend the UW-Extension for developing the nation’s first online Sustainable Management bachelor’s degree… The Green Economy has real growth potential in Wisconsin, and we will need skilled and talented workers to get the job done.” said Department of Commerce Secretary Richard J. Leinenkugel.

The hands-on, analytical degree course teaches the essential, sustainable business practices of the Triple Bottom Line and offers graduates the opportunity to get into the green energy workforce instantaneously with instilled aptitude to generate profit for their companies, while helping to recover the environment and enrich local communities. Sustainable management degree careers are plentiful and many can benefit from these opportunities for green energy jobs as the renewable energy industry continues to grow. Excellent career choices for graduates include managers of green energy plants, which are continuing to sprout all over the United States. Plant managers control storm water run off in an eco-responsive manner, as well as installing geothermal systems that use the Earth’s temperature to heat and cool the plant. Another career opportunity is facilities manager, which entails evaluating costs of solar energy to biofuels to clean coal so that they may ascertain total costs, while reducing carbon emissions. An additional career choice are product managers, who are in charge of analyzing existing packaging procedures alongside present sustainability standards and developing new paint technology that reduces greenhouse gas emissions. Lastly, there is the human resources director position, which requires evaluation of present labor practices for the interests of the surrounding population. “There’s a clear connection between education level and economic stability…We knew we needed 21st century degrees that prepared students to make a positive impact on the state while moving their own careers forward. That’s what the Sustainable Management degree does. And we’re the first major university to offer undergraduate students this option.” stated David Schejbal, UW-Extension Dean. Fall 2009 applications will be accepted starting May 15th and courses are accessible wherever there is a stable internet connection. Classes kick off fall of 2009 – those with interest in this revolutionary renewable energy degree program can visit Sustain Wisconsin to complete the online application.