Healthcare is a field that is constantly evolving and adapting to meet society's ever-changing needs. Now more than ever, the healthcare industry needs ready and capable people who know how to be effective leaders.
The College of Arts and Sciences at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater takes the necessary steps to prepare students for careers in health care and leadership. The university has launched a new major called “Health and Leadership Studies” for the fall 2025 semester.
Lauren Wilbers is an associate professor and chair of the Department of Sociology, Criminology, and Anthropology. Wilbers is also the coordinator of the health and leadership studies major within the department, which she chairs.
Wilbers explained that talk about the program began several years ago with a former dean. Wilbers also added that the program aims to provide an easy-to-transfer experience for students who have already earned an associate's degree in a health-related field.
“Perhaps they've been working in the field for a while and then want the opportunity to advance or move into a more managerial role in the medical field,” Wilbers says. “We take those (transfer) credits, and they can complete their coursework here, get their bachelor's degree, and hopefully pursue other types of medical careers that they want to do.”
This program addition is complemented by a mediation agreement between the University of Whitewater and the Wisconsin Technological University System. The agreement states that students who graduate with an Associate of Applied Science degree from any of the 16 schools within WTCS will be guaranteed admission to the program.
In a September 2025 press release, Interim Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Robin Fox said that UC Whitewater is extremely proud to be a transfer-friendly school.
“We believe this arbitration agreement is a strong example of that,” Fox said. “This degree will create opportunities for students to earn a bachelor’s degree and ultimately succeed in jobs important to the health care of people in our state and surrounding communities.”
In terms of curriculum, the Health and Leadership Studies Program is divided into three core areas. Wilbers said students will take courses related to health research. Courses in this section are taught in several departments on campus, including Sociology, Biology, Women's Studies, and Philosophy.
“The great thing about this program is that incoming students have several options,” Wilbers said. “So they can look at the list and say, 'That (course) looks interesting.'”
The next course category is Leadership and Organizational Literacy. In these courses, students learn how to become effective leaders. Wilbers highlights that some of the courses are taught by the School of Business Administration, School of Social Work, and School of Political Science.
The final group of coursework is communication skills, and Professor Wilbers said faculty in the School of Communication will be teaching most of these courses. All students are also required to take an introductory course in their major and an advanced seminar in which they develop a portfolio.
Wilbers explained that the program was built around courses already offered in other departments. Therefore, there is no full-time faculty member who teaches this program, and the program is taught by a mixture of faculty members from multiple departments.
In a Sept. 25 press release, Dean Jason Janke said the interdisciplinary nature of the program will help students who want to make a difference.
“Through a unique combination of coursework, students deepen their understanding of health care and build important professional skills such as communication, critical thinking and teamwork essential to effective leadership,” Janke said.
Mr. Wilbers also commented on the format in which the course was delivered, expressing that the format was beneficial to students.
“We want to be adult friendly, so students can do the entire program online,” Wilbers said. “However, you are also welcome to take classes on campus, so you can take hybrid classes if you wish.”
Because students in this program already have an associate's degree in healthcare, this program allows them to step up in the industry by earning a bachelor's degree. Wilbers anticipates that many students in the program will work and earn their degrees at the same time.
Upon completion of the program, students will be prepared to hold leadership positions in the medical field. These jobs are some of the fastest growing in Wisconsin and the nation, Wilbers said.
“There's a demand for these jobs, and I think we can help fill that demand,” Wilbers said. “I don't think it's probably going to slow down any time soon. So we'll be able to help people get the qualifications they need to get into those roles and help people.”
Wilbers expects the program to accept its first students in the fall semester of 2026, but students could begin in the spring of 2026. This all depends on when the student submits the application.
Because healthcare is such a large industry in the United States, the Health and Leadership Studies Program aims to create new opportunities for students. Wilbers remains optimistic about the program and the future of the medical industry.
“We're talking about health care in many different areas, and we aim to empower people to accomplish great things, find better ways to serve others, and provide the higher quality health care we all need,” Wilbers said.
