UW-Extension will grant business degrees

The University of Wisconsin System Board of Regents on Friday granted the system’s adult education arm the authority to grant business degrees.

The regents unanimously approved changes to UW-Extension’s mission statement permitting it to hand out business certificates, associate degrees, and bachelor’s degrees in business through the UW System’s Flex Option, which allows adult students to earn credits by demonstrating real-life experience.

UW-Extension doesn’t currently offer any degrees, but Extension officials hope to begin offering the new degrees next year.

In addition to adding the degree program, the regents also unanimously adopted a resolution ordering Extension to obtain accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission.