Fox Cities News

In as little as five years, University of Wisconsin Oshkosh (UWO) students could graduate with both bachelor’s and master’s degrees through a new “4+1” program. The Sociology & Master of Public Administration (MPA) 4+1 is the latest initiative from the merged UWO Sociology & Public Administration department. Faculty leaders collaborated to create this accelerated, dual-degree pathway aimed at helping students earn career-oriented degrees efficiently.

“The Sociology-to-MPA 4+1 program connects public-service minded undergraduates with a longstanding professional degree program,” said UWO MPA Program Director Michael Ford. “The program will strengthen the talent pipeline of public service professionals working to improve Wisconsin communities and best serve their residents.”

Paul Van Auken, chair of the UWO department of Sociology & Public Administration, worked closely with Ford and other university officials to develop the program plan and curriculum. “We’re excited about this partnership,” Van Auken said. He noted that many Sociology graduates pursue careers in public service, educational settings, and health-related fields. “It’s a natural fit, and the 4+1 combination creates a quicker path to the leadership roles that so many of our alums eventually ascend to.”

Undergraduate Sociology majors or minors at UWO can declare a Public Administration emphasis within Sociology and apply to the 4+1 program during their junior year. This streamlined journey allows them to take multiple MPA courses during their senior year. By the end of year five, students can attain both a bachelor’s degree in Sociology and an MPA degree.

Jelani Lawson was the first student to enroll in the program. The UWO junior from Kenosha plans a career supporting socially and economically marginalized people. “Throughout my time here as a sociology major, I’ve grown to realize that I am privileged in many ways, and I want to give back to those who have fewer opportunities than I had growing up,” Lawson said.

Olivia Madrigrano, another UWO student from Kenosha, is also ready to start the 4+1 program journey. “As a sociology major, joining a 4+1 program in public administration offers me a unique opportunity to bridge the gap between understanding societal dynamics and implementing effective policies,” Madrigrano said.

The MPA program at UWO has been established since 1972 and is now the largest MPA program in Wisconsin. It is offered entirely online with various emphases including General Public Administration; Nonprofit Leadership; Health Agency Administration; and Leadership, Fire and Emergency Administration and Management.

The mission of UWO’s Sociology program is to provide an inclusive educational experience that prepares students for community engagement while producing valuable public sociology.

Graduates have launched careers in fields such as public health, corrections, education, economic development among others. Nearly 25 percent continue on for graduate degrees in areas like sociology, law, organizational leadership, and professional counseling.