The University of Wisconsin Oshkosh offers a wide array of graduate degree programs on campus as well as at other University of Wisconsin System institutions through cooperative agreements. Each of these graduate education opportunities is briefly outlined here; individual program requirements are discussed later in the academic sections of this bulletin.

Graduate Degree Programs

There are 13 master's degree programs and one doctoral program providing a variety of areas of study.  Those available on the Oshkosh campus are:

Graduate Achievement Programs (GAP)

Some academic departments at the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh offer post-master’s studies referred to as Graduate Achievement Programs (GAP):

For more information about GAP programs, refer to the specific academic sections of this bulletin or contact the graduate program or Graduate Studies offices.

GAP requirements include:

1. ALL GAPS require appropriate master's degrees.

2. The GAP shall consist of a minimum of 15 semester hours of graduate credits, including at least nine (9) credits earned in graduate-only courses (700-level).

3. The GAP must be completed in four years from the semester in which the first course counted toward the GAP was taken (might not be the same as the admission semester).

4. Satisfactory academic performance includes at least a "B" average (3.000) on all work taken within the requirements for the GAP no more than one "C" or "BC" grade permitted.

5. All students must complete the core of courses required for the GAP

a. The core of courses required of all students consists of at least six hours of graduate credits only.

b. The remaining courses required to complete the minimum of 15 credits are to be chosen from those courses approved as acceptable for GAP completion.  Applicants apply for admission in the same manner as degree-seeking students (See Admission Procedures in this Bulletin).

6. Upon admission to the Graduate Achievement Program, an approved Program of Study form shall be filed by the student and graduate program with the Graduate Studies Office.

7. Transfer credits from other institutions into a GAP will be limited to three.

8. GAP students must apply for graduation in the same manner as degree candidates (See Graduation section in this Bulletin). GAP students do not participate in the commencement ceremony.

Certificate Programs

Some academic departments offer post-baccalaureate or post-master’s studies referred to as Certificate Programs:

Certificate requirements vary by program. Contact the program or Graduate Studies offices for more information.

Cooperative/Collaborative Degree Programs

In addition to on-campus programs, the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh has established written cooperative agreements with the University of Wisconsin campuses at Eau Claire, Green Bay, La Crosse, Madison, Parkside and Stevens Point to offer several graduate degree programs at these various locations.  The degree programs and their unique characteristics are summarized here:

Business Administration (MBA): Cooperative program with the University of Wisconsin Stevens Point, in which the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh has the degree entitlement.

This regional graduate program is based on an existing University of Wisconsin Oshkosh program. However, in order to satisfy the needs of students throughout northeastern and central Wisconsin, all the courses necessary for obtaining a degree are offered in the Green Bay, Oshkosh and Stevens Point area. The availability of all required courses at each campus location provides maximum convenience to students in the program who are primarily working adults earning a graduate degree part time. 

For more information regarding this nationally accredited MBA program, please contact the MBA Graduate Program in the College of Business at the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh.

Business Administration (MBA): Consortial program with University of Wisconsin campuses in Eau Claire, LaCrosse and Parkside, in which the four universities award a consortial degree.

For more information, please contact the MBA Graduate Program in the College of Business at the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh.

Professional Counseling (MSE): Cooperative program with the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, in which the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh has the degree entitlement.

This program is based on an existing University of Wisconsin Oshkosh program but is available, in part, at the Stevens Point campus. Some University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point courses may be taken as required or elective program courses.

For more details on the cooperative features of the program, contact Alan Saginak, Professional Counseling Department, University of Wisconsin Oshkosh, (920) 424-1475 or Patricia Caro, Graduate Studies for the School of Education, University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, (715) 346-4403.

Curriculum and Instruction (MSE): Collaborative program with the University of Wisconsin-Sheboygan, in which the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh has the degree entitlement.

A set program of study leading to the master's degree is offered evenings and summers at UW-Sheboygan for lakeshore county teachers. All but seven credits are offered on the UW-Sheboygan campus. All other aspects of the program are the same as the on-campus program.

For further information, contact the UW Oshkosh Curriculum and Instruction graduate program office (920) 424-2477 or the UW-Sheboygan Student Services office at (920) 459-6633.

Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis [formerly Educational Administration] (MS): Cooperative program with the University of Wisconsin-Madison, in which the University of Wisconsin-Madison has the degree entitlement.

39 graduate credits are required for the degree and School Principalship certification. The University of Wisconsin Oshkosh offers 21 credits toward this program; the University of Wisconsin-Madison at the Oshkosh campus offers 18 credits.  All coursework is offered on the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh campus. Successful students will receive the M.S. in Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and will be eligible for recommendation to the Department of Public Instruction for licensure in School Principalship. Director of Instruction,  Director of Pupil Service and Special Education licensure also are available through this cooperative program.

For more details, contact Susan Cramer, Department of Human Services and Professional Leadership at the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh (920) 424-1490.

Social Work (MSW): Collaborative program with the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay in which both the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh and Green Bay have the degree entitlement.

The University of Wisconsin-Green Bay and the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh have established a Collaborative MSW Program that prepares social workers for advanced practice as facilitators, partners and leaders in planned change activities with service users and community service providers. The program’s goal is to educate professionals ready to assume administrative and direct practice leadership roles within this region’s increasingly diverse and transforming rural and metropolitan environments.

For more information, contact the Social Work departments at UW Oshkosh or Green Bay.

Special Education (MSE) — Early Childhood: Cooperative Program with the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, in which the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh has the degree entitlement.

The EC program is designed to provide most of the advantages of a combined program and eliminate as many of the disadvantages as possible. Students enroll on the campus, which is most convenient to them. This allows for a variety of experiences in a wide geographical region, as well as offering all courses at each institution. This is one of the few programs in Wisconsin, which culminates in licensure to teach handicapped children in non categorical preschool classes.

NOTE: Admissions to this cooperative program are currently suspended.