Overview of the Individualized Technical Studies (ITS) Program

Rapid changes in industry and the workplace are accelerating the demand for a flexible, relevant education. To be productive and effective in the changing workplace, employees may need skills and knowledge drawn from a variety of traditional areas of study. The Individualized Technical Studies (ITS) program is intended to fill this need. 

The ITS program is a state-approved associate degree that fills a very specific student and employer need. ITS is intended for students who need a curriculum that does not exist at WCTC but rather is a combination of courses in more than one WCTC program that fulfills an employer’s specific need and matches the interest and abilities of the student. The relationship and communication between the student and employer is vital to the success of this unique program.

The ITS program is:

  • A customized associate degree vetted by an employer that meets the employer’s needs as well as the educational needs of a student based on their career objective. 
  • A plan of study that cannot be achieved through any single WCTC program.

The ITS program is not:

  • An opportunity to bundle miscellaneous credits. 
  • A career exploration program.
  • Designed to make minor course changes to current existing programs.

ITS Ad Hoc Advisory Committee

All traditional programs at WCTC are vetted by employer advisory committees that provide program feedback and approval for all programs in accordance with Wisconsin legislation.  As such, the ITS program has a mechanism for providing feedback and approval of customized ITS curriculum; an ad hoc advisory committee, which includes the following:

  • Occupational Mentor: Applicants are required to obtain and work with an occupational mentor who has the professional experience and expertise to determine the knowledge, skills and abilities required for the student to meet their career objective. The occupational mentor will assist the applicant by clarifying the customized competencies required for successful employment. This ad hoc advisory will assist the applicant in finalizing program outcomes and determining curriculum courses and sequencing and ultimately approving or disapproving the curriculum.
  • WCTC Associate Dean: Provides guidance on course selection and plan-of-study. Must oversee the program area that contains 20 or more credits in your ITS degree.
  • WCTC Academic Advisor: Assists with course selection and ensure all degree requirements are met.
  • Instructor(s): Provides course content expertise to assist in course selection.