UW-Parkside

The University of Wisconsin-Parkside (UW-Parkside) is a public university located in Somers, Wisconsin, United States, and is part of the University of Wisconsin System. With a total enrollment of 3,948 students, including 3,207 undergraduates, UW-Parkside offers a vibrant academic environment on its 700-acre campus. The university prides itself on its diverse student body and commitment to providing accessible, high-quality education.

Academics

UW-Parkside offers over 30 undergraduate majors and graduate-level degrees across four colleges: Arts and Humanities, Social Sciences and Professional Studies, Business, Economics, and Computing, and Natural and Health Sciences. The university emphasizes a hands-on, real-world teaching approach, with 93% of students participating in internships, research, study abroad, or community-based learning. Notable programs include Criminal Justice, with a strong reputation for internships and diverse faculty, and Theatre Arts, boasting a 100% job placement rate. The pre-health program also has a high medical school acceptance rate of 91%.

International Students

UW-Parkside's International Student Services and Study Abroad office provides comprehensive support to international students, assisting with visa services, cultural adjustment, and work permissions. While specific diversity statistics for all nationalities are not readily available, the university reports having 97 international students, making up 2.5% of its total student body. International students can engage with various multicultural student organizations, such as the African Student Association, Black Student Union, Latinos Unidos, Muslim Student Association, Parkside Asian Organization, and the Parkside International Club. English proficiency can be demonstrated through TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo English Test, PTE Pearson, ACT English sub-score, or EIKEN scores.

Campus & Location

The UW-Parkside campus is situated on 700 acres of rolling woodlands and natural prairies in Somers, Kenosha County, just minutes from downtown Kenosha. Kenosha, located on the southwestern shore of Lake Michigan, is the fourth-most populous city in Wisconsin and offers a blend of urban amenities and natural beauty. The campus features interconnected buildings, including a main academic complex and student center, providing protection from the elements year-round. Transportation options include bus services from Chicago O'Hare and Milwaukee Mitchell airports to Kenosha, and local transit. Nearby attractions in Kenosha include waterfront parks, museums, and a restored electric streetcar system.

Career Outcomes

UW-Parkside is dedicated to preparing students for successful careers, with 92% of graduates either employed or continuing their education within one year of graduation. The Advising and Career Center offers individual career advising, interview preparation, personal branding, and professional networking assistance. The university fosters strong connections with healthcare systems, global companies, and nonprofits, providing students with hands-on experience through internships. Initiatives like the App Factory allow students to collaborate on real-world projects in a startup-like environment, gaining valuable experience. Additionally, the university's "Parkside Works" platform connects students with industry partners, aligning education with workforce needs and supporting emerging sectors.