History of Lakeland University
Lakeland traces its beginnings to German immigrants who, seeking a new life, traveled to America and eventually to the Sheboygan area where they settled in 1847. Even as they struggled for food and shelter, these pioneers thought in terms of higher education for their children. Here are some key milestones in the college’s history:
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In 1862, the founders built Missionshaus (Mission House), a combined academy-college-seminary. The school provided training in the liberal arts followed by a traditional seminary curriculum, as most of the early students were destined to become ministers.
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By the end of the 1800s, enrollment was no longer limited to pre-theological students and the college had developed strong programs of study in a wide number of disciplines. A talented, scholarly faculty set high standards for the college early in its existence, standards which have been maintained to this day.
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In 1956, education had evolved and the college adopted the name Lakeland and the seminary moved to Minneapolis/St. Paul in 1962 to become United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities.
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In 1978, Lakeland launched the state’s first degree-completion program for working adults by offering evening classes designed to fit around their busy schedules. Today, Lakeland’s William R. Kellett School of Undergraduate & Graduate Studies enrolls more than 2,000 graduate and undergraduate students at seven centers around Wisconsin for a robust offering of evening and online courses.
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In 1990, Lakeland formed its two-year campus in Tokyo, Japan, a sign of the institution’s strong commitment to a global education, which continues today. In 2021, LUJ received approval to expand into a four-year degree granting institution.
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On July 1, 2016, Lakeland College became Lakeland University, a change which accurately reflects the current reach and the diversity of offerings.
The History of the William R. Kellett School of Undergraduate and Graduate Studies
To meet the needs of a growing population of working adults, the college established a lifelong learning program, which was accredited in 1978 and is now known as the William R. Kellett School of Undergraduate & Graduate Studies. The Kellett School began with three off-campus locations. There are currently seven centers throughout the state of Wisconsin and a vibrant online program.
The John Esch Library
The John Esch Library is located at the center of the main campus and is open to all Lakeland University students. The library’s collection includes print and e-books. The library subscribes to over 200 academic journals, newspapers, and magazines. In the library, students have access to a computer lab, group study rooms, and individual study space. As a member of the Monarch Catalog of the Monarch Library System, students have local access to over 1,400,000 additional items. Lakeland students also have access to the following academic databases: BadgerLink, Credo Reference, EBSCOhost, Films on Demand, JSTOR, Naxos Music Library, Nexis Uni, Opposing Viewpoints, Ovid Nursing Community College Extended Journal Collection, ProQuest, PsycARTICLES, PsycINFO, Psychotherapy.net, Sage, and Statista.
Academic Programs
Lakeland offers students the opportunity to pursue graduate and undergraduate degrees in several locations and through several modalities:
Lakeland’s Main Campus
Students may take any of Lakeland’s degree programs at the main campus. Over 30 majors and three bachelor’s degrees (B.A., B.F.A., and B.S.) are available at Lakeland’s 240-acre main campus, which is located 12 miles northwest of Sheboygan in rural, eastern Wisconsin. The university is 60 miles north of Milwaukee, 120 miles northeast of Madison, and 60 miles south of Green Bay. The campus is in close proximity to Lake Michigan and the picturesque Kettle Moraine State Forest. Lakeland’s bachelor’s degrees require the completion of 120 semester hours with a minimum grade-point-average of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale. During the admissions process, qualified students may apply for a special program allowing them to complete a B.A. and M.B.A. or M.S. in Leadership and Organizational Development in five years, all at the main campus.
Students at the main campus may also complete an Associate of Arts degree (A.A.) or an Associate of Science degree (A.S.). Each program requires a minimum of 60 semester hours of coursework with a minimum grade-point-average of 2.0. The specific course requirements include but are not limited to those listed as the Interdisciplinary Studies course requirements of the Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Fine Arts, and Bachelor of Science degrees at the freshman and sophomore levels (100- and 200-level courses).
The William R. Kellett School of Undergraduate and Graduate Studies
In addition to its on-campus programs, Lakeland offers working adults and other non-traditional students the opportunity to complete a Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Science in Nursing (R.N. to B.S.N. Completion Program) degree(s) in a variety of majors through the William R. Kellett School of Undergraduate and Graduate Studies. Utilizing several delivery modalities, students taking courses through the Kellett School may participate in online, on-ground or BlendEd® classes through one or more of the off-campus centers: Chippewa Valley, Fox Cities, Green Bay, Madison, Milwaukee, Sheboygan, Wisconsin Rapids, Kohler Company, and at other corporate locations throughout the state. The Kellett School offers 12-week online and BlendEd® courses in the fall, spring, and summer and 7-week online courses throughout the year. Such courses link faculty and students from many different locations into interactive learning groups via academic software and computer networks. Online courses require all students to have predictable access to an outside Internet provider for research, class projects and connection to download/upload class notes.
While students in the Kellett School do not enjoy all of the benefits available to traditional undergraduate students (for example, participation in athletics, student government, and access to on-campus facilities), they do have access to the university’s online library resources, and receive a challenging, academically rigorous program of study.
The Kellett School also provides students the opportunity to complete graduate degrees through online and BlendEd® courses. Students may pursue one of five degrees: the Master of Arts (M.A.) in Counseling, the Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.), the Master of Education (M.Ed.), the Master of Music (M.M.) in Music Education–Kodály Emphasis, and the Master of Science (M.S.) in Leadership and Organizational Development.
The Lakeland Master of Arts (M.A.) degree in Counseling provides a broad-based education in counseling for professionals in the field and for interested educators. Students accepted into this program can pursue an emphasis in one of three areas: Early Childhood through Adolescence School Counseling, Clinical Mental Health Counseling, or Higher Education Counseling and Student Affairs.
The Lakeland Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.) degree program, especially designed for working adults, provides a broad-based professional education consisting of post-graduate courses to integrate research, case studies, computer technology, and other instructional processes. The objectives of the program include an understanding of business and economic problems and the development and refinement of managerial skills to address these problems in the context of the global workplace. Students interested in furthering their professional goals in accounting, finance, healthcare management, hospitality management, human resource management, nonprofit leadership, project management, sport leadership and supply chain management may pursue emphases in these areas. Students may also work with the program director to build an emphasis specific to their interests.
The Lakeland Master of Education degree in Teaching and Professional Development (M.Ed.) offers classroom teachers and other educators the opportunities for intellectual and professional growth within the context of a liberal arts education.
The Lakeland Master of Science (M.S.) in Leadership and Organizational Development degree program equips students with the essential skills for successful careers in leadership and management positions. This graduate program provides returning adult students relevant knowledge for employability, professional advancement and enhancing career opportunities for seeking initial employment, employment change, career progression, and personal development. Courses will prepare students to navigate an ever changing and competitive work environment, become an effective leader, and develop skills, knowledge and ability in many facets of today’s complex organizations, including the growing need for competent leaders who can effectively guide change and strategic management. Students may take elective courses in traditional business areas such as accounting, finance or marketing or pursue a concentration area of their choice.
The Lakeland Master of Music in Music Education – Kodály Emphasis degree (M.M.) offers concentrated study in music education with an emphasis on music instruction inspired by the philosophy of Zoltán Kodály. The basic tenets of the Kodály Philosophy of Music Education include that every child has a right to musical literacy, singing is the basic act of music making, with movement, listening, and instrumental performance supporting singing, the folk music of a nation is the primary source of musical repertoire and that music instruction must be systematic, child developmentally appropriate, creative, and organized in an explicit sequence from simple to more difficult, experience to concept, and from concept to practiced applications. Students who earn the M.M. degree will also earn an Organization for American Kodály Educators (OAKE)-endorsed Kodály Certificate.
Lakeland University Japan (LUJ)
Lakeland maintains an accredited branch campus in Tokyo, Japan. The Tokyo branch campus offers Japanese students an intensive English language program and an accredited Associate of Arts (A.A.) degree program. All classes at Lakeland University Japan are in the English language, except those offerings of foreign language instruction.
American students from Lakeland University and from other accredited colleges and universities in the United States may also study at Lakeland University Japan as part of their undergraduate program. The Study Abroad at LUJ program provides the opportunity to study Japanese language and culture while continuing a student’s undergraduate education. No prior Japanese language proficiency is required.
Special Academic Programs
Criminal Justice – Credit for Prior Learning Opportunity
Law Enforcement professionals have the opportunity to earn credit for prior learning of specific Criminal Justice major courses (courses and credits vary).
Professionals with prior completion of:
- 720-hour Law Enforcement Basic Training verified by Officer Training program, verified by the State of Wisconsin, Law Enforcement Standards Board
- Basic Law Enforcement Course verified by the State of Wisconsin, Law Enforcement Standards Board
Professional interested should discuss this opportunity with Admissions staff or contact the Registrar’s office for guidance.
Process involves:
- Proof of law enforcement training completion
- Non-refundable $50 administrative fee
- Upon approval of credit a $75 fee per credit applies
- Upon receipt of all fees, credit for prior learning courses annotated on individual student transcript
Degree Completion Partnership (Graphic Design Major-MATC-Milwaukee)
- Articulated partnership with Milwaukee Area Technical College (MATC-Milwaukee) for students earning an Associate of Applied Science in Graphic Design.
- Students should discuss the option with their MATC advisors who work with Lakeland University staff to gain entry into this program.
Students must complete the Associate of Applied Science in Graphic Design at MATC and transfer relevant coursework to Lakeland (64 semester hours).
Students apply for admission to Lakeland’s Graphic Design degree program and complete the following coursework (offered at the LU Milwaukee Center, MATC campus location or other delivery formats, online, BlendEd®, BlendEd® LIVE):
Note: The following lists the minimum requirements for program completion. Additional coursework may be required based on an analysis of transfer credits.
Standard Track:
Interdisciplinary Studies Requirements Remaining:
Graphic Design Major Requirements Remaining:
Graphic Design Elective Requirements:
Students must complete nine (9) semester hours from the following:
General Electives
- Students must complete thirty-two (32) semester hours of general electives to earn 120 total semester hours to degree.
Degree Completion Partnership (Graphic Design Major-NWTC)
- Articulated partnership with Northeast Wisconsin Technical College (NWTC) for students earning an Associate of Applied Science in Design and Graphic Technology.
- Students should discuss this option with their NWTC advisors who work with Lakeland University staff to gain entry into this program.
Students must complete the Associate of Applied Science in Design and Graphic Technology at Northeast Wisconsin Technical College and transfer relevant coursework to Lakeland (71 semester hours).
Students apply for admission to Lakeland’s Graphic Design degree completion program and complete the following coursework (offered at the LU Green Bay Center, NWTC campus location or other delivery formats, online, BlendEd®, BlendEd® LIVE):
Note: The following lists the minimum requirements for program completion. Additional coursework may be required based on an analysis of transfer credits.
Standard Track:
Interdisciplinary Studies Requirements Remaining:
Graphic Design Major Requirements Remaining:
Graphic Design Elective Requirements:
Students must complete seven (7) semester hours from the following:
General Electives
- Students must complete twenty-one (21) semester hours of general electives to earn 120 total semester hours to degree.
Five-Year Pathway: B.A. to M.B.A. or M.S. in Leadership and Organizational Development
The 5-year program leading to the Bachelor of Arts and the Master of Business Administration (MBA) or Masters of Science (M.S.) in Leadership and Organizational Development degrees is available for high-achieving, goal-oriented students who are committed to completing an MBA or MS in Leadership and Organizational Development as part of their professional education.
- Students admitted to this program will complete the requirements for and graduate with the BA in 4 years of study.
- Then complete the MBA or MS in Leadership and Organizational Development degree by the end of the fifth year.
- Students must achieve a satisfactory level of academic performance to be eligible for expedited MBA or MS in Leadership in Organizational Devlopment admission and must adhere to the prescribed schedule for program completion to achieve both degrees in five years.
Admission Requirements
Applicants must meet the University’s general entrance requirements. For consideration for the 5-Year BA/MBA or MS in Leadership and Organizational Development Program upon admission to Lakeland University, students must:
- Indicate interest in completing the 5-year BA/MBA or MS in Leadership and Organizational Development program upon application to Lakeland;
- Demonstrate a minimum average GPA of 3.25 in high school or a transfer GPA of at least 3.0; and
- Maintain a minimum average GPA of 3.00 in their Lakeland coursework to remain eligible for expedited admission to the MBA or MS in Leadership and Organizational Development program.
Students meeting the admission requirements are not subject to any entrance exams or separate requirements are necessary to enter the graduate phase of the program.
Students who fail to meet the entry criteria upon admission to Lakeland may follow the 5-year curriculum plan and apply for expedited admission to the MBA or MS in Leadership and Organizational Development program after completing 60 credits at Lakeland.
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