Graduates of the online University of Wisconsin Bachelor of Science in Applied Computing program are using their degrees to launch and grow careers in software engineering and development, web development, project management, and more. From innovative startups to global companies, alumni say the program gave them real-world technical skills and the ability to thrive in fast-paced industries. With a strong foundation in programming languages and problem-solving, graduates are making an impact in their workplaces while building meaningful careers in the process.
Applied Computing Careers
William Haddix, 2025 BS graduate, UW-Stevens Point
Game Developer at Battle Shiba Studios
A game development studio based in Baltimore, Maryland, Battle Shiba Studios brings its clients’ ideas to life by creating video games and other 3D experiences.
How his degree improved his career: “It takes a lot of different roles to fully complete a game. On the technical side, you have programmers, network engineers, database engineers, and more. When you are part of an indie studio, or any studio that doesn’t have an employee count in at least the hundreds, you will likely need to wear multiple hats. Knowing how to manage databases, how networks communicate, and how to program are just a few pieces of information I use on a near daily basis.”
What he loves about his job: “I love the creativity alongside the technical aspect of it. I don’t just write code—I create experiences for people. Even with learning new stuff every day, it still feels like I’ve only scratched the surface of what games development has to offer.”
William also serves on the UW Applied Computing Advisory Board.
Ashley Schoenborn, 2024 BS graduate, UW-Stevens Point
Software Engineer at Medtronic
Medtronic is a global medical device company providing healthcare technologies and therapies that treat over 70 health conditions.
How her degree improved her career: “The UW Applied Computing degree gave me a strong foundation in software engineering and problem-solving that I use every day in my career. It exposed me to real-world computing concepts and helped me develop the technical skills and confidence to succeed in a fast-moving industry. The program also taught me how to learn independently and adapt to new technologies, which has been invaluable as I’ve grown into roles in software development, cybersecurity, and AI. Overall, it prepared me to hit the ground running and continue advancing in my career.”
What she loves about her job: “I love the variety and challenge my work brings. In consulting, I’ve had the chance to work with a wide range of technologies and collaborate with many different teams, which keeps every project interesting. In my current role at Medtronic, I get to use those skills to make a tangible difference in people’s lives, which is incredibly rewarding. The mix of problem-solving, learning, and impact is what makes my job truly enjoyable.”
Ashley also serves on the UW Applied Computing Advisory Board.
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Samantha Thompson, 2021 BS graduate, UW-Oshkosh
Developer II at J. J. Keller & Associates
J. J. Keller & Associates provides regulatory, safety, and compliance solutions for more than 500,000 companies throughout North America.
How her degree improved her career: “The UW Applied Computing degree greatly improved my career because my employer, who paid for my tuition reimbursement, hired me on as a developer a few months prior to my graduation.”
What she loves about her job: “I love being a developer because I’m always learning something new and I like solving problems. My company gives me a great work/life balance, and I work with an amazing group of people.”
Samantha discussed the career outlook for the computing field in a webinar the Applied Computing program hosted.
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If you have questions about the bachelor’s degree program, such as how to apply or which courses you’ll take, our enrollment advisers are happy to answer them.
Call: 608-800-6762
Email: learn@uwex.wisconsin.edu