Known as the Air Capital of the World, Wichita has a long history of being a leader in aviation manufacturing. Even though this is a dominant industry in the city, students who pursue higher education are likely to find plenty of career opportunities in a variety of fields, including healthcare, education, and business.
Thousands of students choose Wichita colleges as the place to begin their educational journey each year. And when they're ready for a break from their studies, they can enjoy the city's surrounding wide open spaces, 225 average days of sunshine, more than 100 miles of bicycle paths and dozens of museums, golf courses, art galleries and event centers.
A few great options include Wichita Technical Institute, home to programs in computer technology, medical assisting, pharmacy technician and more. WSUTech offers dozens of programs in aviation, healthcare, manufacturing, business, law enforcement and design.
Smaller private trade colleges in Wichita prepare students for very specific careers. Examples include Crave Beauty Academy, Old Town Barber College and the Eric Fisher Academy, all of which allow students to gain the knowledge and experience necessary to move into career in hair styling or cosmetology.
Situated on a beautiful 330 acres with an incredible view of Wichita, Wichita State University is home to the Shockers — named for the once-popular job of "wheat shocking," or harvesting, that early students would often take on to make extra money. The school offers hundreds of majors and minors, including online programs. WSUTech has an agreement with WSU that allows students to move seamlessly from their associate to their bachelor's program.
Other colleges in Wichita include Friends University, where students enjoy a 10-1 student-teacher ratio, and Newman University, where most classrooms are filled with 20 students or less.
Wichita State University has more than 100 graduate-level programs, including master's or doctoral programs in areas such as aerospace engineering, special education, nursing and music. Their Institute for Interdisciplinary Innovation offers a program that combines arts courses with those in the sciences and technology — one that culminates in a Master of Innovation Design (MID).
Other universities in Wichita that offer advanced degree programs are the faith-based institutions, Friends University and Newman University. Friends' master's programs include family therapy, cybersecurity, health care leadership, and two types of MBA. At Newman, students can earn a master's degree in theology, social work, education, or a joint MSW/MBA.
To learn more about postsecondary education in Kansas, view our Kansas colleges page.
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