General
Education Program • Special Academic Programs
Cooperative
Program with UW-La Crosse
ROTC
• Adult Student Programs • Credit
for Prior Learning
Graduate
Programs • Academic Support Services • Catalog
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The development of the whole person is the goal of the university experience
for each student at Viterbo University. This development occurs chiefly
through an academic program conducted in a meaningful, growth-filled, Catholic,
Franciscan environment.
The academic program of Viterbo University is designed to provide a
quality education in the liberal arts or career-oriented professional
or pre-professional program based in the liberal arts. A liberal arts foundation
focused on the growth of the total person intellectually, culturally, and
personally is provided through the General Education curriculum.
ORGANIZATION OF THE CURRICULAR
PROGRAM
In conjunction with the General Education Program, students select
a major field of study, and often a minor. The majors and minors are organized
by Schools, each headed by a Dean who provides administrative and programmatic
oversight. The Schools and their respective subject areas are listed below.
Business
Accounting
Computer Information Systems
Computer Information Systems Education
Health Care Administration
Human Resource Development
Management
Marketing
Organizational Management
Education
Education
Multimedia Studies
Fine Arts
Art Education
Art - Studio
Arts Administration
Graphic Design
Dance
Music - Church
Music Education
Music Pedagogy
Music Performance
Music Theatre
Theatre Arts |
Letters & Sciences
Biology
Chemistry
Criminal Justice
English
Environmental Studies
Experiential Learning Internships
Foreign Languages
Global Study
History
Liberal Studies
Mathematics
Ministry
Multicultural Studies
Nutrition & Dietetics
Philosophy
Physics
Political Science
Pre-Professional
Psychology
Religious Studies
Social Work
Sociology
Special Studies
Women’s Studies
Nursing
Nursing |
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COOPERATIVE
PROGRAM WITH THE UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN-LA CROSSE
Students at Viterbo may enroll in selected courses and programs of
study at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse as a result of an inter-institutional
cooperative agreement. Through the program, students of both institutions
have access to broader educational opportunities, and resources of the
institutions can be utilized more fully.
Under this cooperative agreement a full-time student may take selected
courses, on a space available basis, at UW-La Crosse as part of his/her
program during the academic year. The selected courses should be courses
that are not offered at the home institution, and are an integral part
of the student’s academic program. The approval of the student’s academic
advisor is required. Credits earned through this cooperative program are
considered to be transfer hours and are not calculated into the student’s
grade point average at Viterbo. The written authorization of the Registrar
is required prior to a student’s enrollment in any course at UW-La Crosse
through this cooperative program. Interested students should obtain further
information from the Registrar.
ROTC
A cross-enrollment agreement exists between Viterbo University and
the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse to make both the Army ROTC basic
and advanced course available to qualified Viterbo students who desire
to earn appointments as commissioned officers in the United States Army.
Six hours of military science credit is directly transferable to the 128
credit hour degree requirements; an additional six hours of military science
may count toward degree requirements contingent upon approval of the student’s
advisor, the Registrar, and Academic Vice President.
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ADULT STUDENT
PROGRAMS
Viterbo provides a variety of opportunities for adult students to pursue
academic study. Full and part-time adult students who are interested in
pursuing a degree should contact the Director of Extended Learning at 608-796-3087
or 1-800-VITERBO if they wish more information about the following options
or assistance with admission.
DEGREE COMPLETION PROGRAMS FOR ADULTS
The degree completion programs are designed specifically for adults
having work experience and having earned an associate’s degree or approximately
60 hours of college credit.
The Advance Program
Through the Advance Program adults employed full-time in business-related
settings can work toward earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Organizational
Management by attending classes just one evening per week. The courses
comprising the Organizational Management major are taught in a concentrated
accelerated format over a 19-month period. Additional coursework may be
required to complete the degree, depending on each student’s individual
academic background. Viterbo University has also developed a series of
time-shortened business and general education courses, called “Fast Track,”
to assist adult learners in finishing degree requirements expeditiously.
To enter the Advance Program an applicant must be 25 years of age or older
and have earned about 60 semester hours of college credit. For further
information, please refer to the School of Business section.
RN to BSN Program
The RN to BSN Program is designed for working Registered Nurses
who hold associates degrees or are graduates of diploma programs. Applicants
to the program must have a current license to practice nursing; two years
(at least part-time) of work experience as an RN in a health care facility
is required prior to beginning the portfolio nursing courses. Students
take courses one day a week on the La Crosse campus or at one of several
sites conveniently located throughout Wisconsin. The requirements for a
Bachelor of Science degree can be completed in approximately three years,
including summers. For further information, please refer to the School
of Nursing section.
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CREDIT FOR
PRIOR LEARNING
Adult students may be able to receive credit towards a university degree
for prior learning and experience in a variety of ways.
Credit by Examination
Viterbo participates in the College Level Examination Program (CLEP).
Only the CLEP subject examinations are considered for college credit. Students
are eligible to receive credit in the subject areas of biology, business,
chemistry, composition, computer science, English literature, history,
mathematics, psychology, and sociology, no matter when, where, or how their
knowledge has been acquired. The examinations are administered twice a
year to currently enrolled students and to incoming students who enroll
the subsequent semester. Interested persons should contact the Registrar’s
Office for more information.
Portfolio
An adult student who wishes to receive college credit for prior learning
and feels he/she has significant college-relevant learning from lifetime/work
experience creditable toward a college degree can become involved in this
program. A limit of 30 semester hours may be earned by portfolio. To be
eligible for this program, students must be over 25 years of age and have
at least two years of work experience.
To participate in the Credit for Prior Learning program you must:
-
Enroll concurrently to establish current student status for award of credit.
-
Enroll in a non-credit portfolio workshop.
-
Construct a portfolio containing lifetime/work learning that you feel may
be applicable to college credit and course objectives.
-
Submit portfolio to the academic departments involved and pay portfolio
fees (See Tuition and Fees section).
-
Academic departments will review the portfolio and upon successful completion,
credit award will be made.
Students who would like to know more about Credit for Prior Learning are
encouraged to contact the Office of Extended Learning.
Credit for Military Training
Viterbo University will grant credit for education experiences earned
from and awarded by an accredited college or university while serving in
the armed forces. Credits earned through ACE recommended courses and DANTES
examination may be acceptable for up to 16 semester hours of transfer credit.
Viterbo University reserves the right to make such determinatinos.
GRADUATE
PROGRAMS
Viterbo offers two graduate programs, one a Master of Arts degree in
Education and the other a Master of Science in Nursing. Each of these programs
has its own description of requirements and courses. For further information
on these programs, students may contact the Director of the Graduate School
in Nursing (608-796-3688) or the Director of the Graduate School in Education
(608-796-3093).
In addition, a limited number of graduate courses (500-699) are offered
in other disciplines. The transfer of graduate credits earned at Viterbo
may or may not be accepted toward a master’s degree if transferred to another
institution pending the approval of the institution to which the student
is transferring.
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ACADEMIC
SUPPORT SERVICES
While the ultimate outcome of the university is to see students graduate,
there is the recognition that learning is a process which varies for each
individual. The college is committed to providing the support and service
which allows each student to achieve their potential and reach the goal.
Experience shows that encouragment from peers, instructors, other university
personnel, and family all contribute to success. Viterbo provides the following
services in the academic area which should contribute to the retention
and graduation of its students.
The Learning Center
The mission of the Learning Center is to provide services and assistance
to students in the development of skills necessary for effective performance
in and positive adjustment to the learning environment of the university.
Developmental courses in reading, writing and math are offered in addition
to a study skills course and workshops. Tutoring is offered in all academic
courses at no additional cost and special accommodations are available
to students with diagnosed disabilities.
Academic Advising
At Viterbo, academic advising is a decision making process through
which students, aided by advisors, realize the maximum educational benefits
available to them by better understanding themselves and learning how to
use the resources of an educational institution to meet their own educational
needs and aspirations.
Each student is assigned an academic advisor, who is generally a faculty
member in the student’s major department, by the Assistant Academic Vice
President. Students are strongly urged to meet with their academic advisor
periodically throughout the semester and are expected to consult with their
advisor in making any major decisions regarding their academic program
or career plans. It is the responsibility of the student to collaborate
with his/her advisor and be informed about course placements based on entry
test information and the prerequisite requirements established by academic
departments. |