Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I seek an MBA from Viterbo University?
When and where do classes meet?
How long does it take to complete the MBA program?
How much does the program cost?
When do classes start and how many students are in each class?
Is Viterbo's MBA program fully accredited?
How do I apply to the MBA program?
What does Viterbo University look for in assessing MBA applicants?
What if my undergraduate degree is not in a field of business?
Can I transfer in previous graduate coursework?
What is the GMAT test and do I need to take it?
Where can I get additional information regarding the MBA program?
Where do Viterbo MBA students work?
What do Viterbo MBA students say about the program?
Why should I seek an MBA from Viterbo University?
There are many benefits of a MBA degree. Most students are looking to advance their careers and a MBA degree is the logical choice. Viterbo’s MBA will assist you in gaining job mobility as well as job security now and well into the future. The program is designed for working professionals. Most students work full-time and attend school in the evening. The program is very flexible and provides the students with real world, practical skills that they can take right back to the office. Viterbo’s MBA program is comfortably small to enable maximum interaction between students and faculty. Check out the testimonials below, and you will see that Viterbo University’s MBA program is succeeding in meeting its student’s expectations and helping them become leaders.
When and where do classes meet?
Each class is offered one evening per week for seven consecutive weeks. Experience has shown that most students attend all seven class sessions; however, students who must occasionally miss a class session may make arrangements with their instructors to avoid penalty. When a session is missed, the instructor provides a special make up assignment for that student to complete within a specified timeframe. Utilization of Blackboard allows learners to keep up and stay involved even when they must travel with their jobs. The MBA program follows the regular academic calendar with two semesters and a summer session each year. Classes are offered on Viterbo University’s main campus, located in La Crosse, Wisconsin.
How long does it take to complete the MBA program?
To receive the Viterbo University MBA degree, students must complete 34 semester credit hours. The MBA program is designed so that students generally complete the program in two school years. See a sample Program Course Schedule (doc).
How much does the program cost?
Tuition is currently $460.00 per credit (2009-2010 academic year). Please visit the Business Office for more information on payment plans and the Financial Aid Office for information regarding the availability of financial aid.
When do classes start and how many students are in each class?
Students participate in the program as members of a learning team known as a “cohort.” A new cohort begins the MBA program each Fall and Spring semesters (late August and mid-January) and moves through the entire program together. With classes averaging about 20 to 25 students, you'll enjoy closer relationships with faculty and staff than you would in a large program.
Is Viterbo's MBA program fully accredited?
Yes. Viterbo University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association. The MBA program has also received specialized accreditation from the premier international accrediting body, the Association of Collegiate Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP). The ACBSP is the leading specialized accreditation association for business education supporting, celebrating, and rewarding teaching excellence. The association embraces the virtues of teaching excellence and emphasizes to students that it is essential to learn how to learn. ACBSP acknowledges the importance of scholarly research encourages its member institutions to pursue a reasonable mutually beneficial balance between teaching and research. Further, ACBSP encourages faculty involvement within the contemporary business world to enhance the quality of classroom instruction and to contribute to student learning.
Viterbo’s MBA program is continuously assessed for effectiveness. Each course has an identified set of learning outcomes and these are measured through specific assessment techniques. This assures that the program is always improving. Outcomes-based accreditation demonstrates that Viterbo’s MBA program demands quality that can be measured.
How do I apply to the MBA program?
In order to be considered for acceptance into Viterbo’s MBA program, an Applicant must complete the following minimum criteria:
- Submission of a formal application to the program. The best way to apply is to use the on-line application.
- Bachelor's degree from a regionally-accredited college or university;
- A minimum of two years real world work experience.
- Two letters of reference from persons attesting to the Applicants’ business aptitudes, attitude, values and ethics.
- Submission of an acceptable GMAT score. However, this requirement may be waived by the MBA Director if the Applicant has a 3.00 grade point average (on a 4.00 scale) in his or her undergraduate studies or has successfully completed other graduate coursework.
- A three to five page Personal Essay setting forth the reasons why the Applicant desires to attain an MBA degree and what he or she can add to the Viterbo University MBA program.
- If required by law, proficiency in the English language as determined by the Admissions Committee, or a score of 550 or better on the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language).
The application and all accompanying materials should be sent directly to the MBA Director along with the application fee. Applications and acceptance decisions are made on a rolling basis.
What does Viterbo University look for in assessing MBA applicants?
Viterbo University evaluates all parts of your application to understand who you are, what you've done, what you can add to the Viterbo community, and how our MBA program will help you meet your goals. In addition to reviewing your grades and work experience, the Admissions Committee requires a Personal Essay where it looks for evidence of the kind of curiosity and passion that will allow you to spark a lively discussion in class. To understand how applicants will contribute to and benefit from Viterbo’s MBA program, the Committee also encourages a personal interview with the MBA Director as part of the application process.
What if my undergraduate degree is not in a field of business?
Viterbo University welcomes students from all walks of life into its MBA program. However, students need to demonstrate their competency in the following business subjects before enrolling in the MBA core classes:
- Accounting
- Management Information Systems
- Finance
- Business Law
- Marketing
- Statistics
- Economics
Students who hold an undergraduate degree from an accredited business school generally fulfill these prerequisites by virtue of their previous course work. Students that have not developed these skills in their undergraduate coursework may still enter the MBA program; however, they are considered to be "conditionally admitted" into the program and must fulfill the prerequisite competencies. Recognizing the importance of bringing together professionals from varied backgrounds, Viterbo's MBA program has created an efficient process to allow students to complete the pre-requisite competencies through one-credit online courses. Students may also choose to take undergraduate courses at Viterbo University or elsewhere.
Can I transfer in previous graduate coursework?
Viterbo's MBA program welcomes applications from students attending, or having attended, other accredited graduate programs. Individual consideration will be granted in the awarding of transfer credits. Up to 12 hours of the program’s semester credit hours may be transferred from another program and utilized to meet the MBA requirements.
What is the GMAT test and do I need to take it?
The Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT) is a standardized, computer-adaptive test used by 1,500 graduate management programs around the world to assess the qualifications of applicants. The GMAT measures basic verbal, quantitative/mathematical, and analytical writing skills that are developed over a long period of time. It is specifically designed to help graduate schools assess the qualifications of applicants for advanced study in business and management. The GMAT does not presuppose any specific knowledge of business or other specific content areas, nor does it measure achievement in any particular subject areas. The test does not measure subjective factors important to academic and career success -- such as motivation, creativity or interpersonal skills.
The GMAT requirement may be waived by the MBA Director if the Applicant has a 3.00 grade point average (on a 4.00 scale) in his or her undergraduate studies or has successfully completed other graduate coursework.
You can register and schedule test appointments Online at www.mba.com. The test usually takes approximately 4 hours to complete and consists of 78 questions and two 30-minute Analytical Writing sections. Please visit the following web sites for more information on the GMAT:
Where can I get additional information regarding the MBA program?
A website cannot fully describe a MBA program and all of its facets. Therefore, I extend an invitation to you to visit Viterbo University and the Dahl School of Business and meet with me to discuss your personal situation. Sara Schwarz Cook, Ph.D., Director, MBA Program, 608-796-3374 or 1-800-VITERBO ext. 3374, slcook@viterbo.edu.
Where do Viterbo MBA students work?
Viterbo’s MBA students come from all walks of life. All of the students have at least two year’s experience managing others, whether it be formally in the workplace or informally in another organizational setting. A representative listing of area employers includes:
Trane Company Ashley Furniture Dairyland Power Cooperative Business Objects Fastenal State of Wisconsin Community Health Systems Xcel Energy Pepsi Bottling Company Franciscan Skemp Healthcare La Crosse Management Systems Ovation Marketing Onalaska High School Viterbo University Benchmark Electronics Matthews, Inc. Wal-Mart, Inc. RTP Corporation DMV International Winona Health
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What do Viterbo MBA students say about the program?
Here is what some of our students have to say about Viterbo’s MBA program:
“I absolutely enjoyed the cohort model. The group dynamics challenged me to be a better and more motivated learner. Relative to other colleges that I’ve attended, Viterbo University was very attentive to my individual needs as a student, not just at the beginning of the program but through graduation.”
—Brad Nelson, Xcel Energy, Inc.
“I am attending Viterbo’s MBA program and I am loving it! I chose Viterbo because they have a very flexible program so it works well for people like me with a full time job and young kids at home. I am learning so much, and everything seems so immediately applicable to what I do on a day-to-day basis. It’s fun to learn something and then be able to apply it the next day at work.”
—Alissa Oelfke, Associated Investment Services
"In my opinion, the Viterbo MBA program differs greatly from other universities that I've attended. The faculty at Viterbo has a genuine concern for developing the students, as opposed to standing on a podium and telling students what to do or not to do."
—Todd Bahnub, ORC Industries
“I did a lot of research into other MBA programs and decided on Viterbo, primarily because of its flexibility and convenience. Its program really fits into my schedule as a working mom. The instructors have been phenomenal, and the networking opportunity has been really good, too.”
—Amy Thornton, Western Wisconsin Technical College
"I found out a couple weeks before the MBA program started that my husband and I were pregnant with our first child. I found the cohort model to be very supportive to working adults with families and the faculty members were passionate and encouraging. I finished the MBA program with a stronger sense to contribute ethically to society, enhanced quantitative skills, life-long friendships, and beautiful, healthy daughter.”
-- Heidi Olson, Radisson Hotel-La Crosse
“I think what really sets Viterbo’s MBA program apart is that we are learning real-world skills, things we can put to use on a day-to-day basis. I think Viterbo is turning out many very talented, and very ethical, leaders.”
—David Snyder, Western Wisconsin Technical College
“I was apprehensive about applying to a MBA program since my undergraduate degree is not business related. I am so glad I took that first step. I can't believe that a whole year has gone by and I've already started the MBA program. I know that these next two years will pass by so quickly, I just hope that I can continue to learn and grow as much as I have to this point.
—Angie Jamison, Gundersen Lutheran