How to Apply

1.  Apply online.   From PART II - Enrollment Choices you must select the following:  1) Program:  Graduate Education Program Licensure, Endorsement, or Certificate; 2) Program Track:  Post Baccalaureate Teacher Licensure Program and 3) Program Detail:  Select license you seek.
2.  $50 nonrefundable application fee.  You may submit your application fee online.  This fee is waived if you have applied for, or are enrolled in, the Viterbo University Master of Arts in Education degree.  Students interested in earning a master's degree would also need to apply to the master's in education program concurrently or upon completion of this licensure program. 
3.  Request official copies of transcripts for all colleges and universities attended (transcripts must be mailed directly from each school to Viterbo University, ATN: Betty Pfaff).  Transcripts marked "issued to student" will not be accepted. 
4.  Completed promissory note.
5.  Send in a one page essay describing your desire to become a teacher.
6.  A background check must also be conducted and passed prior to field experience.  See details below.

The above information must be mailed to:  Viterbo University, ATN: Susan Batell, 900 Viterbo Dr, La Crosse, WI  54601.  For questions contact Susan Batell at ssbatell@viterbo.edu or 608-796-3382.

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Application Deadlines

  • Fall semesters – August 15
  • Spring semesters – January 5
  • Summer session – May 5

 

Background Check

School districts in Wisconsin require all teacher licensure students to have passed a background check before entering public schools.  Students with a felony or anything child related will most likely be unable to become a licensed teacher in Wisconsin.  If a student has only lived in Wisconsin, Viterbo will conduct a State of Wisconsin background check for a fee of $7.00.  If a student has lived outside of Wisconsin (other than a semester abroad for school) they will need to take a federal background check and have the results sent to Viterbo University.  To take the federal check go to:  CertifiedBackground.com and use the package code of: VI87 "Education".  The code is V as in Victor and I as in Igloo, not a one.  The cost for this check is $48.  Background checks must be conducted within one month of being accepted into our program.  If Viterbo conducts the background check the student must provide a check for $7.00 to the program coordinator. 

 

Program Timeline

Program Application

Six to twelve months prior to the start of a cohort is the ideal time to make initial inquiries about the program and obtain a free credit check.  The timeline can be significantly shortened if the applicant meets all of our criteria, is program ready to being, and we still have room.  In general, the regular application process is:

  1. Determine which license areas are of interest to you.
  2. Compare work experience and previous degree courses to list of major content courses required for each licensure area of interest to you on this website to determine general feasibility.
  3. All education and content area classes considered for transfer to the program must have been taken from a regionally accredited  institution of higher education, completed within the last seven years. The School of Education reserves the right to extend the timeframe in special circumstances.
  4. To obtain a credit check, send a photocopy of transcripts and a letter of explanation of intent to VU Teacher Licensure coordinator for a preliminary consultation regarding “gaps” in content preparation. We will notify you if you need to send us course descriptions or a syllabus from any course we are uncertain about its equivalency. 
  5. To apply, submit the online application. The one-page essay describing your desire to become a teacher is used to assess your commitment to education and as a writing sample so do your best.
  6. Please have official transcripts mailed directly from the college/university to: Viterbo University, Attn: Betty Pfaff, 900 Viterbo Drive, La Crosse, WI  54601. Transcripts marked "issued to student" will not be accepted.
  7. Register for the next-available PPST exam.
  8. If necessary enroll in courses suitable for filling the “gaps.” We strongly prefer that all content "gap" courses be taken at Viterbo University, but we will accept them from any accredited institution. Once the class is completed with a grade of C or better you will need to have an official transcript mailed to Betty Pfaff. If you obtain a Consortium Agreement and have VU financial aid pay for a gap class at another institution, you will need to provide an official transcript at the end of the semester as soon as possible to Betty Pfaff so you can obtain financial aid the following semester as federal law dictates it not be given until proof of your passing all classes is obtained.    
  9. Pass a Wisconsin Courts background check. DPI will not license anyone who has been convicted of a felony. The DPI will advise us in other special cases. A $7 fee is required for the background check due once you are accepted to the program.

Program Admission

Three to six months prior to the start of a cohort (or sooner if criteria met):

  1. Confirm readiness (within three classes of content “gaps” completed and/or plan for completion is documented) and request to register for the next annual cohort.
  2. Course registration will be determined by the outcome of the transcript analysis and/or portfolio review.
  3. Commit to the cohort.
  4. Confirm passage of PPST exams.
  5. Meet all deadlines for financial aid applications.

Program Registration

Three months to six weeks prior to the start of a cohort (or sooner if criteria met):

  1. Confirm availability to participate in all classes as 100% attendance is required.
  2. Prepare to comply with the payment policy for tuition and fees; all expenses should be paid on or before your assigned enrollment confirmation day.
  3. Attend orientation night.
  4. Registrations will be handled by Program Coordinator for the first semester a student takes classes.  After the first semester students will register themselves via VitNet for all subsequent classes. Students may also register themselves via paper form in the Registrar's Office for all gap classes.
  5. Read your email for program updates from Viterbo University.
 
 
 

 

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