Academic Programs
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.
Center for Adult Learning
The mission of the Center for Adult Learning is to provide the adult
learner with a values-based, quality education that enhances her or his
credentials and ability to contribute to societal good.
The Center for Adult Learning offers several undergraduate degree
completion program options for non-traditional students to receive a
baccalaureate degree in accounting, addiction studies, health care management,
health care science, integrated studies, management information systems,
nursing and organizational management. Courses are online or in a flexible
face-to-face format. In conjunction with Western Technical College, Viterbo
University’s Center for Adult Learning offers an associate of arts and an
associate of science degree.
Policy
Students completing an adult learning degree completion bachelor degree
may not concurrently double major or double degree in a major offered as a traditional
student major.
Cooperative Program with the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse
Students at Viterbo
University may enroll in selected courses at the University of Wisconsin-La
Crosse (UW-L) 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 student may take selected
courses, on a space available basis only, at UW-L, during the fall or spring
semesters. The selected courses must be courses that are never available at
Viterbo University, and the student must be a full-time student at Viterbo
University (not including co-op credits) during the co-op semester and enrolled
in a traditional undergraduate bachelors degree program. (One charged the
tuition plateau between 12-18 credits; not a program offered through the Center
for Adult Learning.) 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
University. Students must complete and return the appropriate form, available
from the Office of the Registrar. The deadline to submit the form is May 1 for
fall semester and December 1 for spring semester.
Exploring (Undecided) Major Program
Students who are
undecided about a choice of major, are not alone. National research has shown
that up to 80 percent of students entering college admit that they’re not
certain what they really want to major in, even if they’ve initially declared a
major. In addition, up to 50 percent of all college students change their
majors at least once before graduation, and some change several times.
Viterbo’s exploring
major program is designed to help students think about the decision-making
process and to help get the information they
need to choose a major that’s right for them. In addition to being
assigned an academic advisor who is aware of the needs of exploring majors,
students will take a two-credit class (UNST 110) designed to help discover
interests, abilities, and values. Among the resources in UNST 110 are:
Strengths Quest, Strong Interest Inventory, Myers Briggs Type Indicator, Kuder
Career Search, ACT’s Discover, and the career library.
Students who begin
their college career “exploring” end up in a variety of different majors.
Students often think that choosing a major is the same thing as choosing a
career. Although these two choices are related, choosing one doesn’t automatically
mean the other is chosen. Students graduating from any one major could be employed
in many different jobs; likewise, people who are employed in any one job could
have graduated with many different majors. Choosing a major doesn’t limit students
to just one career and choosing a career doesn’t limit students to just one
major. Viterbo places an emphasis on the development of general, transferable
skills (e.g., writing, speaking, critical thinking, computer literacy, problem
solving, team building) that employers want and that graduates will need in
order to adjust to rapidly changing careers.
Honors Program
Mission
The mission of the
Viterbo University Honors Program is to provide a supportive, enriched learning
environment responsive to the educational needs of highly able and
exceptionally motivated undergraduate
students who are committed to achieving academic excellence, in addition to
developing their potential as ethical leaders and faithful servants.
Goals
The goals of the
Honors Program are:
- To develop a community of scholars.
- To promote academic excellence within
the Viterbo University community.
- To provide opportunities for research
and creative work involving both faculty and students.
- To assist students in preparation for
graduate and professional schools.
- To help students develop leadership
skills by providing them opportunities to work with service organizations both
within and outside the university.
General
Description
Students enroll in
Honors sections or enroll as Honors students within regular sections of Viterbo
University’s general education classes. Honors students will complete the four
University Mission Seminars in sections tailored specifically for the Honors Program.
In collaboration with the students’ assigned academic advisor in a specific
discipline, the Honors co-directors may advise Honors students on a plan to
complete the Honors requirements.
The program provides
Honors sections of regular, general education courses, Honors credit within
some regular sections, interdisciplinary Honors courses, and increased
opportunity for undergraduate research experiences.
All Honors courses
have a significant research component. Examples of this research component may
be a problem/issue based research project that relates to the course content, a
research-service project proposal and/or implementation of the proposal, a
literature review that relates to some component of the course, or a researched
paper.
Admission
New
Students: Incoming
students are invited to apply to participate in the Honors Program based on ACT
scores of 26 or higher (SAT combined scores of 1200 or higher), a high school
grade point average of 3.5 or higher, and evidence of leadership and service
during high school. Students should submit the New Student Program Application
and a brief writing sample
as directed on the application.
Students are also asked to submit a letter of recommendation from a high school
administrator or
teacher. See the program application for more detailed information.
Students who do not meet
the ACT/GPA requirements noted above are also encouraged to apply, especially
if they demonstrate particular interest, motivation, and leadership potential.
Applications received after this date will be considered only as space allows.
The program enrolls 25 -30 students each year.
Current Viterbo
Students: Students that are currently enrolled at Viterbo
in their freshman or sophomore year may also apply for admission. These
students should submit the following material to the honors office: a letter of
application, a writing sample of 3-4 pages, and two references from among the
Viterbo faculty who can offer acknowledgment on both academic and service
engagement.
Viterbo
students not enrolled in the program may take Honors sections of core
curriculum courses with the permission of the instructor and/or Honors
co-directors.
Policy
Students must
maintain a 3.2 GPA in their Honors classes and a 3.2 overall GPA to remain in
the Honors Program. Students who fall below these averages will be placed on
probation in the Honors Program the following semester. If their averages
remain below 3.2 for Honors classes and/or 3.2 for their overall GPA for two
consecutive semesters, students will be dropped from the program. A student
must be in good standing in the Program by the end of his/her junior year (or
the equivalent) in order to graduate as an Honors Program student.
Participation Policy
All members of the
Viterbo University Honors Program are required to participate in a minimum of three
community events each semester. The student will be required to obtain a
signature from a faculty member or organizer for an event in order to fulfill
this requirement. Examples of community events include: guest lectures, service
projects, PUB events, film discussions, safety lectures, Lunch-n-Learn events,
and science events. Students will also have an opportunity to attend Fine Arts
Center performances and art shows with Honors Program sponsored discussions
following them which will fulfill this requirement. Some of these performances
will require the purchase of an admission ticket. Students must submit their
participation form with signatures no later than the Friday prior to finals
week each semester. Forms will be submitted to the honors office. Those who do
not fulfill this requirement will be placed on probation in the program.
Requirements
- Three courses designated as Honors
classes, although a student may substitute the following.
- contract
in a traditional core curriculum or major course; with permission of the
instructor (maximum of two)
- study
abroad course or semester (maximum of one)
- approved
undergraduate research project that is above and beyond the requirements for
the major (maximum of one)
- Four three-credit Mission Seminars.
Honors sections of the mission seminars will be offered, but a student may also
develop a contract in a traditional mission seminar, with instructor
permission.
- VUSM
100, Franciscan Values and Traditions (offered as an Honors section every fall
including a required retreat experience)
- VUSM
200, Living in a Changing, Diverse World (offered as an Honors section in the
spring semester)
- VUSM
300, The Common Good (offered as an Honors section in the fall to allow
connection to the Humanities Symposium theme)
- VUSM
400, The Ethical Life (offered as an Honors section every spring and will
include significant Honors capstone project and presentation at the spring
Scholar’s Day event)
Interdisciplinary Studies
Part of the process
of education is making sense of the world. As academic disciplines and their
related professions have become more specialized, it’s easy to lose a sense of
the whole picture. In interdisciplinary studies, students are encouraged to put
pieces together. This is often done by focusing on particular issues or
questions. This issue is then examined from the perspective of a variety of
disciplines. At Viterbo, interdisciplinary study can be pursued in a variety of
ways.
Bachelor of Liberal Studies Degree
The Bachelor of
Liberal Studies (BLS) is a broad-based approach to a liberal education designed
for students who may not wish to seek a major in a single field of study, but
who prefer choice and flexibility in selection of courses for a degree.
Preparation in selected core subjects such as English, history, philosophy,
psychology, and sociology provides the basis for a great variety of career
opportunities. Often the ability to choose courses allows students to tailor
their studies to fulfill the specific requirements for admission to a certain program
of graduate study or pre-professional study. Students must complete 32 credits
from among the humanities, social science, and fine arts. Four fields within
these are chosen for upper division study. Students work with the program
advisor in planning their program. See School of Letters and Sciences, liberal
studies section for a detailed description of the program and requirements.
Communications
Studies Major
Communication studies
allows students to pursue a bachelor of science with a major in communication
studies. Students have a choice of two focuses for the major: organizational
communication or visual communication. The program is jointly coordinated by
the Dahl School of Business, the School of Fine Arts, and the School of Letters
and Sciences. A further description of the major as well as major requirements
can be found within the School of Letters and Sciences section of this catalog.
Integrated
Studies Major
This major allows
students to pursue a bachelor of arts or science with a major of their own design.
Students will work with an academic advisor to design a course of study
organized around topics of special interest and career goals. Students will
create two major concentrations in career fields or liberal arts areas. This
program is designed for the transfer student with a completed associate degree
or approximately 60 credits earned.
Sustainability
Major
The sustainability major
is an interdisciplinary program with the Dahl School of Business that has a
common core that integrates social, environmental, and economic considerations
toward the wise use of resources for current and future generations. Students
can choose a Bachelor of Business Administration with a major in sustainability
management, or a Bachelor of Arts or a Bachelor of Science with a major in
environmental sustainability. The goal of these major is to bring together
courses in diverse disciplines which have an environmental focus, including
science, public policy, and leadership. A further description of the major as
well as major requirements can be found within the School of Business or the School
of Letters and Sciences section of this catalog.
Environmental Studies Minor
The environmental
studies minor is designed to help students appreciate the diversity and
complexity of current environmental issues. This minor will present students,
who may major in any academic subject, with the opportunity to gain knowledge
and sensitivity to the scientific, social, political, and economic aspects of
how humans interact with the environment. Interdisciplinary course offerings in
the areas of biology, chemistry, economics, nutrition, literature, history,
religion, and philosophy may be selected for general education requirements or
for a minor in environmental studies. The minor provides students with: 1) an
interdisciplinary education in environmental issues, 2) the skills and
background necessary to increase employment opportunities in environmental
careers, and 3) the commitment to local and global environmental stewardship.
See School of Letters and Sciences, environmental studies section for a
detailed description of the program.
Gerontology
Minor
Gerontology
is a multidisciplinary field examining the biological, psychological and social
aspects of aging.
This minor is for
undergraduate students interested in learning more about, and working with, the
elderly population. Background
in gerontology is useful in the following areas: biology, business, medicine,
nursing, dentistry, physical and occupational therapy, psychology, sociology,
political science, economics, and social work. The minor adds a meaningful
dimension to many career choices. Students must complete a total of 21 credits,
from a variety of courses, from at least three areas, that may count toward
general education and other requirements. Students completing the minor will:
1) acquire a basic foundation in aging in the fields of psychology,
biology/physiology, and sociology in order to understand changes in later life,
2) gain an understanding of the age structures of diverse populations, 3) gain
supplemental information in gerontology within their own disciplinary
expertise, and 4) enhance their career preparation by engaging in practical
experience through service learning or an internship in an agency focused upon
the elderly. See Program Requirements, Minors, the School of Letters and
Sciences, Sociology section for a detailed description of the minor.
Latin
American Studies Minor
The Viterbo University Latin American studies minor will
serve students in the general and professional programs through an
interdisciplinary approach that emphasizes historical, political, and cultural
sensitivity toward the peoples of Latin America. An important methodology will be experiential learning as
students will be placed in cultural related contexts through course activities,
community partnership in the tri-state area, and international and domestic immersion
programs. See
Program Requirements, Minors, the School of Letters and Sciences section for a
detailed description of the minor.
Legal Studies Minor
The legal studies
minor enables students to undertake a multidisciplinary examination of the
relationship of law and legal institutions to culture and society. Several
departments within the university offer courses that examine the business,
sociological, political, philosophical, and historical aspects of legal behavior
and the legal system. The courses expose students to the many facets of the law
as a social phenomenon—its evolution, its function, and its effects. Students
will have opportunities to develop transferable skills in critical thinking,
oral and written discourse, problem solving as well as a keen awareness of the
ethical and social issues surrounding America’s legal system. The minor is
designed to benefit both the student who desires a liberal arts education and
the student who intends to enter graduate or law school or go directly into
public service careers. See School of Business, for a detailed description of
the program.
Women’s Studies Minor
The women’s studies
minor is an interdisciplinary program that examines women’s experiences in
order to better understand the workings of gender, race, class, ethnicity, and
sexuality in society. The minor in women’s studies offers students a valuable
framework for examining knowledge and encourages them to reflect on how gender
influences their major fields of study.
Internships
As part of their
academic program, Viterbo University students may choose to participate in
full-time or part-time off-campus internships related to their major field of
study. The program goal is to provide students the opportunity to blend
academic theory with practice and to explore and gain experience in careers
they may enter upon graduation. Interested students can obtain further
information on placement sites, academic requirements, and other related
information from the director of career services. Internships must be arranged
prior to the semester in which students wish to begin an internship.
A maximum of 12
experiential learning credits are allowed per fall or spring semester; nine
experiential learning credits are the maximum allowed for the summer (a total
of 15 credits may be applied to graduation requirements). Students should check
with their academic advisor to discuss the number of credits necessary for
specific majors. Career services maintains information of internship sites and
also posts available internship opportunities on the career services website.
Internship sites may be local or outside the La Crosse area. Office of Career
Services staff will work with students as they go through the process of
identifying potential sites, making contacts, and securing an internship site.
The steps for securing an internship may vary from site to site. However, it is
advisable to have a current resume and cover letter prepared and to practice
interview skills. Career services will assist students with networking and with
the process of developing an internship site. Interested students are
encouraged to make an appointment with the director of career services and to
complete an Internship Application Form three to six months prior to the time
they want to intern. The final selection of an intern is made by the
organization at which the student applies. Students are encouraged to start
early.
Experiential
learning is offered using the below prefixes:
AADM
287, 487; ACCT 287, 487; ARTS 287, 487; BIOL 487; BLAW 287, 487; CHEM-487; CISS
287, 487; COMM 287, 487; CRMJ 487; ECON-287, 487; EDUC 487; EXPL 287, 487; ENGL
287, 487; ENVS 287, 487; FINA 287, 487; HIST 487; INFO 287, 487; INST 287, 487,
LASP 287, 487; MATH 287, 487; MGMT 287, 487; MKTG 287, 487; MUPI 487; MUSC 487;
MUTH 287, 487; MUVO 487; OMGT 287, 487; POSC 287, 487; PSYC 287, 487; RLST 287,
487; SOCL 487; SPAN 487, SPML 287, 487; THTR 287, 487
Internships
offered, where applicable, as 287 are for students with freshman or sophomore
standing and those offered as 487 are for juniors and seniors. Internships
courses may be repeated for credit (a maximum of 15 credits are applicable to
the degree) and are graded on a CR/NC basis.
Reserve Officers' Training Corps (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 University students who desire to earn appointments as
commissioned officers in the U. S. Army.
Study Abroad/Global Studies
Viterbo University’s
program in intercultural study and exchange provides opportunities for
immersion in cultures different from one’s own for the purpose of understanding
other world views, gaining insight into one’s home culture, and developing the
ability to work collaboratively with people of diverse cultural backgrounds.
The student can earn
academic credit applicable to their degree. Programs vary in
length from a semester to two weeks. Students can use the experience to meet
general education requirements or towards major or minor programs. Federal and
state financial aid can be applied to the cost of a program, and students are
eligible to apply for a Viterbo study abroad scholarship. The study of a foreign language, while
encouraged during the experience, is not a prerequisite to participation in
many programs.
Students work with
the study abroad coordinator in the office of global education to gain an
understanding of their options, and to select a program. Program approval must
be obtained prior to participation. Students are encouraged to plan their
experience as far in advance as possible to avoid problems in meeting
application deadlines, financial aid timetables, and pre-departure course
requirements.
Policies
Governing Study Abroad
- Students must have a minimum cumulative
GPA of 2.5.
- Students will usually be in their
sophomore year of study before participating.
- Fluency in a foreign language is not a
requirement for participation.
- Students may apply their federal and
state financial aid to the cost of their program.
- Students wishing to access Viterbo
University scholarship aid for study abroad programs must submit an application
the year before they plan to study abroad. Applications are due by Feb. 1 the
year before the study abroad takes place.
- Students must participate in a
pre-departure orientation.
Program
Choices
Semester and Summer
study abroad programs are offered through an approved group of providers which
university faculty have reviewed. They
usually appear on the Viterbo transcript as transfer credit.
In addition, Viterbo
offers a changing selection of short term courses lead by its own faculty. Many are taught, in part, during the fall or
spring semesters and include a one to three week immersion experience at during,
or at the end of the semester. These courses require an application and
acceptance before students are allowed to register for them. Students may visit
the Global Education page on Viterbo’s website to view the courses being
offered, and to learn about application deadlines.
- Christianity in the Ancient World (Italy)
- The Ecology of Belize
- Franciscan Spirituality (Assisi)
- Majestic China
- Language and Culture Studies in the
Spanish speaking World ( Various locations)
- Nursing and Dietetics Clinical
Experiences (Belize, Guatemala, and
Puerto Rico)
- Theatre in the City: London
University
Studies
The department of university studies
has been instituted to allow for interdisciplinary or thematic courses which do
not fit appropriately within present Viterbo departments. It is hoped that the university
studies department will enhance creativity and experimentation in course
construction and provide a genuinely liberalizing educational experience.