Frequently Asked Questions

 

Why should I seek an MBA from Viterbo University?

There are many benefits of a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree. Many students are looking to advance their careers, and an MBA degree is the logical choice. Viterbo's MBA will assist you in gaining job mobility and security now and in the future. Our program is designed specifically to bring together working professionals balancing busy professional and personal lives; nearly all MBA students work full-time. The program is very flexible and provides the students with real world, practical skills that they can take right back to their organizations. Our one-year program is designed as an accelerated option for students looking to devote one year to full-time study. Viterbo's MBA program is designed to enable maximum interaction between students and faculty. Viterbo University's MBA program is succeeding in meeting students' needs and serving our mission—to develop a network of leaders who will make positive impact in their organizations and their communities.

When and where do classes meet?

Most courses meet one evening per week for eight consecutive weeks from 6–9 p.m. Some courses are also offered in a blended online format, meeting about twice per month with the rest of the course online. Utilization of an online course management system allows learners to keep up and stay involved even when they must travel for their jobs. Core requirement courses are offered several times during a year to allow students flexibility in scheduling. 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, Wis., or online.

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 complete the program in just under two years taking one course at a time or in one year attending classes two evenings per week.

When do classes start, and how many students are in each class?

Students participate in the program as members of a learning community. A new group begins the MBA program each fall and spring semester (late August and mid-January). With classes averaging about 23 students, you'll enjoy close relationships with faculty, administration, and the other students in the program.

Is Viterbo's MBA program fully accredited?

Yes. Viterbo University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. The MBA program has also received specialized accreditation from the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (acbsp.org). 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, and 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 which are measured through specific assessment techniques to ensure quality and continuous improvement. Outcomes-based accreditation demonstrates that Viterbo's MBA program demands quality that can be measured.

What are the admission requirements and how do I apply to the MBA program?

Visit graduate business admissions requirements for information.

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 engage in lively discussion. To understand how applicants will contribute to and benefit from Viterbo's MBA program, the committee also encourages a personal interview (may be conducted over the phone) with the MBA coordinator or 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. Requirements are met either through courses with broad appeal or with course options that appeal to novice graduate learners or seasoned professionals. Student can tailor their curriculum to match their expertise level in each core subject. 

Can I transfer in previous graduate coursework?

Viterbo's MBA program welcomes applications from students who attend, or have 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 regionally accredited program and utilized to meet the MBA requirements. Credits to be transferred must have been earned within the past 10 years.

What is the GMAT and do I need to take it?

The Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT) is a standardized, computer-adaptive test used by 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 minimum 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale in their undergraduate studies, has extensive work experience, or has successfully completed other graduate coursework.

You can register and schedule test appointments Online at www.mba.com. The test usually takes approximately four hours to complete and consists of 78 questions and two 30-minute analytical writing sections. Visit the following websites 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, we extend an invitation to you to visit Viterbo University and the Dahl School of Business and meet to discuss your personal situation. For more information, contact Tiffany Smith at 608-796-3379 or tlsmith@viterbo.edu.

Where do Viterbo MBA students work?

Viterbo's MBA students come from all walks of life. 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
  • La Crosse County
  • Associated Bank
  • Logistics Health, Inc.
  • CenturyTel
  • Mayo Clinic
  • MCI
  • Fort McCoy
  • State Bank of La Crosse
  • Radisson Hotel
  • Aquinas High School
  • Medtronics
  • BNSF Railway Corp.
  • Apac Customer Services
  • Western Technical College
  • Bakers Life Insurance Co.
  • Advanced Cargo Co.
  • Skipperliner Industries
  • Coulee Bank
  • Steenberg Homes
  • Community Credit Union
  • Altra Credit Union
  • Gundersen-Lutheran
  • Wells Fargo Bank
  • UW-La Crosse
  • St. Jospeh Equipment
  • St. Mary's Press
  • Northen Engraving, Inc.
  • Hartland Concrete Products
  • Allied Insurance Company
  • ORC Industries
  • Great River Steamboat Co.
  • WI Air National Guard
  • Reinhart Food Services
  • Rockwell Collins
  • Shades Body Studio
  • Workforce Connections
  • UBS Financial
  • Lakeview Health Center
  • Brown & Brown Insurance