Social Work

Prepare for a rewarding and dynamic profession ideal for those with a strong desire to help people transform their lives.

40+ Certified agencies for field placement

100% job placement rate

100% Grad school acceptance rate

Earn Your Degree in Social Work

In the social work program at Viterbo University you will develop valuable skills in ethical decision making and gain insights into social justice and issues related to diversity. Our social work degrees also provide practical opportunities for you to gain field experience and earn professional certifications.

Social Work (BA)

Make a meaningful impact in people's lives with our BA in social work, which is nationally accredited, guided by experienced faculty committed to your growth. In small, collaborative classes, you’ll explore the complexities of social work through engaging discussions and hands-on learning. A 450-hour internship in a social service setting gives you the chance to work closely with an experienced instructor, allowing you to apply your knowledge in real-world situations. With this comprehensive experience, you’ll be ready to make a difference and contribute to your community from day one.

Social Work (BS)

In our BS in social work program, faculty with extensive experience as social workers lead small classes and challenging courses focused on valuable hands-on and experiential learning. You will participate in a 30-hour per week, 450-hour internship in a social service setting with a trained social work field instructor. Our social work degree programs are nationally accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.

Family Studies (Minor)

The family studies minor is an interdisciplinary program focusing on human development within the family context. The two primary focuses are:

The nature of family interactions and family issues
Family interactions within broader social institutions

The coursework mainly consists of social work and psychology courses, complemented by options in nursing, philosophy, and criminal justice classes. This minor would be beneficial if you plan to work in health care, social services, counseling, youth services, teaching, ministry, family law, or business.

Gerontology (Minor)

Worldwide, the aging population presents unique challenges and opportunities across all fields, especially nursing and social work. The gerontology minor examines the biological, psychological, and social aspects of aging and includes courses in nursing, sociology, social work, nutrition and dietetics, psychology, religious studies, biology, and philosophy. The minor requires 15 total credits. Transfer courses, waivers and/or substitutions, and prerequisite courses could modify these credit totals.

Advantages for Majors in Social Work Programs at Viterbo

Gain real-world experience. As a social work major, you will participate in service learning by volunteering with local agencies and completing a 450-hour senior practicum with a community organization. This hands-on experience will help you develop skills and strengthen practical social work strategies.
Qualify for the state social work exam. Our social work program has been continuously accredited by the Council on Social Work Education at the bachelor's degree level since 2000. This makes our graduates eligible for the state exam required to practice social work.
Learn from expert faculty. Our social work faculty members bring extensive practice experience into the classroom to help you develop a deep understanding of the field. Faculty members mentor social work majors, providing guidance on a practice area, career path, or graduate school.

What can you do with a degree in social work?

Our social work program graduates who pursue a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree enjoy a 100% acceptance rate into graduate school programs. Our alumni have been accepted to MSW programs at:

Augsburg University
Columbia University
Concordia University-Wisconsin
University of Minnesota
University of St. Thomas
University of Wisconsin-Green Bay
University of Wisconsin-Madison
University of Wisconsin- Milwaukee
Winona State University

Viterbo social work graduates who choose to enter the social work field after graduation have experienced a 100% placement rate. Our graduates have obtained career positions with:

Case management organizations
Elderly and accessibility services
Family and children's services
Human service organizations across the country
Legal services as paralegals or legal assistants
Medical centers, including Gundersen Healthcare and Mayo Health Systems
Non-profits, including Catholic Charities and Lutheran Social Services
Police, correctional, and probation services
Rolling Hills Rehabilitation Center
Victim advocacy services

Related Programs at Viterbo University

Criminal and Community Justice

Social Work Stories

Criminal and Community Justice

Prepare for an impactful career dedicated to fostering safer communities, promoting justice, and addressing societal challenges through ethical leadership and collaboration.

Law Enforcement Academy partnership

100% Job placement rate

100% Grad school acceptance rate

Earn Your Degree in Criminal and Community Justice

In Viterbo's criminal and community justice program, you will develop the knowledge and skills crucial for a career in the criminal justice system. The program emphasizes how community agencies collaborate to ensure community safety, using best practices for offenders and crime victims. It provides an interdisciplinary, evidence-based approach that strongly emphasizes ethical leadership and active engagement with local justice agencies. This prepares you not only with a comprehensive understanding but also a clear career path within the diverse agencies of our justice system.

Community and Criminal Justice Majors
As a community and criminal justice major, you will become immersed in many aspects of the legal system, including corrections, the courts, law enforcement, and victim services. You will gain an understanding of the structure and function of the criminal justice system and develop a strong awareness of social issues, ethics, and the impact of class, race, and gender in the profession.

Explore Viterbo’s Criminal and Community Justice Degrees

Criminal and Community Justice (BA)

Discover open doors to meaningful careers across the legal system, from corrections and the courts to law enforcement and victim advocacy. The Criminal and Community Justice BA program offers a rich, interdisciplinary understanding of criminal justice, deepening your insight into societal challenges, ethical issues, and the powerful roles that class, race, and gender play in the field. Centered on community-based approaches, you’ll explore how collaborative efforts and social change can address the root causes of crime, foster safer communities, and contribute to a more just society.

Criminal and Community Justice (BS)

Explore many aspects of the legal system and careers in corrections, the courts, law enforcement, and victim services in the Criminal and Community Justice BS. You will gain knowledge of the criminal justice system's structure and function and develop awareness of social issues, ethics, and the role of class, race, and gender in their profession. The major focuses on the importance of communities in addressing and finding solutions for delinquent and criminal behavior.

Criminal and Community Justice (Minor)

The Criminal and Community Justice Minor at Viterbo University requires 12 credits of CRMJ. Transfer courses, waivers, and/or substitutions could modify these credit totals.

Advantages for Majors in the Criminal and Community Justice Program at Viterbo

Develop hands-on experience in the field. As a community and criminal justice major, you will complete an internship with a local agency, providing valuable real-world experience and insights into community and criminal justice in practice. Your internship could be completed with organizations such as the police academy, a district attorney’s office, or a probation and parole office.
Learn from community and criminal justice professionals. Your classes will be led by instructors who have worked in the field, bringing extensive practical experience to enhance your learning. You will be mentored and guided by professionals eager to understand your academic and professional goals and help you succeed.
Enjoy individualized student support. Our faculty and staff will work closely with you to determine your areas of interest and provide personalized career advising. You will also have access to the extensive support Viterbo offers all students.

What Can You Do With Your Degree in Criminal and Community Justice?

Graduating with a major in criminal and community justice will prepare you for a professional career in a social science field or graduate school.

Graduates with an undergraduate degree in community and criminal justice can pursue professional career positions such as:

Correctional officer
Cybersecurity professional
Paralegal
Police officer or sheriff’s deputy
Private detective or investigator
Probation and parole officer
Professional security guard

Recent Viterbo graduates have accepted positions as:

Active duty military
Deputy jailer (Monroe County, Wisc.)
Jail and dispatch officer (Houston County, Minn.)
Jail clerk (La Crosse County Sheriff’s Dept.)
Police officer (Campbell, Wisc.; Viroqua, Wisc.; San Diego, Calif.; West Bend, Wisc.; U.S. Dept. of Veterans Affairs)
Probation and parole officer (La Crosse County, Wisc.; Vilas County, Wisc.)
Security officer (Gundersen Healthcare)
Sheriff’s deputy (La Crosse County, Wisc.; Clark County, Wisc.; Pierce County, Wisc.)
Forest Officer (Minnesota Dept. of Natural Resources)

Related Programs at Viterbo University

Social Work

Criminal and Community Justice Stories

Engineering

Become an innovator, researcher, or leader, ready to solve the most pressing challenges facing our world with a degree in engineering.

9% predicted growth in STEM jobs over the next decade

91K median salary for engineers

guaranteed engineering internships

Hands-On, Industry-Connected Engineering Degrees

Reimagine engineering at Viterbo University.

We’re building the next generation of engineers through hands-on, industry-connected, and ABET-accredited programs. This is why 100% of our BS in engineering degree students are employed or pursuing graduate degrees within six months of graduation.

Real-world ready: At Viterbo, we go beyond teaching theory with a curriculum packed with engaging projects designed to prepare you for real-world job challenges.
Industry connections: Our active Engineering Advisory Board is made up of leaders from top companies, eager to hire our interns and graduates.
Hands-on experience: Our state-of-the-art inventor workshop is your playground, where you’ll collaborate with peers, experiment with cutting-edge tools, and bring your ideas to life.
Proven success: Viterbo’s program is accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) , a prestigious recognition that validates our quality and opens doors to even more career opportunities.

Explore Viterbo’s Engineering Degrees

BS in Engineering

We collaborate with industry leaders representing a range of engineering disciplines to ensure our BS in engineering curriculum is relevant to current and future trends. Many BS in engineering students go on to work at the company where they complete their internship, and 100% of our engineering program graduates are employed or in graduate school within six months of graduation.

Engineering Minor

Enhance your problem-solving skills, technical literacy, and career versatility with an engineering minor. Minors generally require 15–25 credits, but transfer courses, waivers, and/or substitutions could modify these totals.

More information on Engineering Engineering Co-op Program

Engineering Program Highlights

At Viterbo, you can participate in internships and/or perform research with faculty members. You will be pushed to think creatively with coursework that emphasizes the problem-solving and critical thinking needed to solve complex problems. Other benefits include:

Innovative classrooms. Classes are held in a cutting-edge innovation lab where you can design, test, and refine solutions to real-world challenges, with access to industry-standard software for simulations, data processing, and analysis.
Passionate faculty. Engineering courses are taught by experts who care about preparing you for a satisfying career. Instructors have extensive teaching experience and fascinating research interests.

What Can You Do With an Engineering Degree?

An engineering degree can lead to a lucrative, in-demand career. O*Net reports an average median salary of $111,970 nationwide ($110,810 in La Crosse) for engineers.

Common careers for those with engineering degrees include:

Mechanical engineer
Industrial engineer
Materials scientist
Project engineer
Sales engineer

Financial Aid for the Engineering Program

We are committed to affordability. Nearly all—98%—of our full-time students receive some financial aid, and engineering program students are eligible for a competitively awarded $2,000 annual scholarship and a $500 scholarship for incoming students who attend our annual Engineering, Math, and Computer Science Exploration Day at the start of the spring semester.

The engineering professors will help you develop professionally while also providing space to find your passion and identity in STEM. You gain unique experiences and a skill set in a multi-disciplined engineering degree.”

—Gregory Cano ’22, Staff Engineer (Civil), Manhard Consulting

Related Programs at Viterbo University

We encourage you to research our other STEM majors.

Our Stories

Master's Degrees in Nutrition and Dietetics

Learn online from a nationally top-ranked, accredited master's program.

Multiple program tracks

Includes clinical/practicum hours

Online program

Transform Lives Through Nutrition With a Dietetics Master's Degree

Dietitians and nutritionists play a crucial role in helping people maintain and improve their health through better dietary choices that can lead to significant improvements in quality of life, disease prevention, and management of chronic conditions.

Due to increasing awareness about the importance of nutrition and the rising prevalence of diet-related diseases, the demand for dietitians and nutritionists is growing.

To join the field and work as a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN), you must have a BS, clinical/practicum hours, and earn a master’s in nutrition or dietetics. To meet the need for RDNs, Viterbo University has been granted approval to offer an online Master of Science in Community Medical Dietetics degree.

Our dietetics master’s program offers three unique options: coordinated program, direct entry, or dietetic intern. Coursework is 100% online, and you can complete your coordinated internship anywhere in the United States.

Master of Science in Community Medical Dietetics - Initial RDN License Prep/Direct Entry

This 63-credit-hour dietetics master’s program combines foundational coursework with the dietetic coordinated internship necessary to become a registered dietitian. You will obtain advanced nutrition skills through graduate coursework with an emphasis in your area of interest. This dietetics program track includes clinical/practicum hours, providing you with all experiences needed to take the registration exam to become a registered dietitian.

To apply for the direct entry dietetics master’s program, you must complete the following pre-enrollment courses with a grade of C or better and send your official transcript to Viterbo. Courses include:

Anatomy and Physiology I with Lab
Anatomy and Physiology II with Lab
Biochemistry
General Chemistry or Chemistry for Health Sciences
Microbiology with Lab
Organic Chemistry

Master of Science in Community Medical Dietetics - Dual Master’s with Dietetic Internship

If you have already graduated from a didactic nutrition program, you are eligible for our dual dietetics master’s with a dietetic internship. You will further your nutritional knowledge and skills through the internship and graduate-level coursework.

You can choose from numerous electives to design your graduate dietetics program around your area of interest. You can also opt for either:

A 48-credit hour non-thesis clinical focus that provides intensive clinical/practicum hours if you want additional patient care experience, or
A 39-credit hour thesis track that meets accreditation requirements for clinical/practicum hours while providing you with experience working one-on-one with a research advisor to conduct your own research.

If you have already graduated from a didactic dietetics program, you can also opt to apply for the dietetic internship program.

Master of Science in Community Medical Dietetics - RDNs

Our 30-credit hour dietetics master’s program is designed for current RDNs who want to advance their expertise and scope of practice.

This evidence-based program equips you with the advanced skills, knowledge, and behaviors to grow within the field. Emphasis is on disease prevention and management, and you can choose electives that accentuate your current work.

The variety of electives and subsequent research project offer you the flexibility to enhance your current practice or develop expertise in a specific area of personal interest.

Dietetic Internship

If you have earned your bachelor’s degree and completed the knowledge requirements of a DPD program—as defined by the 2017 Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics’ Standards of Education—our dietetic program internship will help you complete your education requirements to become an RDN.

Dietetics Master’s Program Highlights

If you want to work as an RDN, you must earn a master’s in nutrition or dietetics. Our dietetics programs are accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) and provide the coursework and internship experiences you need to succeed in the field.

Specific benefits of our dietetics programs include:

Experienced faculty. Our faculty members bring a wealth of diverse expertise, having conducted research in areas such as cancer, maternal nutrition, community nutrition, food science, food service, obesity, inflammation, sports nutrition, neurodegenerative disorders, and beyond.
Time commitment. Our unique dietetics programs require less time to complete than other programs, which makes Viterbo more affordable in the long run.
Convenience. Not only is coursework offered 100% online, but you can also complete your dietetics master’s clinical hours anywhere in the country. We will assist you in securing your clinical placements, so you won’t have to search for a site on your own. Some of our sites offer opportunities to work with NCAA Division I or professional sports teams, such as the Minnesota Vikings. You could even complete your 1,000 hours of clinical/practium in Spain or Denmark.
Personalized attention. With courses capped at just 26 students, you will receive personalized attention from your faculty members. You will also be paired with a dedicated academic and research advisor to help you achieve your career goals.
Connection. Our Student Dietetics Association provides opportunities to network, volunteer, and raise funds for study materials for the RD exam or travel to nutrition conferences.

What Can You Do With a Master’s in Nutrition or Dietetics?

Now is an excellent time to graduate as an RDN. There is a multitude of positions available and a shortage of dietitians to fill them.

You will be qualified for a variety of career paths, including:

Clinical dietetics
Community nutrition
Food service management
Private practice
Research
Sports nutrition

This diversity allows you to find niches that perfectly align with your interests and skills.

Examples of Dietetics Master’s Program Courses

In our graduate dietetics programs, you can choose electives based on your professional and personal goals. We offer emphases in sports nutrition, medical nutrition therapy, and community medical dietetics. Other electives include:

Advanced Sports Nutrition
Nutrigenomics
Nutrition and Cancer
Nutrition and Inflammation
Nutrition Entrepreneurs: How To Build a Private Practice
Systems Approach to Obesity Management

You can also choose electives from the nutrition department, mental health counseling, health care management, or the MBA program.

We also offer the Sports Nutrition and the Mediterranean Diet elective, in which you can complete a portion of your clinical hours counseling professional athletes in Spain.

If you choose the thesis option for your dietetics master’s, you will complete two research courses under the advisement of an expert in your choice of research area.

Related Programs at Viterbo University

Not sure a dietetics master’s program is right for you? Consider these related programs.

Our Stories

Master of Arts in Education

Transform your impact as an educator with a master’s program designed just for you.

Programs offered online and in various locations

Maximize your time and money

Couple with a licensure or certificate

Positively Shape Education With an MA from Viterbo University

Created with the working teacher in mind, Viterbo University’s Master of Arts in Education motivates and inspires Wisconsin educators to be transformative agents in today’s educational arena.

Our Master of Arts in Education online core coursework intertwines concepts of servant leadership, social justice, and educational equity, enhancing your ability to interact with increasingly diverse populations and changing societal demands. You will develop an understanding of cutting-edge online instructional techniques and assessment while exploring the critical evaluation of new media literacies.

Our master’s degree also allows you to create your own emphasis or couple with a licensure or certificate to maximize your time and money.

How many credits is our master’s in education?

You will take a minimum of 30 credit hours, consisting of 12–15 core and required credit hours based on your emphasis area. Core courses are offered online, and your final course is a four-day, on-campus seminar culminating with commencement.

Master of Arts in Education Generalist

The Master of Arts in Education Generalist degree is designed for educators who aspire to work at the forefront of change and reform in education. Coursework will challenge educators to explore the changing role of the teacher in an educational context. Academic study is flexible and educators will have considerable choice in selecting courses that will meet their individual need and interest.

How many credits is a master's in education generalist program?

15 credits of MA core coursework (6 courses)
15 credits of elective courses taken from educational leadership, reading teacher, cross-categorical special education, or innovative teacher leadership

Master of Arts in Education Principal Licensure (WI 5051)

Our principal licensure program prepares educators to become school leaders at the dean, assistant, or principal level.

How many credits is a master’s in education principal licensure program?

If you choose this area of emphasis, you will take 36 credit hours (13 courses). Coursework includes:

12 credits of MA in Education online core coursework (5 courses)
21 credits of educational leadership core coursework (7 courses)
3 credits of required principal coursework (1 course)

To add a director of instruction (WI 5010) license, you will take an additional 6 credit hours.

Master of Arts in Education Director of Instruction (WI 5010)

Our director of instruction licensure program provides school administrators with focused instruction and preparation in curriculum and instruction.

How many credits is a master’s in education director of instruction program?

This master’s degree includes 39 credit hours (14 courses), which include:

12 credits of Master of Arts in Education online core coursework (5 courses)
21 credits of educational leadership core coursework (7 courses)
6 credits of required director of instruction coursework (2 courses)

If you want to add principal licensure (WI 5051), you will take an additional 3 credit hours.

Master of Arts in Education Director of Special Education and Pupil Services (WI 5080)

Our director of special education and pupil services licensure program offers school administrators focused instruction in special education and pupil services at the district and state levels.

How many credits is a master’s in education director of special education and pupil services program?

A specialization in special education and pupil services requires 45 credit hours (16 courses) divided among:

12 credits of MA in Education online core coursework (5 courses)
21 credits of educational leadership core coursework (7 courses)
12 credits of required director of special education and pupil services coursework (4 courses)

To add principal licensure, you will take an additional 3 credit hours.

Master of Arts in Education Online Innovative Teacher Leadership and Instructional Coaching Certificate (Non-licensure)

Our online Master of Arts in Education Innovative Teacher Leadership and Instructional Coaching program reinforces interpersonal relationships among educators and builds their capacity to improve universal classroom instruction strategically and purposefully. This program does not lead to licensure.

How many credits is a master’s in education innovative teacher leadership and instructional coaching certificate?

This MA in Education online emphasis requires 31 credit hours (12 courses) that include:

15 credits of core coursework (6 courses)
10 credits of coursework specific to the Innovative Teacher Leadership certificate (4 courses)
6 credits of approved elective credits (2 courses; some offerings may be on campus)

Master of Arts in Education Reading Specialist (WI 5017)

Our reading specialist program prepares educators to lead and supervise district-wide reading initiatives. You will increase your knowledge of assessment tools and diagnostic practices to plan and develop reading programs that improve student learning and achievement. This program refines instructional coaching and leadership through a district focus.” This program refines instructional coaching and leadership through a district focus. All courses are offered online, but your final course is a four-day, on-campus seminar culminating with commencement.

How many credits is a master’s in education reading specialist program?

The reading specialist MA in Education online program includes 31 credit hours (11 courses):

15 credits of core coursework (6 courses)
10 credits of coursework specific to the Reading Specialist 5017 license (3 courses)
6 credits of approved elective credits (2 courses)

Master of Arts in Education Reading Teacher (WI 1316)

Our reading teacher emphasis is designed for practicing educators who wish to increase their instructional skills and expand their knowledge and expertise in literacy and reading. Coursework prepares you to utilize research-based practices to assess, diagnose, and support struggling readers. All courses are offered online, but your final course is a four-day, on-campus seminar culminating with commencement.

How many credits is a master’s in education reading teacher program?

The Master of Arts in Education Online Reading Teacher program is made up of 30 credit hours (10 courses), including:

15 credits of MA core coursework (5 courses)
15 credits of coursework specific to the Reading Teacher 1316 license (5 courses)

Master of Arts in Education Cross-Categorical Special Education (WI 2801)

Our cross-categorical special education emphasis brings together educators from across the state to learn best practices in the field of special education. Our classes view individuals with disabilities from a strengths-based model and help you work toward the successful inclusion of individuals with disabilities. All courses are offered online, but your final course is a four-day, on-campus seminar culminating with commencement.

How many credits is a master’s in education cross-categorical special education program?

When chosen as your area of emphasis, your MA in education online degree will be 34-37 credit hours (13 courses) and include:

15 credits of core coursework (6 courses)
19-21 credits of coursework specific to the cross-categorical special education (7 courses)

Master of Arts in Education Program Highlights

No matter the emphasis you choose, our Master of Arts in Education provides courses that are practical, relevant, and dynamic. You will gain a strong repertoire of strategies and methods to empower students to learn deeply.

Specific benefits of our programs include:

Relevant. We regularly evaluate our curriculum to remain current on educational changes and needs.
Convenient. Courses are offered in a variety of modalities, depending on your area of focus. These include online, face-to-face, hybrid, and asynchronous.

To apply, you must hold a teaching or administrator license.

Related Programs at Viterbo University

Our Stories

Master of Arts in Servant Leadership

Promoting the philosophy that leadership development is an ongoing process that should focus on the needs of others.

Offered through in-person weekend classes

Courses available in 8-week accelerated formats

Earn your degree part-time in a little over two years

Lead With Purpose By Earning Your MA in Servant Leadership

Viterbo University’s Master of Arts (MA) in Servant Leadership is the only graduate program in the country focused solely on servant leadership—a philosophy that prioritizes the needs of employees over those of a leader or organization.

Our program molds you into a servant leader ready to be a force of change in any industry. You will begin to view organizational success—and the path to achieving it—through a different lens. Imagine being the leader responsible for taking your company and its people to the next level of success. Viterbo’s MA in Servant Leadership can get you there.

The leadership philosophy and the principles we are launching from at Emplify Health are in alignment with those servant leadership principles that Viterbo highly regards.”

—Lindsey Preston, BSN ’13, MASL,’16

Program Highlights for the MA in Servant Leadership

Earning your MA in Servant Leadership from Viterbo offers you several advantages, including:

Earn your master’s degree in just two years of part-time study. The program is offered through a cohort model that includes weekend sessions (weekend intensives) in eight-week courses. Some coursework can be completed online for additional convenience. Our program allows you to continue working full-time while earning your master’s degree.
Network with program alumni and career professionals. Our MA in Servant Leadership program allows you to network with alumni and develop real-world servant leader skills by volunteering, tutoring, or taking advantage of other service-learning opportunities.
Learn from experienced leadership faculty. Your courses will be taught by passionate faculty members with servant leader skills and experience in providing servant leadership training. Students collaborate with faculty on community action research and other areas of scholarship. Our faculty members act as mentors, offering professional leadership insights and career guidance.

What Will You Do With Your Viterbo MA in Servant Leadership?

Graduates of our MA in Servant Leadership program are leaders at Mayo Clinic Health System, Emplify Health, and several other organizations in the region and across the country. Among our program graduates, 95% report receiving a promotion or a new job after earning their degree.

Some of our graduates have pursued doctoral programs like Viterbo’s EdD in Ethical Leadership. This program is excellent for MASL graduates who wish to advance their professional careers, including teaching.

Going to Viterbo has been a dream come true. I found each class was so interactive with ideas, experiences, and learning.”

—Valerie Savage, MASL ’22

Courses in Viterbo’s MASL Program

Your coursework will help develop your servant leader skills and give you practical knowledge of strategies and tactics for achieving success. You’ll gain hands-on servant leadership training and build your understanding of how to implement servant leadership into your leadership and management style.

Core and elective courses include:

Building Community
Ethical Decision Making for the Common Good
Servant Leadership Theory and Practice
Interpersonal and Organizational Excellence
Prophetic Leadership
Ritual and Celebration
Stewardship
Theological Inquiry in Servant Leadership

Related Programs

Not the right program for you? Viterbo also offers:

Our Stories

MBA – Master of Business Administration

Become part of an influential network of informed, ethical, and effective leaders committed to making a positive impact.

18–24 months to earn your MBA

Three MBA degree options

Two professional graduate certificates

Earn Your Master of Business Administration Degree and Boost Your Career

Viterbo University’s data-driven Master of Business Administration programs prepare you to lead organizations through essential areas of business functions while managing diverse teams.

Our MBA degree program is designed for both experienced and early career business professionals. MBA courses focus heavily on management, data analytics, and strategic sustainable practices.

As an MBA degree program student, you will develop the knowledge and skills necessary to sit for leader-relevant certification exams, including:

Six Sigma White Belt
Project Management Professional Exam
Certified Public Accountant (CPA) Exam (when paired with Viterbo’s bachelor’s degree in accounting)

You will also receive an education in content areas relevant to the CFA Level 1 exam and others.

Our in-person and online MBA program is fully accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs.

Boldly Shaping Business Leaders

MBA Program Highlights and Advantages

Our MBA offers you several advantages, including:

Flexible options. Complete your MBA coursework full time or part time, online or on campus. Learn around your schedule with eight-week course intensives. Virtual options are available for some courses.
Expert faculty. Your MBA courses are led by faculty who know your name and who are innovative, driven, and connected to the community. They bring their extensive industry experience and insights to the classroom.
Strong student support. Our MBA students receive personal career advising, tutoring, and more to focus on your college and career success.
Extensive networking opportunities. When you join the Viterbo community, we plug you into a network of relationships that foster success. You will also have access to our vast alumni network, including alumni networking nights.
Turning ideas into action. Enjoy opportunities you won’t find at larger universities. Lead research projects. Gain hands-on experience with community partners. Even engage in a quality improvement project with a local business.

Enroll now—begin in January, May, June, or August. There are no prerequisites.

Our 33-credit MBA degree program can be completed in as little as 12 months. If part time better fits your needs, you can complete your MBA in as little as 24 months by attending one class per week.

What Can You Do With Your MBA?

Our MBAs are well prepared to obtain leadership positions with small or large companies, as well as positions in organizations ranging from startups to government agencies.

Examples of career paths for MBA degree graduates include:

financial manager
information technology manager
management consultant
medical or health services manager
operations research analyst
marketing manager
personal financial advisor

Examples of MBA Courses

Our MBA courses are informed by an advisory board to ensure you receive an education on the most up-to-date topics in business. You will complete introductory and advanced-level courses in:

organizational leadership
project management
global finance
business intelligence
digital marketing
business law

View full MBA course descriptions in our graduate catalog.

Related Programs

Not the right programs for you? Viterbo also offers:

MBA Stories

Doctor of Education in Ethical Leadership (EdD)

Prepare to lead your organization or school district into the 21st century with our post-master’s EdD program in ethical leadership.

What is Ethical Leadership?

Ethical leadership entails modeling integrity, fairness, justice, and a strong sense of moral responsibility. It means making decisions that prioritize values, transparency, and accountability while fostering a community culture of trust and respect. Ethical leaders inspire teams by aligning personal and organizational values, encouraging ethical behavior, and promoting long-term success through responsible actions.

The Ethical Leadership EdD Tracks at Viterbo

Built upon Viterbo’s rich tradition of servant leadership, our doctorate in ethical leadership is a transformative program designed to develop next-level leaders who can meet the demands of 21st-century organizations.

The EdD program will advance your skills in:

Change Management
Collaboration
Decision making

You will explore what it means to be a leader, not just a manager, and steer ever-evolving multidimensional organizations. Through writing, research, and projects, you can use the expertise you’re gaining in the classroom to support the needs of your current organization or community.

Ethical Leadership EdD Program

Explore leadership and ethical decision-making philosophies to foster a diverse, equitable, and inclusive organization. The EdD in Ethical Leadership is a full-year program with online (synchronous and asynchronous) courses during the summer, fall, and spring semesters. Two brief (less than a week) summer residencies in La Crosse are required in the first and second years.

Credit hours: 48
Location: La Crosse, Wis. and online

Ethical Leadership EdD Program With Superintendent License

The superintendent track of the EdD in ethical leadership prepares current and future administrators to integrate ethical leadership in PK–12 education in Wisconsin. Graduates of this track will receive their EdD in Ethical Leadership and the Wisconsin (WI 5003) Superintendent licensure. This is a year-round program. Ethical leadership coursework is held online (synchronous and asynchronous) during the summer, fall, and spring semesters, with one brief La Crosse residency in the second summer. Superintendent coursework is completed on-site during weekends in the fall and spring and potentially during the week in the summer.

Candidates must possess a principal licensure for admission, and the superintendent track is designed for those already in K–12 educational leadership positions.

Credit hours: 51
Location: LaCrosse, WI and online

Ethical Leadership EdD Program Highlights

The interdisciplinary EdD program is designed for working professionals in any field who want to further their knowledge, skills, and leadership practice in a complex, ever-changing, and diverse world.

Flexible Program Options. Our EdD program can be completed full- or part-time.
Engaging with Diverse Peers. Your classmates will come from many work experiences—business, education at all levels, health care, and nonprofits—so you will learn from each other as well as through coursework based on current research in a variety of disciplines.
Expert Faculty with Real-World Insights. Our faculty come from a wide variety of backgrounds and experiences, from education to nonprofits. Many instructors currently work in leadership roles, and the program director brings specialized qualitative research experience in informal and formal learning environments and participatory research.
Comprehensive Dissertation Support. You will receive faculty support on your dissertation throughout the program. Research coursework scaffolds the dissertation process, meaning you can start working on your dissertation early in the EdD program as soon as you know what topic you want to explore.

What Can You Do With an Ethical Leadership EdD?

Learning what ethical leadership entails increases your value as a leader regardless of your career path. Various fields increasingly seek individuals with doctorates who can gather and analyze data and share results for organizational improvement, skills you will gain in the EdD.

Graduates of the general EdD program work as diversity officers, senior management, and change-makers within their organizations. The superintendent license track confers the Wisconsin (WI 5003) Superintendent licensure.

[The EdD program] is a blend of what Viterbo is really great at, the servant leadership component, which is so important in leadership, and then combine it with the great things about education. It’s the perfect blending for me."

—Jennifer Krug Melville, EdD with Superintendent licensure

Examples of Ethical Leadership Courses

Our coursework blends theory and practice, allowing you to reflect on your own leadership practices. You can immediately apply what you’re learning to your current organization and become a knowledge producer through your dissertation research.

EdD online courses include:

Unique offerings like Social Science Research for Leaders and a Philosophy and Leadership seminar
Value-based courses like Values in Leadership

Both the general and superintendent track include practicums. Those in the general track investigate a problem in their work environment through the lens of ethical leadership, and superintendent track students work to implement ethical leadership in education.

Related Programs at Viterbo University

The EdD program requires a master’s degree. Consider these other programs if you do not yet have an advanced degree.

Doctorate in Counselor Education and Supervision (EdD)

Earn your Doctor of Education degree to enhance your professional career in counseling, education, and supervision.

CACREP accredited

Can be completed in as few as three years (accelerated track)

Requires 60-credit master’s degree for entry

Advance Your Professional Career With Your EdD in Counselor Education and Supervision

Viterbo University’s Doctorate in Counselor Education and Supervision (EdD) prepares graduates for professional careers as counselors, educators, supervisors, and program leaders. With an integrative behavioral health care focus, our program helps meet the growing need for highly qualified counselor leaders—advanced counseling practitioners, educators, and supervisors.

Our doctoral program in counselor education and supervision features active learning through service delivery, a strong research focus, and a multicultural emphasis. Our graduates enjoy a 100% licensure rate and a 100% job placement rate within six months.

Program accreditation
Viterbo’s Educational Doctorate in Counselor Education and Supervision is accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP).

As a Viterbo University degree program, our doctoral program in counselor education and supervision is also accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Doctorate in Counselor Education and Supervision Program Highlights

Earning your EdD in Counselor Education and Supervision through Viterbo’s doctoral program in counselor education and supervision offers you many advantages, including:

Customize your program with flexible options. You can earn your EdD in 12 semesters by taking six credits per semester. An accelerated track is also available to qualified students and can be completed in three years by taking nine credits per semester.
Designed to fit your busy schedule. You can earn your EdD while you continue to work and meet family and other obligations. Our hybrid program features weekly classes held online, weekend intensives on campus, and practicum and internship courses delivered via a combination of in-person and online formats.
Learn from and collaborate with experienced faculty. Our program’s current full-time faculty members are Licensed Professional Counselors in Wisconsin with extensive clinical experience. Some faculty members are also Registered Play Therapists. As a student in our doctoral program in counselor education and supervision, you will benefit from valuable opportunities to co-teach and conduct research with faculty.
Gain real-world experience through multiple internships. CACREP requires all doctoral students to complete a minimum of three internships in one of five areas: 1) counseling, 2) teaching, 3) supervision, 4) research, and 5) leadership/advocacy. You will collaborate with your faculty advisors to select internship opportunities that allow you to engage in new specialty areas or delve into a current area of interest.
Develop practical professional skills and expertise. Nearly every course offers learning opportunities directly applicable to the field. Our research-based courses (COUN 710 and COUN 712) require you to design a research study, apply for Institutional Review Board approval, and collect, analyze, and share your findings. You’ll also receive essential training through our counseling labs and Play Therapy training space.

What Will You Do With Your Doctorate in Counselor Education and Supervision?

Many of our graduates pursue full-time faculty and adjunct positions at graduate schools. Some pursue careers as advanced practitioners, educators, supervisors, and program leaders.

Our doctoral program in counselor education and supervision prepares you for personal, professional, and career success. Graduates enjoy a 100% licensure rate and a 100% job placement rate within six months.

View Full Course Descriptions

Related Programs

Not the right program for you? Viterbo also offers:

Education Majors and Programs (undergraduate)

Choose the teaching major or minor that will ignite your passion to become an exceptional educator and ethical leader.

Real-world classroom field experience starting freshman year

pass rate on teacher performance assessment

State-approved Educator Preparation Program

Become an Outstanding Educator by Majoring in Education at Viterbo

Think about your favorite teacher. What made them exceptional? What connected you so strongly? Could you be that teacher for your students?

Whether you choose a major in teaching or education at Viterbo, you’ll be prepared to inspire students both inside and outside the classroom, helping them develop critical thinking, creativity, and a lifelong love of learning.

Our teaching major programs have built strong, collaborative partnerships with area schools. Beginning in your freshman year, you’ll gain real-world classroom field experience in local schools.

A Viterbo major in teaching will provide you with extensive training in the theory and practice of being an effective teacher. You’ll also develop knowledge and expertise in your content area, such as art, business, or science. Our graduates have exceptional job placement rates.

Explore Viterbo’s Education Majors and Programs

Advantages for Education Majors at Viterbo

Majoring in education provides many benefits and advantages, including:

Gain real-world classroom experience early. As a teaching major, you will gain hands-on experience in a local area classroom in your freshman year. Even before you begin your student teaching, you will have accumulated over 100 hours of field experience.
Earn your teaching degree from a state-approved program. Our education major offerings qualify as Educator Preparation Programs approved by the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction. Successful completion of our major in teaching can lead to licensure at Wisconsin colleges and universities, cooperative educational service agencies, school districts, and private companies.
Learn from experienced teachers and faculty. Experienced classroom teachers share their firsthand knowledge and expertise on effective teaching tools and strategies. Faculty are dedicated to helping you become an exceptional educator.

What Can You Do With Your Viterbo Teaching Degree?

Many Viterbo teaching graduates obtain career educator positions such as:

Curriculum specialist
Educational policy specialist
Elementary, middle school, or high school teacher
Literacy specialist
School administrator
Special education leader
Other child-focused positions

In addition to exploring these and other career paths, you can enroll in graduate and certificate programs to pursue additional licensures.

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