STEM and Pre-health Programs at Viterbo University

Preparing students—with close advising and mentorship—for a diversity of health-related careers.

Internships and research opportunities

95% acceptance rate into health care professional programs.

Faculty-led pre-health committee

Prepare for Today’s Cross-Disciplinary STEM and Health-Related Careers

Viterbo University’s STEM and pre-health programs address the growing demand for professionals with interdisciplinary skills. Engineers, scientists, and those working in health-related careers must solve problems and work on projects that require a combination of expertise from across fields. We collaborate with advisory boards, health care providers, and alumni to ensure our pre-health and STEM programs are relevant for today’s jobs.
Our science-related majors enjoy a 95+% acceptance rate into professional schools and graduate programs. Engineering degree students are guaranteed an engineering internship, and 100% of our engineering graduates are employed or in graduate school within six months of graduating.

You can take pre-health and STEM classes in the format that best serves you and your goals. We offer full- and part-time programs on campus and online.

STEM and Pre-health Degree Highlights

Our STEM and pre-health programs empower you to harness the strengths of both fields and chart diverse, dynamic career paths across industries. Our cutting-edge facilities—meeting spaces, classrooms, laboratories, and research hubs—are designed to foster collaboration and innovation. With faculty offices conveniently located throughout the Reinhart Center, you’ll enjoy easy access to expert guidance and build strong connections with your professors. Other benefits include:

Supportive community. Our STEM and pre-health programs foster a closely connected community of students, faculty, and professional staff to learn, work, and conduct research across disciplines. You will receive personal career advising, tutoring, and more to help you succeed in college and beyond. Our close-knit campus also allows you to get involved in athletics, the arts, and organizations like the STEM Club.
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 community through events like our networking nights.
Collaborative faculty. Whether you are taking STEM or pre-health courses, you will learn from experts who cooperatively teach with other faculty to ensure you receive the best possible education. Our instructors provide a multidisciplinary education to prepare you for real-world challenges and opportunities.
HAWK WORKS (Holistic Alliances Whose Knowledge Will Offer Resources for Kickstarting Success). Strengthen your communication and teamwork skills by working with individuals from diverse technical backgrounds. HAWK WORKS brings together students and faculty from disciplines across campus to identify areas needing innovation, design, and constructive solutions and prepares you to excel in an increasingly specialized world.
State-of-the-art facilities and an ideal campus location. Our STEM and pre-health students enjoy access to dedicated research labs, an Anatomage virtual dissection table, 20 state-of-the-art teaching laboratories with 60 chemical and biosafety hoods, a clone manager software program, an engineering lab, and more. Our campus is located near bluffs overlooking the Mississippi River, allowing you to use these natural features for class lessons, laboratory projects, and research.
Undergraduate research. Gain hands-on experience and a deeper understanding of your chosen by conducting undergraduate research with faculty mentors. This practical experience is highly valued by employers and graduate programs alike.

What Can You Do With a Pre-health or STEM Degree?

Pre-health and STEM degrees prepare you for a broad range of career opportunities in diverse industries, such as:

Data science and analytics
Education
Engineering and technology
Government and private sector research
Health-related careers

Because our programs are cross-disciplinary, you will develop diverse skills that will make you even more marketable.

The STEM and pre-health programs also get you ready for graduate school. For example, while completing your undergraduate pre-health degree, you could be accepted into select professional and graduate schools through our articulation agreements. These Early Acceptance Programs (EAPs) include pathways to:

Chiropractic
Dentistry
Osteopathic medicine
Pharmacy

Our faculty support you throughout the professional program entrance process to help you reach your goals. Our graduates have a 95%+ acceptance rate into health-related professional schools and graduate programs (compared to a national student acceptance rate of 40–60%).

Financial Aid for Pre-health and STEM Programs

In addition to Viterbo’s efforts to keep our tuition affordable through financial aid opportunities, STEM and pre-health students are eligible for several scholarships, including:

Health Science Scholarship
Xcel Energy Scholarship for Women in Science
A $2,000 per year scholarship for engineering majors
A $500 scholarship for incoming students who attend our annual Engineering, Math, and Computer Science Exploration Day at the start of the spring semester
Six named annual scholarships awarded to current natural science students. 2023–24 scholarships totaled $19,100

Explore Viterbo's STEM and Pre-health Programs

Four-year BS STEM Degree Programs

STEM Minors

Pre-health Programs

Other Programs

Our Stories

Neuroscience

Discover the intricate relationships between the brain and behavior with Viterbo's undergraduate degree in neuroscience.

Placement rate

Local medical centers and mental health institution internships

Guaranteed research opportunities with faculty mentors

Earn Your Degree in Neuroscience at Viterbo

In Viterbo’s neuroscience program, you will develop the knowledge and skills essential for systematically evaluating the intricate relationships between the brain and human/animal behavior. You will learn foundational and cutting-edge theories, putting your scientific reasoning to the test through hands-on laboratory experiences and engaging in independent research projects. Upon graduation, you can pursue professional degrees in health-related fields, advance your studies in neuroscience or related disciplines, and launch fulfilling careers in mental health services or biomedical research.

Explore Viterbo’s Neuroscience Program

Neuroscience (BS)

Systematically evaluate relationships between the brain and human/animal behavior with a Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience. You will learn and test foundational and contemporary theories through scientific reasoning, laboratory experiences, and independent research. Upon completion, you can pursue professional degrees in health-related fields, advanced degrees in neuroscience or related disciplines, and entry-level careers in mental health services or biomedical research.

Neuroscience (Minor)

The neuroscience minor requirements total 14 credits. Transfer courses, waivers and/or substitutions, and prerequisite courses could modify these credit totals.

Neuroscience Degree Program Highlights and Advantages

Choose Viterbo’s neuroscience major and minor and benefit from:

Strong focus on grad school preparation. Prepare for graduate studies by taking advantage of our professional school prep courses for exams such as the MCAT, DAT, OAT, GRE, and others. We maintain articulation agreements with professional programs, some of which offer 3+1 programs and early acceptance to their programs.
Ideal location for the study of life sciences. Majors in biology and other life sciences benefit from our La Crosse, Wisc. location. Connect with major hospitals (Gundersen and Mayo) for internships, job shadowing, employment, or other opportunities. Intern with organizations such as the U.S. Geological Survey, Mississippi Valley Conservancy, and Genoa National Fish Hatchery. Study the Mississippi River region, including class trips to Mississippi flowage areas.
World-class scientists on campus. Hear from and engage with renowned expert speakers through our two large symposia—one focused on undergraduate research (Seven Rivers Undergraduate Research Symposium) and another on scientific issues that are particularly important to society (Agnes W. H. Tan Science Symposium).
Career-focused pre-health advising. Meet regularly with a dedicated pre-health faculty mentor about program progression, course selection, internship possibilities, research opportunities, career paths, and more. Advisors receive training through the National Association for Advisors of Health Professionals.
Scholarships for life science majors. Our competitive Health Science Scholarship provides one student each year with a full-time tuition award and additional scholarships ranging from $4,000 to $12,000. Departmental scholarships are also available for biology majors and other life sciences fields.
Learning and mentoring from expert faculty. Your study of life sciences will be led by faculty who know your name, have an open-door policy, and focus on your personal and professional development. Collaborate with faculty members whose research interests include:
- Active learning approaches in organic chemistry
- Alzheimer’s
- Antibiotics
- Autoimmune diseases and regulation of immune responses
- Beneficial microbes for human medicine
- Drug quantification in wastewater
- Gene regulation in prokaryotes
- Invertebrate diversity in local ecosystems
- Impact of environment on neural development

What Can You Do With Your Degree?

Biology, biochemistry, and neuroscience degree graduates at Viterbo enjoy a 94% acceptance rate into health-related professional schools and a 90% acceptance rate into other graduate programs (compared to a national acceptance rate of 40–60%).

Our science majors have been accepted into professional schools and programs at:

Arkansas College of Health Education
Carroll University
Case Western
Concordia University
Creighton
Illinois College of Optometry
Kansas University
LECOM
Marquette
Mayo Rochester
Medical College of Wisconsin
Michigan College of Optometry
Rosalind Franklin
St. George’s
Union College Nebraska
University of Colorado
University of Iowa
University of Minnesota
University of Minnesota-Duluth
University of South Dakota
University of Virginia
UNLV
UW-La Crosse
UW-Madison
UW-Milwaukee
UW-Stout

Many of our science degree graduates are recruited by employers in areas related to life sciences. Alumni have gone on to work for businesses and organizations such as:

Area school districts
Crossing Rivers Healthcare
Gundersen Health
Marshfield Clinic
Mayo Clinic (La Crosse and Rochester)
Medical College of Wisconsin
Prairie Moon Nursery
Prevention Genetics
Quest Diagnostics
ThermoFisher
US Fish and Wildlife
US Geologic Survey
University of Michigan Health
Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources

Common Careers for Neuroscience Degree Majors

Clinical psychologist
Mental health counselor
Neuropsychologist
Neuroscientist
Biomedical research technician
Physician/physician assistant

Related Programs

Not the right program for you? Viterbo also offers programs in:

Neuroscience Stories

Biochemistry

Explore our undergraduate program in biochemistry, designed to equip students with a strong foundation in molecular biology, chemistry, and laboratory techniques.

Nationwide employment growth

94% Acceptance rate into professional schools and graduate programs

Paid research opportunities with faculty mentors

Investigate Life at the Cellular and Molecular Level with Viterbo’s Accredited Biochemistry Program

In Viterbo’s biochemistry program, you will embark on an interdisciplinary journey blending biology and chemistry. Through in-depth investigations, you’ll uncover the intricate mechanisms that sustain life at both the cellular and molecular levels. Our courses and labs foster the critical thinking, independence, and creativity needed for a successful career. Our program, accredited by the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (ASBMB), equips you for a rewarding future of scientific exploration and discovery, whether you enter a professional position, aspire to pursue graduate studies, or plan to attend medical school.

Explore Viterbo's Biochemistry Degrees

Biochemistry (BS)

Biochemistry is an interdisciplinary major that blends biology and chemistry, investigating how life connects at the cellular and molecular levels. Our curriculum requires you to think critically, independently, and creatively. You will be prepared for an outstanding career or study in graduate, professional, or medical school through our courses and labs.

Chemistry (Minor)

A chemistry minor generally requires between 15–25 credits upon completion. Transfer courses, waivers, and/or substitutions could modify these credit totals.

Biochemistry Program Highlights and Advantages

Choose Viterbo’s biochemistry major and minor and benefit from:

Strong focus on grad school preparation. Prepare for graduate studies by taking advantage of our professional school prep courses for exams such as the MCAT, DAT, OAT, GRE, and others. We maintain articulation agreements with professional programs, some of which offer 3+1 programs and early acceptance to their programs.
Ideal location for the study of life sciences. Majors in biology and other life sciences benefit from our La Crosse, Wisc. location. Connect with major hospitals (Gundersen and Mayo) for internships, job shadowing, employment, or other opportunities. Intern with organizations such as the U.S. Geological Survey, Mississippi Valley Conservancy, and Genoa National Fish Hatchery. Study the Mississippi River region, including class trips to Mississippi flowage areas.
World-class scientists on campus. Hear from and engage with renowned expert speakers through our two large symposia—one focused on undergraduate research (Seven Rivers Undergraduate Research Symposium) and another on scientific issues that are particularly important to society (Agnes W. H. Tan Science Symposium).
Career-focused pre-health advising. Meet regularly with a dedicated pre-health faculty mentor about program progression, course selection, internship possibilities, research opportunities, career paths, and more. Advisors receive training through the National Association for Advisors of Health Professionals.
Scholarships for life science majors. Our competitive Health Science Scholarship provides one student each year with a full-time tuition award and additional scholarships ranging from $4,000 to $12,000. Departmental scholarships are also available for biology majors and other life sciences fields.
Learning and mentoring from expert faculty. Your study of life sciences will be led by faculty who know your name, have an open-door policy, and focus on your personal and professional development. Collaborate with faculty members whose research interests include:
- Active learning approaches in organic chemistry
- Alzheimer’s
- Antibiotics
- Autoimmune diseases and regulation of immune responses
- Beneficial microbes for human medicine
- Drug quantification in wastewater
- Gene regulation in prokaryotes
- Invertebrate diversity in local ecosystems
- Impact of environment on neural development

What Can You Do with Your Biochemistry Degree?

Our science majors have been accepted into professional schools and programs at:

Arkansas College of Health Education
Carroll University
Case Western
Concordia University
Creighton
Illinois College of Optometry
Kansas University
LECOM
Marquette
Mayo Rochester
Medical College of Wisconsin
Michigan College of Optometry
Rosalind Franklin
St. George’s
Union College Nebraska
University of Colorado
University of Iowa
University of Minnesota
University of Minnesota-Duluth
University of South Dakota
University of Virginia
UNLV
UW-La Crosse
UW-Madison
UW-Milwaukee
UW-Stout

Many of our science degree graduates are recruited by employers in areas related to life sciences. Alumni have gone on to work for businesses and organizations such as:

Area school districts
Crossing Rivers Healthcare
Gundersen Health
Marshfield Clinic
Mayo Clinic (La Crosse and Rochester)
Medical College of Wisconsin
Prairie Moon Nursery
Prevention Genetics
Quest Diagnostics
ThermoFisher
US Fish and Wildlife
US Geologic Survey
University of Michigan Health
Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources

Common Careers for Biochemistry Degree Majors

Environmental scientist
Forensic chemist
Medical researcher
Molecular biologist
Pharmacist
Physician
Research scientist

Related Programs

Not the right program for you? Viterbo also offers programs in:

Biochemistry Stories

Biology

Embark on an exciting career in biology or establish a solid foundation for pursuing health-related professional schools or science graduate programs.

Guaranteed research opportunities with faculty members

94% Acceptance rate into professional schools and graduate programs

Pre-health and environmentally focused

Prepare for a Thriving Career with Viterbo’s Biology Program

The BS in Biology program follows the core learning concepts and competencies as determined by the National Science Foundation’s (NSF) Vision and Change in Undergraduate Science Education Initiative. Majors in biology develop the expertise and skills needed to pursue in-demand careers or continue their education in various graduate programs. Studying biology provides a comprehensive understanding of complex scientific issues and the relationships between science, technology, and the world.

You will gain hands-on experience by working alongside faculty experts in paid summer internships focused on biological fields. We offer exceptional partnerships with leading employers and organizations, which provide a variety of additional internship opportunities.

As a biology major, you will benefit from learning in small classes and closely collaborating with faculty. Our programs and curriculum allow you to customize your study of biology to help achieve your educational and professional goals.

Explore Viterbo's Biology Degree

Biology (BS)

Gain a breadth of knowledge within the biological sciences with our biology BS degree, including cellular and molecular biology, anatomy and physiology, ecology, behavior, evolution, and a specialized area you choose. We offer a student-centered learning environment that includes hands-on experiences, career exploration, research, and internships within the curriculum.

Biology (Minor)

The biology minor requires 15-16 total credits. Transfer courses, waivers and/or substitutions, and prerequisite courses could modify these credit totals.

Science Education (Minor)

If you want to teach science in Grades 6–12, our science education minor provides the qualifications to teach biology, chemistry, or general science. The minor requires 27-28 credits, but transfer courses, waivers, and/or substitutions could modify these credit totals.

Environmental Science (Minor)

Humans are inescapably connected to the environment. It provides us with what we need to survive—food, clean air, water, and the building blocks of medicine.

If you are concerned about the human impact on our world, an environmental biology minor is an excellent choice. You will connect with the natural world through a flexible program with a broad-based background in biology, chemistry, environmental science, and sustainability. This minor takes an integrated approach to environmental studies with a systems-level view of how organisms interact with the environment.

Sport Science (Minor)

Because of the rapidly growing sports and leisure industries, there is a large demand for professionals with a strong background in science, research, exercise science, human performance, and psychology combined with management and ethical leadership skills.

The sport science minor introduces you to the complexities of sports science. You will also gain the experience you need for graduate school or a career in many professions, including the sports industry. Sport management and leadership majors are not eligible for this minor.

Biology Program Highlights and Advantages

Choose Viterbo’s biology major and minors and benefit from:

Strong focus on grad school preparation. Prepare for graduate studies by taking advantage of our professional school prep courses for exams such as the MCAT, DAT, OAT, GRE, and others. We maintain articulation agreements with professional programs, some of which offer 3+1 programs and early acceptance to their programs.
Ideal location for the study of life sciences. Majors in biology and other life sciences benefit from our La Crosse, Wisc. location. Connect with major hospitals (Gundersen and Mayo) for internships, job shadowing, employment, or other opportunities. Intern with organizations such as the U.S. Geological Survey, Mississippi Valley Conservancy, and Genoa National Fish Hatchery. Study the Mississippi River region, including class trips to Mississippi flowage areas.
World-class scientists on campus. Hear from and engage with renowned expert speakers through our two large symposia—one focused on undergraduate research (Seven Rivers Undergraduate Research Symposium) and another on scientific issues that are particularly important to society (Agnes W. H. Tan Science Symposium).
Career-focused pre-health advising. Meet regularly with a dedicated pre-health faculty mentor about program progression, course selection, internship possibilities, research opportunities, career paths, and more. Advisors receive training through the National Association for Advisors of Health Professionals.
Scholarships for life science majors. Our competitive Health Science Scholarship provides one student each year with a full-time tuition award and additional scholarships ranging from $4,000 to $12,000. Departmental scholarships are also available for biology majors and other life sciences fields.
Learning and mentoring from expert faculty. Your study of life sciences will be led by faculty who know your name, have an open-door policy, and focus on your personal and professional development. Collaborate with faculty members whose research interests include:
- Active learning approaches in organic chemistry
- Alzheimer’s
- Antibiotics
- Autoimmune diseases and regulation of immune responses
- Beneficial microbes for human medicine
- Drug quantification in wastewater
- Gene regulation in prokaryotes
- Invertebrate diversity in local ecosystems
- Impact of environment on neural development

What Can You Do With Your Biology Degree?

Our science majors have been accepted into professional schools and programs at:

Arkansas College of Health Education
Carroll University
Case Western
Concordia University
Creighton
Illinois College of Optometry
Kansas University
LECOM
Marquette
Mayo Rochester
Medical College of Wisconsin
Michigan College of Optometry
Rosalind Franklin
St. George’s
Union College Nebraska
University of Colorado
University of Iowa
University of Minnesota
University of Minnesota-Duluth
University of South Dakota
University of Virginia
UNLV
UW-La Crosse
UW-Madison
UW-Milwaukee
UW-Stout

Many of our science degree graduates are recruited by employers in areas related to life sciences. Alumni have gone on to work for businesses and organizations such as:

Area school districts
Crossing Rivers Healthcare
Gundersen Health
Marshfield Clinic
Mayo Clinic (La Crosse and Rochester)
Medical College of Wisconsin
Prairie Moon Nursery
Prevention Genetics
Quest Diagnostics
ThermoFisher
US Fish and Wildlife
US Geologic Survey
University of Michigan Health
Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources

Examples of Biology Courses

BIOL 321 - Conservation Biology, BIOL 310 Limnology (field-based courses) – Weekly field studies in the fall include electrofishing for trout, canoeing in the backwaters of the Mississippi, aquatic organism sampling, and birding.
BIOL 338 - Biomechanics (clinical style course) – Analyze body movement using real-world techniques common in physical therapy and other clinical programs.
BIOL 347 - Human Physiology, BIOL 482 Human Anatomy – Traditionally two of our most challenging courses, human physiology and anatomy are designed to prepare students who plan to enter health professions programs.
BIOL 426 - Immunology – Highly relevant to students who lived through the global pandemic, this class features cutting-edge information on immune responses, immunologic disease, vaccines, and infectious diseases with examples that relate specifically to the COVID-19 pandemic.
BIOL 206 - Health and Graduate Program Exam Review – Prepares students for entrance exams for graduate and medical programs such as the MCAT, DAT, OAT, GRE, or PCAT.

Related Programs

Not the right program for you? Viterbo also offers programs in:

Our Stories

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.

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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.

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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

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