Superintendent (WI 5003)

Overview

A program that prepares educators who are grounded in Franciscan values and possess the knowledge and skills to be reflective decision-makers. The centerpiece for this two-year licensure program is ethical leadership, taught by our nationally recognized servant leadership professors who provide a unique blend of theory and practice in their courses. The PK–12 license permits the holder to serve as a superintendent (district administrator) in a PK–12 school district.

  • 24 credits of Superintendent core coursework (8 courses)
  • Online

Enrollment in the Superintendent licensure program requires an educational master's degree and a principal/administrator license.

Policy

Admission

Admission Requirements for all Graduate Programs in Education (degree, license, endorsement, or certificate) include the following, but may include additional program-specific admission requirements:

  • A minimum cumulative undergraduate GPA of 2.75 or at least a 3.0 cumulative GPA for 12 graduate credits from an accredited institution in order to be admitted in good standing
  • Earned teaching or administrative license
  • One academic reference contact required for Wisconsin and Iowa Educational Leadership programs

All requirements for any graduate program in education must be completed within seven years from the date of application to the graduate program. Coursework must have been taken within the last seven years from the date of application to be applied to program requirements, with the exception of Iowa Educational Leadership programs which is limited to five years.

A student must have a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 to complete any graduate program in education and a grade of C or higher earned in all Viterbo University coursework.

Students who have completed any Viterbo University graduate program within the last seven years may use up to 15 credits of eligible graduate level courses to satisfy the elective requirements for degree candidacy in the Master of Arts in Education Program

Students who have completed the Viterbo University Post-baccalaureate program within the last seven years may use up to fifteen credits of eligible graduate level courses toward the elective requirement for degree candidacy in the Master of Arts in Education Program

Transfer Credit

Master of Arts in Education and Educational Leadership

Upon acceptance, student may transfer up to six credit hours of graduate credit taken within seven years of application date to be applied to the MAE degree program.  Up to six credit hours taken within seven years of application may be considered for the Wisconsin Educational Leadership program for equivalent graduate courses. Up to six semester credit hours taken within five years of application may be considered for the Iowa Educational Leadership program for equivalent graduate courses.

Learning Outcomes
  • Mission, Vision, and Core Values. Effective educational leaders develop, advocate, and enact a shared mission, vision, and core values of high-quality education, academic success, and well-being of each pupil. 
  • Ethics and Professional Norms. Effective educational leaders act ethically and according to professional norms to promote each pupil’s academic success and well-being. 
  • Equity and Cultural Responsiveness. Effective educational leaders strive for equity of educational opportunity and culturally responsive practices to promote each pupil’s academic success and well-being.      
  • Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment. Effective educational leaders develop and support intellectually rigorous and coherent systems of curriculum, instruction, and assessment to promote each pupil’s academic success and well-being.  
  • Care and Support. Effective educational leaders cultivate an inclusive, caring, and supportive school community to promote each pupil’s academic success and well-being. 
  • Professional Capacity of School Personnel. Effective educational leaders develop the professional capacity and practice of school personnel to promote each pupil’s academic success and well-being. 
  • Professional Community. Effective educational leaders foster a professional community of teachers and other professional staff to promote each pupil’s academic success and well-being. 
  • Meaningful Engagement. Effective educational leaders engage families and the community in meaningful, reciprocal, and mutually beneficial ways to promote each pupil’s academic success and well-being. 
  • Operations and Management. Effective educational leaders effectively manage school operations and resources to promote each pupil’s academic success and well-being. 
  • School Improvement. Effective educational leaders act as agents of continuous school improvement to promote each pupil’s academic success and well-being.  
  • Teacher Standards. Effective educational leaders understand and demonstrate competence in the teacher standards under s. PI 34.002. 
     

Innovative Teacher Leadership and Instructional Coaching (Wisconsin)

Overview

An online certificate program that prepares teachers to think beyond their current instructional practices. Research-based practices and student-centered coaching techniques are emphasized. Teachers will cultivate an astute ability to collaborate with fellow educators while providing mentorship, encouragement, and personalized support. Communicating and demonstrating instructional practices, shown to result in increased student engagement and achievement, are highlighted throughout the program. Servant leadership, social justice, and working for the common good are intertwined throughout the curriculum. This program does not lead to licensure.

  • 10-credit certificate (4 courses) - fully online
Policy

Admission

  • A minimum cumulative undergraduate GPA of 2.75 or at least a 3.0 cumulative GPA for 12 graduate credits from an accredited institution in order to be admitted in good standing
  • One academic reference contact required for Wisconsin and Iowa Educational Leadership programs

All requirements for any graduate program in education must be completed within seven years from the date of application to the graduate program. Coursework must have been taken within the last seven years from the date of application to be applied to program requirements, with the exception of Iowa Educational Leadership programs which is limited to five years.

A student must have a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 to complete any graduate program in education and a grade of C or higher earned in all Viterbo University coursework.

Students who have completed any Viterbo University graduate program within the last seven years may use up to 15 credits of eligible graduate level courses to satisfy the elective requirements for degree candidacy in the Master of Arts in Education Program

Students who have completed the Viterbo University Post-baccalaureate program within the last seven years may use up to fifteen credits of eligible graduate level courses toward the elective requirement for degree candidacy in the Master of Arts in Education Program.

Learning Outcomes
  • Advance leadership skills to lead with integrity, demonstrate a strong work ethic, reflect on their work, serve the common good, and bring change to organizations
  • Sharpen and cultivate their ability to think critically, analyze student data, work as team members, and be flexible in their coaching
  • Work as a colleague with peers, providing personalized support that is based on the goals and identified needs of the educator
  • Communicate and demonstrate research-based instructional practices that result in increased student engagement and excellence for all
     

Master of Arts with Director of Instruction (WI 5010)

Overview

Our Director of Instruction program prepares school administrators to have more focused instruction and preparation in the area of Curriculum and Instruction. When chosen as your area of emphasis, your master's degree will be 14 courses (39-credit hours).

Blended delivery, with M.A. core coursework online:

  • 12-credits of M.A. core coursework (5 courses)
  • 21-credits of Educational Leadership core coursework (7 courses)
  • 6-credits of required Director of Instruction coursework (2 courses)

To add Principal Licensure (WI 5051), students will take an additional 3 credit hours.

Policy

Admissions

Admission Requirements for all Graduate Programs in Education (degree, license, endorsement, or certificate) include the following, but may include additional program-specific admission requirements:

  • A minimum cumulative undergraduate GPA of 2.75 or at least a 3.0 cumulative GPA for 12 graduate credits from an accredited institution in order to be admitted in good standing
  • Earned teaching or administrative license
  • One academic reference contact required for Wisconsin and Iowa Educational Leadership programs

All requirements for any graduate program in education must be completed within seven years from the date of application to the graduate program. Coursework must have been taken within the last seven years from the date of application to be applied to program requirements, with the exception of Iowa Educational Leadership programs which is limited to five years.

A student must have a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 to complete any graduate program in education and a grade of C or higher earned in all Viterbo University coursework.

Proseminar

In order to attend EDUC 604 Proseminar and engage in commencement ceremonies, students must have completed all required courses in their program of study. Proseminar is the culminating course in the MAE program; it is offered on campus each summer only. Proseminar provides students with the opportunity to present their research and to participate in commencement ceremonies. Degrees are conferred in August after successful completion of all required coursework including EDUC 604 Proseminar.

Registration

Students must apply online and be accepted into the program of their choice before registering for courses. Students will be assisted by their advisor/program specialist when registering for the first semester. In all subsequent semesters, the student will register online in VitNet/Student Planning.

Transfer Credit
Master of Arts in Education and Educational Leadership
Upon acceptance, student may transfer up to six credit hours of graduate credit taken within seven years of application date to be applied to the MAE degree program.  Up to six credit hours taken within seven years of application may be considered for the Wisconsin Educational Leadership program for equivalent graduate courses. Up to six semester credit hours taken within five years of application may be considered for the Iowa Educational Leadership program for equivalent graduate courses.

Learning Outcomes
  • Action Research: Synthesize information and experiences to grow professionally and actively participate in the educational community of which he/she is a part.   
  • Leadership: Apply quality principles of teacher leadership - including the skills of effective communication, collaboration, and motivation to shape, change, and improve student learning.
  • Synthesis: Integrate opportunities to grow professionally and actively participate in the educational community of which they are a part.        
  • Ethics: Integrate historical, philosophical, and social foundations of education into their educational practices.  
  • Pedagogy: Demonstrate the ability to provide different approaches to learning and create instructional opportunities that are equitable, based on developmental needs of students, and that are adapted to the diverse needs of students.  
  • Assess: Integrate student achievement data, local, state, and national standards, and district initiatives into plans for instruction.        
     

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

Overview

Our Director of Special Education and Pupil Services program prepares school administrators to have more focused instruction in the areas of Special Education and Pupil Services at the district and site levels. When chosen as your area of emphasis, your master's degree will be 16 courses (45-credit hours).

Blended delivery, with M.A. core coursework online:

  • 12-credits of M.A. 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 (WI 51), students will take an additional 3 credit hours.

Policy

Admissions

Admission Requirements for all Graduate Programs in Education (degree, license, endorsement, or certificate) include the following, but may include additional program-specific admission requirements:

  • A minimum cumulative undergraduate GPA of 2.75 or at least a 3.0 cumulative GPA for 12 graduate credits from an accredited institution in order to be admitted in good standing
  • Earned teaching or administrative license
  • One academic reference contact required for Wisconsin and Iowa Educational Leadership programs

All requirements for any graduate program in education must be completed within seven years from the date of application to the graduate program. Coursework must have been taken within the last seven years from the date of application to be applied to program requirements, with the exception of Iowa Educational Leadership programs which is limited to five years.

A student must have a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 to complete any graduate program in education and a grade of C or higher earned in all Viterbo University coursework.

Proseminar

In order to attend EDUC 604 Proseminar and engage in commencement ceremonies, students must have completed all required courses in their program of study. Proseminar is the culminating course in the MAE program; it is offered on campus each summer only. Proseminar provides students with the opportunity to present their research and to participate in commencement ceremonies. Degrees are conferred in August after successful completion of all required coursework including EDUC 604 Proseminar.

Registration

Students must apply online and be accepted into the program of their choice before registering for courses. Students will be assisted by their advisor/program specialist when registering for the first semester. In all subsequent semesters, the student will register online in VitNet/Student Planning.

Transfer Credit
Master of Arts in Education and Educational Leadership
Upon acceptance, student may transfer up to six credit hours of graduate credit taken within seven years of application date to be applied to the MAE degree program.  Up to six credit hours taken within seven years of application may be considered for the Wisconsin Educational Leadership program for equivalent graduate courses. Up to six semester credit hours taken within five years of application may be considered for the Iowa Educational Leadership program for equivalent graduate courses.

Learning Outcomes
  • Action Research: Synthesize information and experiences to grow professionally and actively participate in the educational community of which he/she is a part.   
  • Leadership: Apply quality principles of teacher leadership - including the skills of effective communication, collaboration, and motivation to shape, change, and improve student learning.
  • Synthesis: Integrate opportunities to grow professionally and actively participate in the educational community of which they are a part.        
  • Ethics: Integrate historical, philosophical, and social foundations of education into their educational practices.  
  • Pedagogy: Demonstrate the ability to provide different approaches to learning and create instructional opportunities that are equitable, based on developmental needs of students, and that are adapted to the diverse needs of students.  
  • Assess: Integrate student achievement data, local, state, and national standards, and district initiatives into plans for instruction.  
     

Master of Arts with Reading Specialist (WI 5017)

Overview

Our Reading Specialist (WI 5017) prepares educators to lead and supervise district-wide reading programs. Educators will increase their knowledge of assessment tools and diagnostic practices to plan and develop reading programs that increase student learning and achievement. When chosen as your area of emphasis, your master's degree will be 11 courses (31-credit hours).

Online delivery:

  • 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) - varied delivery modes
Policy

Admissions

Admission Requirements for all Graduate Programs in Education (degree, license, endorsement, or certificate) include the following, but may include additional program-specific admission requirements:

  • A minimum cumulative undergraduate GPA of 2.75 or at least a 3.0 cumulative GPA for 12 graduate credits from an accredited institution in order to be admitted in good standing
  • Earned teaching or administrative license
  • One academic reference contact required for Wisconsin and Iowa Educational Leadership programs

All requirements for any graduate program in education must be completed within seven years from the date of application to the graduate program. Coursework must have been taken within the last seven years from the date of application to be applied to program requirements, with the exception of Iowa Educational Leadership programs which is limited to five years.

A student must have a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 to complete any graduate program in education and a grade of C or higher earned in all Viterbo University coursework.

Proseminar

In order to attend EDUC 604 Proseminar and engage in commencement ceremonies, students must have completed all required courses in their program of study. Proseminar is the culminating course in the MAE program; it is offered on campus each summer only. Proseminar provides students with the opportunity to present their research and to participate in commencement ceremonies. Degrees are conferred in August after successful completion of all required coursework including EDUC 604 Proseminar.

Registration

Students must apply online and be accepted into the program of their choice before registering for courses. Students will be assisted by their advisor/program specialist when registering for the first semester. In all subsequent semesters, the student will register online in VitNet/Student Planning.

Transfer Credit
Master of Arts in Education and Educational Leadership
Upon acceptance, student may transfer up to six credit hours of graduate credit taken within seven years of application date to be applied to the MAE degree program.  Up to six credit hours taken within seven years of application may be considered for the Wisconsin Educational Leadership program for equivalent graduate courses. Up to six semester credit hours taken within five years of application may be considered for the Iowa Educational Leadership program for equivalent graduate courses.

Wisconsin Reading Specialist License (WI 5017)

  • Possess a current Wisconsin Reading Teaching 316 License
  • Demonstrated three years of regular full-time teaching experience
  • Have a master's degree in education OR be enrolled in Viterbo University's MAED program
  • Earn a passing score on the Wisconsin Foundations of Reading Test, as required by the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction
Learning Outcomes
  • Action Research: Synthesize information and experiences to grow professionally and actively participate in the educational community of which he/she is a part.   
  • Leadership: Apply quality principles of teacher leadership - including the skills of effective communication, collaboration, and motivation to shape, change, and improve student learning.
  • Synthesis: Integrate opportunities to grow professionally and actively participate in the educational community of which they are a part.        
  • Ethics: Integrate historical, philosophical, and social foundations of education into their educational practices.  
  • Pedagogy: Demonstrate the ability to provide different approaches to learning and create instructional opportunities that are equitable, based on developmental needs of students, and that are adapted to the diverse needs of students.  
  • Assess: Integrate student achievement data, local, state, and national standards, and district initiatives into plans for instruction.  
     

Master of Arts with Reading Teacher (WI 1316)

Overview

Our Reading Teacher (WI 1316) emphasis is designed for practicing educators who wish to increase their instructional skills and expand their knowledge and expertise in areas of literacy and reading. Coursework will focus on preparing teachers to utilize research-based practices to assess, diagnose, and remediate struggling readers. When chosen as your area of emphasis, your master's degree will be 10 courses (30-credit hours).

Online delivery:

  • 15-credits of M.A. core coursework (5 courses)
  • 15-credits of coursework specific to the Reading Teacher 1316 license (5 courses)
Policy

Admissions

Admission Requirements for all Graduate Programs in Education (degree, license, endorsement, or certificate) include the following, but may include additional program-specific admission requirements:

  • A minimum cumulative undergraduate GPA of 2.75 or at least a 3.0 cumulative GPA for 12 graduate credits from an accredited institution in order to be admitted in good standing
  • Earned teaching or administrative license

All requirements for any graduate program in education must be completed within seven years from the date of application to the graduate program. Coursework must have been taken within the last seven years from the date of application to be applied to program requirements, with the exception of Iowa Educational Leadership programs which is limited to five years.

A student must have a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 to complete any graduate program in education and a grade of C or higher earned in all Viterbo University coursework.

Proseminar

In order to attend EDUC 604 Proseminar and engage in commencement ceremonies, students must have completed all required courses in their program of study. Proseminar is the culminating course in the MAE program; it is offered on campus each summer only. Proseminar provides students with the opportunity to present their research and to participate in commencement ceremonies. Degrees are conferred in August after successful completion of all required coursework including EDUC 604 Proseminar.

Registration

Students must apply online and be accepted into the program of their choice before registering for courses. Students will be assisted by their advisor/program specialist when registering for the first semester. In all subsequent semesters, the student will register online in VitNet/Student Planning.

Transfer Credit
Master of Arts in Education and Educational Leadership
Upon acceptance, student may transfer up to six credit hours of graduate credit taken within seven years of application date to be applied to the MAE degree program.  Up to six credit hours taken within seven years of application may be considered for the Wisconsin Educational Leadership program for equivalent graduate courses. Up to six semester credit hours taken within five years of application may be considered for the Iowa Educational Leadership program for equivalent graduate courses.

Learning Outcomes
  • Action Research: Synthesize information and experiences to grow professionally and actively participate in the educational community of which he/she is a part.   
  • Leadership: Apply quality principles of teacher leadership - including the skills of effective communication, collaboration, and motivation to shape, change, and improve student learning.
  • Synthesis: Integrate opportunities to grow professionally and actively participate in the educational community of which they are a part.        
  • Ethics: Integrate historical, philosophical, and social foundations of education into their educational practices.  
  • Pedagogy: Demonstrate the ability to provide different approaches to learning and create instructional opportunities that are equitable, based on developmental needs of students, and that are adapted to the diverse needs of students.  
  • Assess: Integrate student achievement data, local, state, and national standards, and district initiatives into plans for instruction.       
     

Master of Arts with Cross-categorical Special Education (WI 2801)

Overview

Our Cross-categorical Special Education emphasis brings educators from across the state together to learn best practices in the field of special education. Our classes view individuals with disabilities from a strengths-based model, and help educators work toward successful inclusion of individuals with disabilities. When chosen as your area of emphasis, your master's degree will be 13 courses (34-37 credit hours).

Online delivery:

  • 15-credits of core coursework (6 courses)
  • 19-21 credits of coursework specific to the Cross-categorical Special Education (7 courses)
Policy

Admissions

Admission Requirements for all Graduate Programs in Education (degree, license, endorsement, or certificate) include the following, but may include additional program-specific admission requirements:

  • A minimum cumulative undergraduate GPA of 2.75 or at least a 3.0 cumulative GPA for 12 graduate credits from an accredited institution in order to be admitted in good standing
  • Earned teaching or administrative license

All requirements for any graduate program in education must be completed within seven years from the date of application to the graduate program. Coursework must have been taken within the last seven years from the date of application to be applied to program requirements, with the exception of Iowa Educational Leadership programs which is limited to five years.

A student must have a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 to complete any graduate program in education and a grade of C or higher earned in all Viterbo University coursework.

Proseminar

In order to attend EDUC 604 Proseminar and engage in commencement ceremonies, students must have completed all required courses in their program of study. Proseminar is the culminating course in the MAE program; it is offered on campus each summer only. Proseminar provides students with the opportunity to present their research and to participate in commencement ceremonies. Degrees are conferred in August after successful completion of all required coursework including EDUC 604 Proseminar.

Registration

Students must apply online and be accepted into the program of their choice before registering for courses. Students will be assisted by their advisor/program specialist when registering for the first semester. In all subsequent semesters, the student will register online in VitNet/Student Planning.

Transfer Credit
Master of Arts in Education and Educational Leadership
Upon acceptance, student may transfer up to six credit hours of graduate credit taken within seven years of application date to be applied to the MAE degree program.  Up to six credit hours taken within seven years of application may be considered for the Wisconsin Educational Leadership program for equivalent graduate courses. Up to six semester credit hours taken within five years of application may be considered for the Iowa Educational Leadership program for equivalent graduate courses.

Learning Outcomes
  • Action Research: Synthesize information and experiences to grow professionally and actively participate in the educational community of which he/she is a part.   
  • Leadership: Apply quality principles of teacher leadership - including the skills of effective communication, collaboration, and motivation to shape, change, and improve student learning.
  • Synthesis: Integrate opportunities to grow professionally and actively participate in the educational community of which they are a part.        
  • Ethics: Integrate historical, philosophical, and social foundations of education into their educational practices.  
  • Pedagogy: Demonstrate the ability to provide different approaches to learning and create instructional opportunities that are equitable, based on developmental needs of students, and that are adapted to the diverse needs of students.  
  • Assess: Integrate student achievement data, local, state, and national standards, and district initiatives into plans for instruction.        
     

Master of Arts with Principal Licensure (WI 5051)

Overview

Our Principal Licensure 51 program prepares educators to become school leaders at the Dean, assistant, or Principal level.  When chosen as your area of emphasis, your master's degree  will be 13 courses (36-credit hours).

Blended delivery, with M.A. core coursework online:

  • 12-credits of M.A. core coursework (5 courses)
  • 21-credits of Educational Leadership core coursework (7 courses) 
  • 3-credits of required Principal coursework (1 course)

To add Director of Instruction (WI 5010), students will taken an additional 6 credit hours.

Policy

Admissions

Admission Requirements for all Graduate Programs in Education (degree, license, endorsement, or certificate) include the following, but may include additional program-specific admission requirements:

  • A minimum cumulative undergraduate GPA of 2.75 or at least a 3.0 cumulative GPA for 12 graduate credits from an accredited institution in order to be admitted in good standing
  • Earned teaching or administrative license
  • One academic reference contact required for Wisconsin and Iowa Educational Leadership programs

All requirements for any graduate program in education must be completed within seven years from the date of application to the graduate program. Coursework must have been taken within the last seven years from the date of application to be applied to program requirements, with the exception of Iowa Educational Leadership programs which is limited to five years.

A student must have a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 to complete any graduate program in education and a grade of C or higher earned in all Viterbo University coursework.

Proseminar

In order to attend EDUC 604 Proseminar and engage in commencement ceremonies, students must have completed all required courses in their program of study. Proseminar is the culminating course in the MAE program; it is offered on campus each summer only. Proseminar provides students with the opportunity to present their research and to participate in commencement ceremonies. Degrees are conferred in August after successful completion of all required coursework including EDUC 604 Proseminar.

Registration

Students must apply online and be accepted into the program of their choice before registering for courses. Students will be assisted by their advisor/program specialist when registering for the first semester. In all subsequent semesters, the student will register online in VitNet/Student Planning.

Transfer Credit
Master of Arts in Education and Educational Leadership
Upon acceptance, student may transfer up to six credit hours of graduate credit taken within seven years of application date to be applied to the MAE degree program.  Up to six credit hours taken within seven years of application may be considered for the Wisconsin Educational Leadership program for equivalent graduate courses. Up to six semester credit hours taken within five years of application may be considered for the Iowa Educational Leadership program for equivalent graduate courses.

Learning Outcomes
  • Action Research: Synthesize information and experiences to grow professionally and actively participate in the educational community of which he/she is a part.   
  • Leadership: Apply quality principles of teacher leadership - including the skills of effective communication, collaboration, and motivation to shape, change, and improve student learning.
  • Synthesis: Integrate opportunities to grow professionally and actively participate in the educational community of which they are a part.        
  • Ethics: Integrate historical, philosophical, and social foundations of education into their educational practices.  
  • Pedagogy: Demonstrate the ability to provide different approaches to learning and create instructional opportunities that are equitable, based on developmental needs of students, and that are adapted to the diverse needs of students.  
  • Assess: Integrate student achievement data, local, state, and national standards, and district initiatives into plans for instruction. 
           

Master of Arts in Education with Create Your Own Emphasis (Iowa)

Overview

Our Master of Arts in Education (Generalist) allows you to create your own path, enabling you to grow in areas that support your personal and professional development. Electives can be selected from the various licensure and certificate programs, and the two additional courses from the MA core. When chosen as your area of emphasis, your master's degree will be 10 courses (30-credit hours).

  • 15-credits of core coursework (6 courses) - online
  • Minimum of 15-credits of elective coursework - online
Policy

Admission

Admission Requirements for all Graduate Programs in Education (degree, license, endorsement, or certificate) include the following, but may include additional program-specific admission requirements:

  • A minimum cumulative undergraduate GPA of 2.75 or at least a 3.0 cumulative GPA for 12 graduate credits from an accredited institution in order to be admitted in good standing
  • Earned teaching or administrative license
  • One academic reference contact required for Iowa Educational Leadership programs

All requirements for any graduate program in education must be completed within seven years from the date of application to the graduate program. Coursework must have been taken within the last 7 years from the date of application to be applied to program requirements, with the exception of Iowa Educational Leadership programs which is limited to five years.

Proseminar

In order to attend EDUC 604 Proseminar and engage in commencement ceremonies, students must have completed all required courses in their program of study. Proseminar is the culminating course in the MAE program; it is offered on campus each summer only. Proseminar provides students with the opportunity to present their research and to participate in commencement ceremonies. Degrees are conferred in August after successful completion of all required coursework including EDUC 604 Proseminar.

Registration

Students must apply online and be accepted into the program of their choice before registering for courses. Students will be assisted by their advisor/program specialist when registering for the first semester. In all subsequent semesters, the student will register online in VitNet/Student Planning.

Transfer Credit
Master of Arts in Education and Educational Leadership

Upon acceptance, student may transfer up to six credit hours of graduate credit taken within seven years of application date to be applied to the MAE degree program. Up to six semester credit hours taken within five years of application may be considered for the Iowa Educational Leadership program for equivalent graduate courses.

Learning Outcomes
  • Action Research: Synthesize information and experiences to grow professionally and actively participate in the educational community of which he/she is a part.   
  • Leadership: Apply quality principles of teacher leadership - including the skills of effective communication, collaboration, and motivation to shape, change, and improve student learning.
  • Synthesis: Integrate opportunities to grow professionally and actively participate in the educational community of which they are a part.        
  • Ethics: Integrate historical, philosophical, and social foundations of education into their educational practices.  
  • Pedagogy: Demonstrate the ability to provide different approaches to learning and create instructional opportunities that are equitable, based on developmental needs of students, and that are adapted to the diverse needs of students.  
  • Assess: Integrate student achievement data, local, state, and national standards, and district initiatives into plans for instruction.          

Doctor of Nursing Practice

Overview

Designed to be relevant and responsive to the needs of practicing professional nurses who wish to formally advance their knowledge and skills and seek an advanced nursing role. The curriculum is based upon AACN recommendations and includes increased knowledge in informatics and health care technologies, quality improvement and safety, organizational and systems leadership, interprofessional collaboration for improving patient/population outcomes, advocacy, and advanced scientific and humanities-based background for practice.

Policy

Admission

Program admission requirements and procedures may be found at https://www.viterbo.edu/graduate-student-admissions/graduate-nursing-admission-requirements.

Provisional Admission

Occasionally a student does not meet the admission criteria in all respects, but shows promise of the ability to be successful in graduate school. In this case, the student may be admitted to the graduate nursing program on probation. After two semesters (12 credits) of achieving a B or better in all courses, the probation status will be discontinued. If unable to meet this criterion, the student will be required to withdraw from the program.

Policy and Guidelines Applying to Non-Discrimination on the Basis of Disabilities

The School of Nursing supports the Viterbo University policy and guidelines relating to the non-exclusion of qualified students from university programs solely by reason of disability. To meet the requirements of and to successfully participate in the graduate nursing program at Viterbo University, a student must be able to perform skills which are essential to advanced nursing roles. While Viterbo University will provide reasonable accommodations in certain course requirements to assist a special needs student to meet certain course outcomes, there are some essential skills for which there are no known substitutes. The applicant to the graduate nursing program and the student throughout the program must be able to meet the requirements of the track chosen. Accordingly, these specific requirements may vary somewhat.

Academic Standing - Satisfactory Progress

Graduate nursing students are expected to earn a B or better in all of their courses AND maintain a semester GPA of at least 3.0 or better.

Required Background Check

Federal and state statutes require that criminal background checks be completed for all persons who provide nursing care for others or who have access to people who receive care. Clinical agencies prohibit placement of students with criminal histories of specific crimes and offenses that have been identified by the state of Wisconsin or others as bars to employment or licensure (such as abuse, assault, or neglect). The School of Nursing requires that all students complete a background information disclosure statement and a criminal history search. Individuals whose background check identifies bars to the provision of care in contracted agencies or places restrictions on client contact will not be allowed to progress in the program.

Transfer Credits Upon Admission
Individual consideration will be granted in the awarding of transfer credits. Up to 18 credits may be transferred from another program and utilized to meet the post-baccalaureate to DNP program requirements of Viterbo University if equivalent. Up to nine credits may be transferred to the post-MSN to DNP program, if equivalent. In order to be considered for transfer, the grade earned must be at least a B. Transfer credits must be graduate credit taken from an accredited institution of higher education completed within the last five years and equivalent to the course it is replacing in the requirements at Viterbo. Courses older than five years may be given credit based on individual review. Students who wish to transfer credits must have an official transcript sent to the director of graduate nursing program. Courses will be evaluated for equivalency and written notification of acceptance of transcript credit will be provided to the student by the director.

Transfer Credits After Admission
The faculty of the Viterbo University graduate nursing program has carefully planned and developed a curriculum to meet the needs of the potential graduates of the chosen tracks. The content for the curriculum was designed for the curricular and graduate outcomes unique to this program and the specific role preparation. In view of the connection of the curriculum to the desired outcomes and the quality of the graduate, once a student has begun classes as a degree-seeking student in the Viterbo University graduate nursing program, all classes (excluding electives) must be taken at Viterbo University. Note: This policy is not applicable to post-MSN to DNP students wishing AGNP or FNP role preparation whose plan of study will be determined on an individual basis or to agreements established with collaborating institutions.

Time for Completion of Graduate Nursing Degrees

Six credits per semester is considered full-time study; however some semesters contain substantially more credits in the full time plan of study.

  • The post BSN to DNP program can be completed in three years. It is expected that students will complete the program within seven years or less.
  • The post MSN to DNP program can be completed in two years. It is expected that students will complete the program in four years or less.
  • The post MSN to DNP program including NP role preparation can be completed in three years. It is expected that students will complete the program in seven years or less.
  • Time spent as a non-degree student does not count toward the completion period, but students will be subject to the catalog/curriculum requirements in effect at the time they become degree seeking.
  • All full-time and part-time degree-seeking students who have not been granted a leave of absence must register each semester until all degree requirements are completed.

Practicum/Clinical Experiences

  • A student receiving a C or less for clinical practicum may be dismissed from the program. If dismissal does not occur, the student will be placed on a clinical remediation contract for the subsequent practicum, must repeat the course with a B or better grade, and must achieve B or better in all remaining practicum courses to remain in the program.
  • Prescribed numbers of clinical hours have been incorporated into the various plans of study available within the graduate nursing program. Students must have an RN license for the state in which the clinical site is located. The number of clinical hours varies depending on the track chosen. A ratio of four clock hours to one didactic hour per week is used; therefore one credit of practicum credit is 60 hours of clinical for the APRN and NP tracks. The student will receive a grade for clinical practicum experiences, a BC or better is required for progression. Receiving C or below may contribute to a decision to dismiss a student from the program or specific remediation procedures.

Didactic Classes (includes theory, seminar, and culminating project credits)

  • A student in the graduate nursing program who earns a C in any course, OR goes below a semester GPA of 3.0, will be placed on probationary status and must achieve a grade of B or better in all subsequent courses AND maintain a semester GPA of 3.0 or better to remain in the program.
  • A student who earns less than a C will be required to repeat the course and earn B or better in this and all subsequent classes and maintain a semester GPA of 3.0 or better to remain in the program.

DNP Project

Students will conduct a scholarly project over two or more semesters. This project is an opportunity for students to engage in independent research/evidence-based inquiry/scholarly work in a defined area of significance to the advanced nursing role. Students will work with faculty advisors for assistance, critique, and expertise. The student will receive a grade at the end of each semester of DNP project registration, and B or better indicates satisfactory progress. Students are required to disseminate their work in a prescribed way.

Certification

http://www.viterbo.edu/graduate-program-nursing

Learning Outcomes
  • Practice in an expanded, specialized, and/or advanced nursing role
  • Affirm the dignity of life and human diversity
  • Advocate for quality outcomes for individuals, families, populations, and systems
  • Demonstrate ethical leadership and faithful service in their chosen roles and settings
  • Facilitate the translation of research and evidence into practice
  • Utilize information and healthcare technology to impact best practice
Addendum

The School of Nursing is approved by the Wisconsin State Board of Nursing; P.O. Box 8935, Madison, WI 53708; 608-266-2112; web@drl.state.wi.us; and accredited at the DNP level by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education; One Dupont Circle, NW, Suite 530; Washington, DC 20036; 202-887-6791; 202-887-8476 (fax); www.aacn.nche.edu/accreditation.

See the MBA/DNP Dual Degree Program for more information about this dual degree option.

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