Sport Science (Minor)

Overview

The sports and leisure industries continue their rapid growth and a strong demand exists for qualified and skilled 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 at Viterbo University helps students expand their knowledge on the complexities of sport science, and provides students with experience needed to get a foot in the door for graduate school, as well as the industry of sport science itself. The skills learned with this minor work wonders in a multitude of professions, and is an excellent choice for those who are interested. Students majoring in sport management and leadership may not declare a sport science minor.

Policy

Students majoring in sport management and leadership may not declare a sport science minor.

Human Resources Management (Minor)

Overview

Most successful companies regard people as their biggest asset, and the quality management of human resources as central to their business strategy. HR professionals now find themselves in more and more leadership roles, which has led to an increase in HR positions both nationally and internationally. This minor combines business and management courses with psychology classes, which give students a better understanding of the skills needed to work in a human resources department. This minor is great for students who wish to go into HR after graduation, or simply wish to strengthen their personal and business skills.

The total credits of the minor requirements are 15. Transfer course, waivers and/or substitutions, and prerequisite courses could modify these credit totals.
 

Neuroscience (BS)

Overview

Neuroscience majors develop the knowledge and skills necessary to systematically evaluate relationships between the brain and human/animal behavior. Students learn and test foundational and contemporary theories through scientific reasoning, laboratory experiences, and independent research. Graduates 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.

Policy
  • Students majoring in neuroscience must maintain a biology grade point average (GPA) of 2.25 to continue in and graduate from this program. The neuroscience GPA is based on all grades earned in the required and elective courses taken in neuroscience and required support courses. Any student whose neuroscience GPA falls below 2.25 will be placed on probation for one semester. If the neuroscience GPA is not raised during that semester, the student may not enroll in further neuroscience courses. An earned grade of a D or lower in any neuroscience or support course will not be credited toward the neuroscience major.
  • Directed research must be faculty-approved, but may be conducted at an institution other than Viterbo University with prior approval. Special topics are offered periodically. Credit for these courses may substitute for one or more of the listed courses with faculty approval.
Learning Outcomes
  • Understand and explain fundamental concepts in neuroscience, biology, and psychology.
  •  Read and analyze primary scientific literature in neuroscience, biology, and psychology.
  • Integrate research findings across disciplines and levels of analysis.
  • Develop hypotheses and design experiments.
  • Collect, analyze, and interpret quantitative data.
Addendum
Undergraduate Student Enrollment in Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling

Exceptional undergraduate students seeking a bachelor degree in neuroscience can apply to the Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling (MSMHC) program for provisional admittance. Students must meet the following requirements:
• 2nd semester of junior year
• GPA of 3.25 or higher
• Prerequisites of PSYC 171, 340 and a research methods course

Students would complete all admission requirements for the MSMHC program with the exception of the Miller Analogies Test (MAT) and submission of their final undergraduate transcript; these will be required upon completion of their bachelor degree program. Provisionally admitted students could enroll in a maximum of nine graduate credits (provided availability of seats). Refer to the Undergraduate Student Enrollment in Graduate Course policy in this catalog. Students interested in this opportunity should contact the MSMHC Program Director.
 
  

Nutrition Sciences (BS)

Overview

Nutrition sciences is the science of nutrition and so by its nature, it encompasses other scientific disciplines including biology, chemistry, and biochemistry. It is also the study of how food and nutrients affect the human body requiring study of food science, anatomy, and physiology. The program's curriculum highlights foundational knowledge and skills as well as overall concepts, values, research methods, and applications that could prepare you to pursue a variety of career opportunities in health care and nutrition science-related industries. The ultimate objective of Nutrition Science is to understand how nutrition can play a role in health and disease prevention and focuses on building content knowledge and skills in the broad areas of nutrition science and health care.

Viterbo University's nutrition and dietetics degrees are accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND), an affiliate for the professional organization, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, 120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2190 Chicago, IL 60606.

Learning Outcomes
  • Scientific and Evidence Base of Practice: Integrate scientific information and translation of research into practice
  • Professional Practice Expectations: Knowledge of beliefs, values, attitudes ,and behaviors for professional practice
  • Clinical and Customer Services: Develop and deliver information, products, and services to individuals, groups, and populations
  • Practice Management and Use of Resources: Strategically apply principles of management and systems in the provision of services to individuals and organizations
  • Provide nutrition education to community groups for health promotion and disease prevention using a variety of technology
Addendum

Undergraduate Student Enrollment in Master of Science in Community Medical Dietetics

Students seeking to meet the requirements for the registered dietitian nutritionist credential can apply to the Master of Science in Community Medical Dietetics (MSCMD) program for provisional admittance. Students should complete all admission requirements for the MSCMD by Oct. 1 of senior year first semester and submission of their final undergraduate transcript required upon completion of their bachelor degree program. Provisionally admitted students could enroll in a maximum of nine graduate credits (provided availability of seats). Refer to the Undergraduate Student Enrollment in Graduate Course policy in this catalog. Students interested in this opportunity should contact the MSCMD Program Director.

Environmental Science (Minor)

Overview

Humans are inescapably connected to the environment—from food and medicine to the services the environment provides (clean air and water for example). For students concerned about the human impact on the environment and how to improve the world, an environmental science minor is an excellent choice. The environmental science minor at Viterbo University helps connect students to the natural world through a flexible program with a broad-based background in biology, chemistry, environmental science, and sustainability courses. This minor takes an integrated approach to environmental studies with a systems-level view of how organisms interact with the environment, helping graduates in a variety of careers.

Accounting (Minor)

Overview

Accounting minors get a foundation of financial and managerial expertise and then add additional emphasis in areas like cost accounting, federal tax, and nonprofit accounting. An accounting minor layers the language of business onto other programs that might use it every day in the workplace like arts administrators or nurse managers.

Social Studies Education (BS)

Overview

Broad field social studies education combines the study of history with the breadth of insights and understanding from the social sciences. The program prepares students for teaching positions in economics, geography, history, political science, psychology, or sociology. Students also take courses in the School of Education, and learn the educational tools and social studies knowledge needed in order to be a successful teacher at the middle and secondary school levels. This foundation, paired with education courses taken through the School of Education, prepares students for a teaching career in public or private schools.

Learning Outcomes

Developed by the Interstate Teacher Assessment and Support Consortium (InTASC) and adopted by Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI)

  • LEARNER DEVELOPMENT – The teacher understands how learners grow and develop, recognizing that patterns of learning and development vary individually within and across the cognitive, linguistic, social, emotional, and physical areas, and the teacher designs and implements developmentally appropriate and challenging learning experiences.
  • LEARNING DIFFERENCES – The teacher uses understanding of individual differences and diverse cultures and communities to ensure inclusive learning environments that enable each learner to meet high standards.
  • LEARNING ENVIRONMENTS – The teacher works with others to create environments that support individual and collaborative learning and that encourage positive social interaction, active engagement in learning, and self-motivation.
  • CONTENT KNOWLEDGE – The teacher understands the central concepts, tools of inquiry, and structures of the discipline(s) he or she teaches and creates learning experiences that make these aspects of the discipline accessible and meaningful for learners to assure mastery of the content.
  • APPLICATION OF CONTENT – The teacher understands how to connect concepts and use differing perspectives to engage learners in critical thinking, creativity, and collaborative problem solving related to authentic local and global issues.
  • ASSESSMENT – The teacher understands and uses multiple methods of assessment to engage learners in their own growth, to monitor learner progress, and to guide the teacher’s and learner’s decision making.
  • PLANNING FOR INSTRUCTION – The teacher plans instruction that supports every student in meeting rigorous learning goals by drawing upon knowledge of content areas, curriculum, cross-disciplinary skills, and pedagogy, as well as knowledge of learners and the community context.
  • INSTRUCTIONAL STRATEGIES – The teacher understands and uses a variety of instructional strategies to encourage learners to develop deep understanding of content areas and their connections and to build skills to apply knowledge in meaningful ways.
  • PROFESSIONAL LEARNING AND ETHICAL PRACTICE – The teacher engages in ongoing professional learning, uses evidence to continually evaluate his/her practice, particularly the effects of his/her choices and actions on others (learners, families, other professionals, and the community), and adapts practice to meet the needs of each learner.
  • LEADERSHIP AND COLLABORATION – The teacher seeks appropriate leadership roles and opportunities to take responsibility for student learning, to collaborate with learners, families, colleagues, other school professionals, and community members to ensure learner growth, and to advance the profession.
  • VITERBO STANDARD – The teacher demonstrates personal qualities and values which reflect the Franciscan values identified in the Viterbo University teacher education conceptual framework.

Nursing (BSN)

Overview

Viterbo’s nursing program is highly reputable with graduates sought after by employers. The program features a curriculum that prepares students for contemporary nursing practice. There are various pathways for admission, including direct admission.

Policy

Admission to the Nursing Major (traditional BSN)

The following requirements must be met in order to be accepted as a nursing major:

  • composite ACT score of 18 (exceptions have been made for Fall 2021, Spring and Fall 2022)
  • high school rank in the 50th percentile or higher; applicants with no high school rank must have a high school grade point average of 3.0/4.0 scale
  • completion of one year of high school chemistry, or equivalent, with grades of C or better
  • completion of two years of high school algebra, or equivalent, with grades of C or better

Admission to the Professional Nursing Program (traditional BSN)

Viterbo will admit two cohorts into the professional nursing sequence (fall and spring). Viterbo students wishing to enter the professional nursing program at the sophomore level must complete a formal application for admission prior to the semester of desired entry.

  • FALL COHORT
    • Completed prerequisites and in-process prerequisites during spring semester. The application deadline is April 1*. Applicants will be notified of admission decisions by April 18*.
    • Incomplete prerequisites in-process during summer. Students may apply at any time. Additional applicants will be notified of admission decisions on a rolling basis through June, July, and August. Admittance is dependent upon available seats. Applicants will be reviewed in order of course completion date and grade submission. The course grade may be submitted via an unofficial transcript or screen shot.
  • SPRING COHORT
    • Completed prerequisites and in-process prerequisites during fall semester. The application deadline is Nov. 1*. Applicants will be notified of admission decisions by Nov. 18*.

*Dates above may be adjusted for weekends and/or holidays.

  • Applicants for the professional nursing sequence must have completed the following prerequisites by the end of the semester in which the application for admission to the professional nursing program is filed: 
    • ENGL 103 or 105 or 195
    • PSYC 171
    • BIOL 104 and 114 (with grades of C or better)
    • CHEM 106 or 120 and 121 (with a grade of C or better)
    • cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.75 or above
  • A Viterbo nursing math competency test must be successfully completed prior to submitting the application.  (scheduled through the Academic Resource Center)
  • The Nursing Admission Review Team will review student records after the posting of current semester grades. The committee will admit the most qualified students based on a holistic review of items that may include cumulative grade point average (GPA), cumulative GPA in prerequisite courses, science GPA, previous academic records, interview, essay, or other supplemental items . Preference for admission will be given to the most qualified students.  The school may find it necessary to deny admission to a qualified applicant because of enrollment limits in the professional nursing sequence. Depending on the number of qualified applicants, meeting the minimum criteria for admission may not be sufficient to be admitted to the professional nursing sequence in the desired semester. Entrance is a competitive process.
  • Current Viterbo students who qualify, but are not admitted to the cohort of their choice due to enrollment limits will be guaranteed a spot in the next cohort if they remain enrolled full time at Viterbo and maintain the academic criteria, such as cumulative GPA and prerequisite grade requirements.
  • Students who do not qualify may submit an application for a subsequent cohort. Applications are not automatically carried forward. Applicants who have applied in the past are given no special consideration and are reviewed as a member of the current applicant pool.

Transfer Policy (traditional BSN)

  • Viterbo will admit two cohorts intro the professional nursing sequence (fall and spring). In addition, transfer students will have the option to apply for direct entry into the professional nursing sequence if they meet all qualifications. The size of each cohort is limited and priority is given to current Viterbo students. See application requirements in Admission to the Professional Nursing Program section above.
  • Transfer students need to first apply and be accepted into Viterbo University as a nursing major. In order to be a nursing major, students must meet the following requirements:
    • Submit high school transcript or equivalency which includes high school rank data
    • Submit transcripts from all previous post-secondary schools attended
    • Submit ACT data, if the test was taken, with results indicating a composite score of 18.
      • Applicants with a composite ACT score below 18 must be reviewed by the Viterbo admissions committee. 
      • If no ACT data is available, placement testing in math, reading, writing, and an interview, may be requested prior to acceptance.
    • Completion of one year of high school chemistry, or equivalent, with grade of “C” or better
    • Completion of two years of high school algebra, or equivalent, with grade of “C” or better
    • Cumulative GPA of 2.75 on transfer credits (total earned points divided by number of credits)
  • Once admitted to the university as a nursing major, transfer students may then submit a separate application to the professional nursing sequence if they meet all of the following academic criteria:
    • ENGL 103 or 105 or 195
    • PSYC 171
    • BIOL 104 and 114 (with grades of C or better)
    • CHEM 106 or 120 and 121 (with a grade of C or better)
    • Cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.75 or above
  • Additional requirements once admitted into the program are:
    • Current State Certified Nurse Assistant;
    • Current CPR for health professionals (American Heart Association);
    • Nursing Math test (administered at Viterbo);
    • Health physical, immunizations, and criminal background check

The deadline to complete these additional requirements is designated in the acceptance letters to the professional nursing sequence.

Clinical Requirements (traditional BSN) ALL STUDENTS

  • Prior to starting the professional nursing sequence, students must show completion of the following: 
    • Current state certification as a nursing assistant (CNA),
    • Current CPR for Health Professionals (American Heart Association),
    • Up-to-date health history and immunization profile including: 
      • Physical examination form - Nursing Physical Form;
      • Record of up-to-date immunization status including – tetanus, diphtheria, measles, mumps, rubella, hepatitis B, COVID-19 (complete series), and varicella,
      • Results of an annual Tuberculin test .
      • Failure to have these documents on file by the first day of classes may result in being dropped from the professional sequence.
  • It is required that the student’s health file and CPR certification remain current throughout the course of the program. Failure to comply will mean that the student will not be allowed to begin or to continue in clinical practicum experiences.
  • 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 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 prior to beginning the first clinical practicum in nursing. Students also are required to complete background information disclosure statements at the beginning of each level of the program to insure that requirements continue to be met. In addition, clinical agencies may have other specific requirements that students must meet prior to placement. 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.
  • Viterbo University School of Nursing utilizes a wide variety of community agencies to assist students in meeting the nursing curriculum objectives. Each student is responsible for his/her own transportation to and from these clinical agencies.
  • Students will be required to purchase their own liability insurance for any clinical experiences occurring outside of the university semester dates.
  • Additional requirements related to the professional program can be found in the current B.S.N. student handbook (traditional program) http://www.viterbo.edu/bachelor-sciencenursing/student-handbook.

Progression in the Professional Nursing Sequence (traditional BSN)

  • In order to progress in the professional nursing sequence, students must earn a grade of C in BIOL 296 or repeat the course until a grade of C is earned.
  • Students are expected to earn grades of C or higher in nursing courses. Students who earn a grade of CD or lower in a nursing course will be placed on probation and must earn grades of C or better in all remaining nursing courses.  Failure to do so will result in dismissal from the program.
  • In addition, students must maintain a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.5 or higher throughout the nursing program. Failure to do so will result in being dropped from the program until the 2.5 GPA is reestablished.

Readmission Policy (traditional BSN)

  • An individual previously dismissed from the School of Nursing seeking readmission shall be required to complete a readmission packet. The guidelines shall be obtained from the Associate Dean of Undergraduate Nursing Programs. The completed readmission packet will be evaluated on an individual basis by a readmission board.
Learning Outcomes
  • Provide holistic relationship-based care that is congruent with the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion for all persons, families, communities, and society.
  • Communicate and collaborates effectively with clients, health team members, and community stakeholders to achieve optimal holistic health outcomes.
  • Integrate knowledge from the liberal arts, the sciences, health information technologies, and the discipline of nursing to provide professional holistic nursing care.
  • Demonstrats safe, evidence-informed clinical reasoning in designing and providing professional holistic nursing care to achieve quality health outcomes.
  • Provide respectful and compassionate care through incorporating the values, standards, and ethical principles of the nursing discipline.
  • Demonstrate development as a professional holistic nurse leader through reflective practice, self-care, and scholarly inquiry.
     
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