A themed interdisciplinary program of study combining courses from at least two academic disciplinary areas including History, Philosophy, and Art, with a focus on collaborative problem-solving for the common good. Personal choice drives each student’s pathway, with transdisciplinary perspectives and creativity applied to real-world issues in the La Crosse community and beyond. Course-embedded assignments are connected to the D.B. Reinhart Institute for Ethical Leadership series of speakers and annual conference.

The Art track is part of the Ethics, Culture, and Society. Art is a timeless means of communicating human experience. Artistic, creative abilities help move our civilization forward. Students undertaking the art minor at Viterbo University learn what it means to recognize and create sound works of art, and to understand the art forms of cultures throughout history. The art minor provides students with meaningful opportunities to study and practice artistic methods, techniques, and media, embedded with intellectual inquiry and critical analysis. In this minor, students are mentored in their quest to answer relevant questions, like:  How do I generate ideas and discern their strength? How do I turn my ideas into strong, original art forms? How do I craft them with my hands? How might I use art and my creative abilities to serve my community? Students majoring in all disciplines are encouraged to undertake an art minor to enhance their learning experience as they prepare for life beyond college. The minor consists of an 18-credit sequence of courses in studio art and art history. Students are required to take two Foundations courses, one course in art history, and nine credits in studio electives. Studio courses are offered in painting, drawing, sculpture, ceramics, printmaking, photography, and graphic design. 

The history track is part of Ethics, Culture, and Society. It prepares students with a wealth of world knowledge--both past and present. Encouraging curiosity and mindfulness of the events that shape civilization throughout world history defines the choice of this minor. History gives access to all areas of the globe, and the ability to connect ideas across cultures serves students well in their education and career. Studying history grants students a unique opportunity to supplement their skills in written and oral communication, while also learning to be informed citizens of the world.

The Philosophy track is part of Ethics, Culture, and Society. Philosophy is being recognized more and more as one of the strongest and most versatile fields of study. In fact, we live in an age where employers want employees to be more than just knowledgeable in their chosen field, employers want critical thinkers, clear communicators, and ethical decision makers. These skills are central to the study of philosophy, and are taught to students pursuing the philosophy track. This minor is a great supplement for those going into the business world, law, or public policy. 

Students interested in a law career are individually counseled by the pre-law advisor who suggests a program of study and provides information on law school application. Pre-law students are advised to focus on undergraduate majors which develop reading, writing, and critical thinking. This may be more important than focusing on specific content. Maintenance of a relatively high undergraduate grade point average is very important for successful law school admission. Recommended undergraduate majors include, but are not limited to, accounting, criminal justice, English, management, psychology, and ethics, culture, and society. Minors in history, philosophy, and sociology should also be considered. Pre-law students will be advised concerning other courses that will benefit them.