Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)

Overview

Viterbo University’s graduate nursing program is specifically 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. Graduates in this track will be prepared to manage health and illness states of varying complexity in persons across the lifespan and to promote optimum health-related quality of life. The provision of high quality, cost effective primary health care to patients/families/aggregates in a variety of settings is emphasized.

  • National Board Certification Pathway (Primary Care)
  • 3-4 year plans; 61-64 credits 
  • For students with a BSN or MSN who want to provide primary care to patients across the lifespan 

Family Studies (Minor)

Overview

The Family Studies minor is an interdisciplinary program which focuses on human development within the family context. The two primary focuses of the minor are on nature of family interactions and family issues, and family interactions within broader social institutions. Students take mainly a mixture of social work and psychology courses, helped with options in nursing, philosophy, and criminal justice classes, in order to fulfill the requirements laid out to become a family studies minor. The minor is beneficial to all students and supports work in a variety of fields including health care, social services, counseling, youth services, teaching, ministry, family law, and business.

Sociology (Minor)

Overview

The Sociology minor is designed to promote interdisciplinary collaboration for students majoring in another field. Students find sociology to be a highly flexible and applicable minor to pair with their major field of study in order to investigate theoretical ideas and social relations within institutions and organizations that exist in society. The sociology minor will encourage students to better understand the social relationships we participate in everyday, while also driving students to learn more about the intricacies of sociology as it relates to their major.

Social Work (BS)

Overview

Viterbo’s social work program is nationally accredited by the Council on Social Work Education and provides students with the hands-on and experiential learning necessary to prepare them for a rewarding and dynamic profession. As part of this program, students will participate in a 30-hour per week, 400-hour internship in a social service setting working with a trained social work practicum instructor. Small classes and challenging courses are led by caring faculty who have extensive experience as social workers.

Policy
  • Admission
    • The professional social work course sequence begins at the junior level. Students apply to the professional phase of the program by completing a formal application for admission. The application is due Feb. 1 of the sophomore year for formal admission to the junior year courses. Only applications from change of major or transfer students will be accepted after Feb. 1. The application is available online through the Viterbo social work web page.
    • The applicant must satisfy the following criteria: completion of 30 credits, cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.5 based on a 4.0 scale at the time of application, B or better in SOWK 210 (this course may be repeated once), written application to the social work program, interview required at the discretion of the admissions committee, completion of the pre-professional prerequisite curriculum with grades of C or higher prior to beginning the professional sequence courses.
    • Meeting minimum standards does not guarantee admission to the professional social work program. The social work admissions committee may find it necessary to deny admission to a qualified applicant because of enrollment limits in the professional social work sequence and practicum education. Students have the right to appeal a denial of admission to the social work program according to the procedures outlined in the Social Work Student Handbook.
    • The social work program will not approve academic credit given for life experience or previous work experience in whole or in part, in lieu of practicum education or academic course work. The social work program does not offer students an opportunity to receive credit by examination for social work courses.
  • Progression in the professional phase of the social work program
    • In order to progress in the professional social work program, students must maintain a 2.50 grade point average (GPA) based on a 4.0 scale in SOWK 240, 280, 321, 331, 341, 442, 479, 482, and SOCL 338, receive a minimum grade of C or better in SOWK 240, 275, 280, 321, 331, 341, 442, 451, 479, 482, and SOCL 338, receive a grade of CR (credit) in SOWK 480, maintain an overall cumulative GPA of 2.5, achieve grades of C or better in all prerequisite and support courses.
  • Admission to practicum education
    • The professional social work curriculum culminates with a one semester 450 hour practicum education experience in an approved agency setting. Students are required to complete an application process for acceptance to practicum education one semester before intended entry. Only social work majors who have completed all courses in the professional phases of the social work curriculum and all support courses for the major, except SOWK 480 and 482, and meet criteria for practicum education will be admitted into practicum education. A criminal background check is required to enter practicum education. Students with a history of physical violence, sexual misconduct, or any other offense which would make the student unemployable as a social worker may be denied admission to practicum education in a particular semester. Admission into practicum education is limited by the number of opportunities for placement in certified practicum agencies. In the event that practicum education applications exceed placement sites, eligible students will be accepted based on the number of credits completed.
Learning Outcomes
  • Demonstrate ethical and professional behavior
  • Advance human rights and social, economic, and environmental justice
  • Engage anti-racism, diversity, equity, and inclusion (ADEI) in practice
  • Engage in practice-informed research and research-informed practice
  • Engage in policy practice
  • Engage with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities
  • Assess individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities
  • Intervene with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities
  • Evaluate practice with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities
Addendum

Social Work (transfer agreement) Major (Bachelor of Science)

Students with an earned AAS degree in human services from Western Technical College may earn a Bachelor of Science with a major in social work. The degree must have been earned May 2013 or later.  Students may not begin this program or be considered a student in this program until the AAS degree has been completed and documented on a transcript. The student cannot be dually enrolled. The AAS degree must be completed prior to transfer to Viterbo. Students must fulfill all requirements for the Core Curriculum, mission seminars, major requirements, Bachelor of Science requirements and final degree requirements.  Transfer courses and waivers and/or substitutions could modify the credit total in the core curriculum and major.

Undergraduate Student Enrollment in Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling

Exceptional undergraduate students seeking a bachelor degree in social work can apply to the Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling (MSMDC) 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.

Social Work (BA)

Overview

Viterbo’s social work program is nationally accredited by the Council on Social Work Education and provides students with the hands-on and experiential learning necessary to prepare them for a rewarding and dynamic profession. As part of this program, students will participate in a 30-hour per week, 400-hour internship in a social service setting working with a trained social work practicum instructor. Small classes and challenging courses are led by caring faculty who have extensive experience as social workers.

Policy
  • Admission
    • The professional social work course sequence begins at the junior level. Students apply to the professional phase of the program by completing a formal application for admission. The application is due Feb. 1 of the sophomore year for formal admission to the junior year courses. Only applications from change of major or transfer students will be accepted after Feb. 1. The application is available online through the Viterbo social work web page.
    • The applicant must satisfy the following criteria: completion of 30 credits, cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.5 based on a 4.0 scale at the time of application, B or better in SOWK 210 (this course may be repeated once), written application to the social work program, interview required at the discretion of the admissions committee, completion of the pre-professional prerequisite curriculum with grades of C or higher prior to beginning the professional sequence courses.
    • Meeting minimum standards does not guarantee admission to the professional social work program. The social work admissions committee may find it necessary to deny admission to a qualified applicant because of enrollment limits in the professional social work sequence and practicum education. Students have the right to appeal a denial of admission to the social work program according to the procedures outlined in the Social Work Student Handbook.
    • The social work program will not approve academic credit given for life experience or previous work experience in whole or in part, in lieu of practicum education or academic course work. The social work program does not offer students an opportunity to receive credit by examination for social work courses.
  • Progression in the professional phase of the social work program
    • In order to progress in the professional social work program, students must maintain a 2.50 grade point average (GPA) based on a 4.0 scale in SOWK 240, 280, 321, 331, 341, 442, 479, 482, and SOCL 338, receive a minimum grade of C or better in SOWK 240, 275, 280, 321, 331, 341, 442, 451, 479, 482, and SOCL 338, receive a grade of CR (credit) in SOWK 480, maintain an overall cumulative GPA of 2.5, achieve grades of C or better in all prerequisite and support courses.
  • Admission to practicum education
    • The professional social work curriculum culminates with a one semester 450 hour practicum education experience in an approved agency setting. Students are required to complete an application process for acceptance to practicum education one semester before intended entry. Only social work majors who have completed all courses in the professional phases of the social work curriculum and all support courses for the major, except SOWK 480 and 482, and meet criteria for practicum education will be admitted into practicum education. A criminal background check is required to enter practicum education. Students with a history of physical violence, sexual misconduct, or any other offense which would make the student unemployable as a social worker may be denied admission to practicum education in a particular semester. Admission into practicum education is limited by the number of opportunities for placement in certified practicum agencies. In the event that practicum education applications exceed placement sites, eligible students will be accepted based on the number of credits completed.
Learning Outcomes
  • Demonstrate ethical and professional behavior
  • Advance human rights and social, economic, and environmental justice
  • Engage anti-racism, diversity, equity, and inclusion (ADEI) in practice
  • Engage in practice-informed research and research-informed practice
  • Engage in policy practice
  • Engage with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities
  • Assess individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities
  • Intervene with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities
  • Evaluate practice with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities
Addendum

Undergraduate Student Enrollment in Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling

Exceptional undergraduate students seeking a bachelor degree in social work can apply to the Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling (MSMDC) 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.

Psychology (BS)

Overview

Viterbo’s psychology program provides students with faculty mentors who teach a curriculum that includes development, emotions, social influences on behavior, the brain, cognitive processes, mental health, communication, and interpersonal skills. The coursework and experiences in this program prepare students to become licensed counselors or to pursue advanced degrees in a variety of medical, research, private, or nonprofit sectors.

Policy

Students majoring in psychology must maintain a psychology grade point average (GPA) of 2.25 to continue in and graduate from this program. The psychology GPA is based on all grades earned in the required and elective courses taken in psychology. Any student whose psychology GPA falls below 2.25 will be placed on probation for one semester. If the psychology GPA is not raised during that semester, the student may not enroll in further psychology courses. An earned grade of a CD or lower in PSYC 171, 223, 230, or 330 will not be credited toward the psychology major.

Learning Outcomes
  • Demonstrate knowledge of key concepts, principles, and theories in primary content domains of psychology
  • Employ scientific reasoning and critical thinking when evaluating and conducting psychological research
  • Explain and apply ethical principles and standards in the evaluation of psychology science and practice
  • Demonstrate effective interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills as they relate to psychological science and practice
  • Identify their interests and strengths in order to determine realistic and meaningful career options
Addendum

Psychology (transfer agreement) Major (Bachelor of Science)
Students with an earned AAS degree in human services from Western Technical College may earn a Bachelor of Science with a major in psychology. The degree must have been earned May 2016 or later.  Students may not begin this program or be considered a student in this program until the AAS degree has been completed and documented on a transcript. The student cannot be dually enrolled. The AAS degree must be completed prior to transfer to Viterbo. Students must fulfill all requirements for the Core Curriculum, mission seminars, major requirements, Bachelor of Science requirements and final degree requirements. Transfer courses and waivers and/or substitutions could modify the credit total in the core curriculum and major.

Undergraduate Student Enrollment in Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling

Exceptional undergraduate students seeking a bachelor degree in psychology can apply to the Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling (MSMDC) 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.

Criminal and Community Justice (BS)

Overview

Viterbo’s criminal and community justice program provides students with exposure to many aspects of the legal system and careers in corrections, the courts, law enforcement, and victim services. Viterbo students will not only gain knowledge of the structure and function of the criminal justice system, but 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.

Policy
  • Due to the interdisciplinary nature of the criminal and community justice major, students may not minor in sociology unless they take an additional nine credits in sociology, outside those required by the criminal and community justice major.
  • Students must earn a C or better in all courses required for the major. If a student earns less than a C, they must retake the course.
  • Students majoring in criminal and community justice (BA or BS) must maintain a criminal and community justice grade point average (GPA) of 2.25 or higher to continue in and graduate from this program. The criminal and community justice GPA is based on all grades earned in the required and elective courses taken in criminal and community justice and required support courses. Any student whose criminal and community justice GPA falls below 2.25 will be placed on probation for one semester. If the criminal and community justice GPA is not raised during that semester, the student may not enroll in further criminal and community justice courses.
Learning Outcomes
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the structure and function of the components of the criminal and community justice system
  • Demonstrate an understanding of major criminological theories and an ability to apply them to practical examples
  • Employ scientific reasoning and critical thinking when evaluating and conducting social science research about criminal justice issues and policies
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the roles that class, race, and gender play in the workings of the criminal justice system
  • Effectively communicate their ideas orally and in writing
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the professional code of ethics and an ability to make decisions consistent with those standards
Addendum

Criminal and Community Justice (transfer agreement) Major (Bachelor of Arts or Science)

Students with an earned AAS degree from any Wisconsin technical college may earn a Bachelor of Science with a major in criminal and community justice. The degree must have been earned May 2006 or later. Students may not begin these programs or be considered a student in these programs until the AAS degree has been completed and documented on a transcript. The student cannot be dually enrolled. The AAS degree must be completed prior to transfer to Viterbo.

(Available to Wisconsin Technical College graduates with an earned Associate of Applied Science degree in criminal justice.)

  • Core curriculum and mission seminars (32-52 credits) – see core curriculum section of catalog
  • Major requirements (30 credits) – CRMJ 351, 375, 490, PHIL 315 (recommended), PSYC 270 or SOWK 280, PSYC 340, MATH 130 or PSYC 223 or SOCL 243, six credits of CRMJ 487, choose one of the following sequences: SOWK 240 and SOCL 338, PSYC 230 and 330
  • Bachelor of Arts requirement – a minimum of three classes (nine credits minimum) of world language in preferably one, but not more than two languages OR
  • Bachelor of Science requirement – a minimum of 11 credits of natural science and/or mathematics
  • Final degree requirements – a minimum of 120 college level credits, minimum of 40 credits at the 300/400 level

Transfer courses and waivers and/or substitutions could modify the required credit total in the core curriculum and major.

Criminal and Community Justice (transfer agreement) Major (Bachelor of Science)

This degree program provides an opportunity for students to complete one year of coursework at Western Technical College and complete a Bachelor of Science degree with a major in criminal and community justice in three additional years. Students must fulfill all requirements for the Core Curriculum, mission seminars, major requirements, Bachelor of Science requirements and final degree requirements.  Transfer courses and waivers and/or substitutions could modify the credit total in the core curriculum and major.

Criminal and Community Justice (BA)

Overview

Viterbo’s criminal and community justice program provides students with exposure to many aspects of the legal system and careers in corrections, the courts, law enforcement, and victim services. Viterbo students will not only gain knowledge of the structure and function of the criminal justice system, but 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.

Policy
  • Due to the interdisciplinary nature of the criminal and community justice major, students may not minor in sociology unless they take an additional nine credits in sociology, outside those required by the criminal and community justice major.
  • Students must earn a C or better in all courses required for the major. If a student earns less than a C, they must retake the course.
  • Students majoring in criminal and community justice (BA or BS) must maintain a criminal and community justice grade point average (GPA) of 2.25 or higher to continue in and graduate from this program. The criminal and community justice GPA is based on all grades earned in the required and elective courses taken in criminal and community justice and required support courses. Any student whose criminal and community justice GPA falls below 2.25 will be placed on probation for one semester. If the criminal and community justice GPA is not raised during that semester, the student may not enroll in further criminal and community justice courses.
Learning Outcomes
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the structure and function of the components of the criminal and community justice system
  • Demonstrate an understanding of major criminological theories and an ability to apply them to practical examples
  • Employ scientific reasoning and critical thinking when evaluating and conducting social science research about criminal justice issues and policies
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the roles that class, race, and gender play in the workings of the criminal justice system
  • Effectively communicate their ideas orally and in writing
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the professional code of ethics and an ability to make decisions consistent with those standards
Addendum

Criminal and Community Justice (transfer agreement) Major (Bachelor of Arts or Science)

Students with an earned A.A.S. degree from any Wisconsin technical college may earn a Bachelor of Science with a major in criminal and community justice. The degree must have been earned May 2006 or later. Students may not begin these programs or be considered a student in these programs until the A.A.S degree has been completed and documented on a transcript. The student cannot be dually enrolled. The A.A.S degree must be completed prior to transfer to Viterbo.

(Available to Wisconsin Technical College graduates with an earned Associate of Applied Science degree in criminal justice.)

  • Core curriculum and mission seminars (32-52 credits) – see core curriculum section of catalog
  • Major requirements (30 credits) – CRMJ 351, 375, 490, PHIL 315 (recommended), PSYC 270 or SOWK 280, PSYC 340, MATH 130 or PSYC 223 or SOCL 243, six credits of CRMJ 487, choose one of the following sequences: SOWK 240 and SOCL 338, PSYC 230 and 330
  • Bachelor of Arts requirement – a minimum of three classes (nine credits minimum) of world language in preferably one, but not more than two languages OR
  • Bachelor of Science requirement – a minimum of 11 credits of natural science and/or mathematics
  • Final degree requirements – a minimum of 120 college level credits, minimum of 40 credits at the 300/400 level

Transfer courses and waivers and/or substitutions could modify the required credit total in the core curriculum and major.

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