Business Administration

About Business Administration

Gain the knowledge, experience, and confidence to thrive in today’s competitive business world. 

Through internships, hands-on projects, and personalized advising, you’ll turn business theory into practical skills that employers want. Graduate ready to lead with integrity, solve real-world challenges, and adapt to the demands of a fast-changing market. 

Program Highlights:

  • 100% job placement within 6 months of graduation
  • Guaranteed paid internships
  • Strong alumni network

Careers in finance

Viterbo graduates go on to become

  • Administrative Manager
  • Customer Service Representative
  • Account Executive
  • Sales Representative
  • Director
  • Operations Manager
  • Account Manager

100% job placement within 6 months of graduation

Guaranteed paid internship for every student

Strong alumni network

Why study this program at Viterbo?
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Guaranteed paid internships

Every BBA student completes a guaranteed paid internship, gaining valuable industry experience and building professional connections. Many students transition directly into full-time roles with their internship organizations.

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4+1 Program

Our 4+1 program ensures that accounting majors graduate with the 150 credits necessary to sit for the CPA exam. 

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Project-based learning

Turn classroom theory into practical results through real-world case studies, team projects, and simulations. You'll graduate with a portfolio of applied work that demonstrates your skills to employers. 

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Finance

About Finance

Build the expertise, leadership, and ethical foundation to make informed financial decisions and excel in a dynamic industry.

Viterbo’s finance program equips students with comprehensive financial knowledge while strengthening analytical, communication, leadership, and decision-making skills, providing the essential tools to thrive in today’s fast-paced and evolving financial landscape.

Program Highlights:

Quick Facts

Degree Options
Finance (BBA)
Finance (Minor)
College/School

Dahl School of Business

Credits Required for Graduation

120

Cost and Aid

Explore Costs

Financial Aid Support

Admissions Counselor

Luke Clift
admissions@viterbo.edu
608-796-3026

Schedule a Call

Careers in finance

Viterbo graduates go on to become

  • Financial Advisor
  • Corporate finance associate
  • Financial analyst
  • Financial Planner
  • Investment advisor
  • Personal banker
  • Portfolio analyst
  • Risk management specialist
  • Wealth Manager

Paid internships for all finance students

ACBSP-accredited business program

10–17% job growth rate expected for financial advisors

Why study this program at Viterbo?
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Hands-on Learning

Every finance business major completes a paid internship, gaining valuable workplace experience and building a professional network. Many students transition directly from internship to full-time employment, often before graduation. 

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Finance Simulation Lab Access

Step into the Charles D. Gelatt Finance Simulation Lab—a high-tech environment equipped with live market data, multi-screen displays, and industry software. It’s where classroom theory meets real-time decision making.  

Charles D. Gelatt Finance Lab
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Project-based

Apply what you learn in class to marketing challenges for local and regional organizations.

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4+1 program

Earn your MBA in just one additional year

Plan ahead and accelerate your future with Viterbo University’s 4+1 MBA program. Designed for Viterbo undergraduate students, the program allows you to earn your bachelor’s degree and MBA faster, saving you time and money while building valuable skills for leadership and management careers.

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Accounting

About Accounting

Master the fundamentals that drive business decisions.

Viterbo’s accounting program is known for building strong technical and leadership skills in a dynamic, in-demand profession. Often called the language of business, accounting offers diverse career opportunities and strong earning potential.

Program Highlights:

  • 100% of graduates employed or in graduate school
  • ACBSP-accredited
  • Paid internship experience
  • Finance simulation lab access
  • Embedded servant leadership and wealth management certificates

Quick Facts

Degree Options
Accounting (BBA)
Accounting (Minor)
College/School

Dahl School of Business

Credits Required for Graduation

120

Cost and Aid

Explore Costs

Financial Aid Support

Admissions Counselor

Luke Clift
admissions@viterbo.edu
608-796-3026

Schedule a Call

Careers in accounting

Viterbo graduates go on to become

  • Accountant
  • Accounts Payable/Accounts Receivable Specialists
  • Treasurer and Bookkeeper
  • Tax Preparer
  • Collections Analyst

100%

of graduates employed or in graduate school

Accredited by

Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP)

$68,730

average salary for accountants in Wisconsin

Don't miss out

Why study this program at Viterbo?
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Paid Internship Experience

All accounting majors complete a guaranteed paid internship, gain real-world experience, grow their networks, and often secure a job offers before graduation.

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Finance Simulation Lab Access

Build practical skills in our state-of-the-art Charles D. Gelatt Finance Simulation Laboratory, featuring live market data and industry-standard software for hands-on financial analysis and accounting practice.  

Charles D. Gelatt Finance Lab
Professor working on whiteboard

Embedded Certificates

Our embedded Servant Leadership and Wealth Management Certificates enhance your knowledge of financial planning, ethics, and client-focused decision-making.

Student thinking

4+1 program

Earn your MBA in just one additional year

Plan ahead and accelerate your future with Viterbo University’s 4+1 MBA program. Designed for Viterbo undergraduate students, the program allows you to earn your bachelor’s degree and MBA faster, saving you time and money while building valuable skills for leadership and management careers.

Learn More
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Military Leadership (Minor)

Overview

The military leadership minor provides the foundation leadership practice and principles that will prepare students to lead effectively within and outside a military career. It pairs a rigorous military leadership curriculum with additional perspectives from the study of history and servant leadership. This minor requires a minimum of 15 credits.

Data Analytics (BBA)

Overview

The data analytics program combines core business curriculum with courses in business intelligence, data analysis, and computer science, machine learning, and ethics. The program will help develop the next generation of ethically-centered and data-informed business leaders.

Policy
  • All students pursuing the BBA degree must maintain a cumulative grade point average of 2.5 or higher (on a 4.0 scale) in the major requirement courses, and students must receive a letter grade of C (2.0) or higher in each of these courses. If a grade of CD or below is earned in any of these courses, the course must be repeated until a grade of C or higher is achieved. Students pursuing the business education major must maintain a 2.75 grade point average in all business and education coursework.
  • All transfer students seeking an undergraduate degree offered by the Dahl School of Business must earn a minimum of 15 credits of business or computer science coursework at Viterbo University.
  • Students completing a bachelor completion degree may not concurrently double major or double degree in a major offered as a traditional student major. 
Learning Outcomes
  • Apply principles of various business disciplines to solve complex issues using strategic and critical approaches to decision-making and problem solving.
  • Demonstrate sound ethical decision-making skills to machine learning, logistics, data visualization, strategy, project management, business forecasting and modeling.
  • Demonstrate capacity to clean, prepare, and utilize data in analytics tasks.
  • Communicate clearly and objectively and effectively convey business intelligence.

The Servant Leadership Embedded Certificate is embedded within the Business Core curriculum. The certificate outcomes include the following:

  • Practice ethical decision-making
  • Communicate through storytelling
  • Develop contemplation and discernment
  • Understand how to build community and support the Common Good
Addendum

Data Analytics (transfer agreements) Major (Bachelor of Business Administration)

The Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree must have been earned after May 2019 or earlier so long as the curriculum is similar enough to the 2023 AAS curriculum to meet ACBSP accreditation requirements as determined by a Viterbo transfer specialist. Students may not begin these specifically-articulated transfer programs or be considered a student in these programs until the AAS degree has been completed and documented on the technical college transcript. A student who did not complete the AAS degree could instead complete the requirements of the general major, and any completed courses of the AAS would count toward the major, but in order to come into this articulated transfer agreement program, the AAS must be completed prior to transfer to Viterbo. The student cannot be dually enrolled.

  • Core curriculum and mission seminars (32-52 credits) – see core curriculum section of catalog
  • Major requirements (28-48 credits) – see below
  • 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.

Western TC - Data Analytics

ACCT 212, BLAW-343, DATA-498, ECON-101, FINA-331, INFO-103, MATH-230, 335, MGMT-374, MKTG-351, SVLD-260, 4 credits of MGMT-487

Ethical Leadership (EdD) with Superintendent license

Overview

The superintendent track of the EdD in Ethical leadership brings together Viterbo University's expertise in servant leadership and education to instill ethical leadership in education to support our future administrators. Graduates of this track will receive their EdD in Ethical Leadership and the coursework and practicum necessary for the Wisconsin (WI 5003) Superintendent licensure.

Candidates must possess a principal licensure for admission.

  • Credit hours: 51
  • Location: La Crosse, WI
Policy

Admissions Criteria

Applicants must have earned a master's degree from an accredited program, with a minimum cumulative 3.0 GPA, and hold an administrative license.

Policy
Grades
Students must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 for all coursework, with no individual grade lower than a C.

Attendance
Each course syllabus will detail the asynchronous and synchronous components of the course. If synchronous components (either online or in person) are required and a student is unable to attend a class, the student must contact the instructor and take responsibility to meet the class objectives (including possible written make-up work). All EDUL courses, as well as ETHL-729, have required on campus, in-person components.

Completion
All requirements for the degree must be completed within seven years.

Transfer Credit

Up to 12 credits of graduate-level coursework may be transferred to Viterbo University. Credits must be above and beyond the requirements of a previously earned degree, from a program that was not completed, or from a non-degree granting program (e.g. licensure). Credits must meet equivalency requirements on an Ethical Leadership EdD course (i.e. analogous learning outcomes). Students may be asked to provide course syllabi to show the equivalency. To be considered for transfer, a grade of "B" or better must have been earned. Transfer credits must be from an accredited institution of higher education and completed within the last seven years. Coursework older than seven years may be credited based on individual review of the coursework. Requests to transfer credits must be made in the student's first semester. Please contact the Program Director if you have previously completed a WI state Superintendent license.

Dissertation

All students will complete a dissertation prior to graduation from the EdD program. During the program students are prepared with the knowledge and skills necessary to successfully accomplish a dissertation. Each student will select a faculty mentor and a committee to help with the process. A final copy of the dissertation will be submitted to the program director and archived in the Viterbo University Todd Wehr Memorial Library.

Learning Outcomes

  • Analyze and apply leadership theories to inform ethical practice and solve problems of practice

  • Practice ethical reasoning skills (including self-reflection, problem-solving, collaboration, and change facilitation) based in knowledge of ethical theories

  • Promote and assess diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging efforts and power-sharing across differences in their organizational settings

  • Articulate complex ideas through oral and written communication

  • Conceptualize, produce, and disseminate scholarly research in leadership studies that fosters equity, organizational growth, or change

  • Engage in leadership praxis (action and reflection) for the common good with a social justice orientation

  • Develop and support intellectually rigorous and coherent systems of curriculum, instruction, and assessment to promote each pupil’s academic success and well-being.

  • Develop the professional capacity, practice, and professional community of school personnel to promote each pupil’s academic success and well-being.

  • Effectively manage school operations and resources to promote each pupil’s academic success and well-being.

Addendum

The Ethical Leadership EdD was approved by the Higher Learning Commission in April 2022.

Ethical Leadership (EdD)

Overview

Students will explore various philosophies of leadership and ethical decision-making skills to create a diverse, equitable, and inclusive organization. Our ethical leadership post-master's doctorate is a transformative program building on Viterbo University’s rich history in developing servant leaders.  Graduates with this leadership degree will go on to be chief diversity officers, senior management, and change-makers within their organizations.

  • Credit hours: 48
  • Location La Crosse, WI
Policy

Admissions Criteria

Applicants must have earned a master's degree from an accredited program, with a minimum cumulative 3.0 GPA.

Policy
Grades
Students must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 for all coursework, with no individual grade lower than a C.

Attendance
Much of the EdD is online. Each course syllabus will detail the asynchronous and synchronous components of the course. If synchronous components are required and a student is unable to attend a class, the student must contact the instructor and take responsibility to meet the class objectives (including possible written make-up work). Two courses, ETHL-724 and ETHL-729, have required in-person (La Crosse, WI) components during the summer.

Completion
All requirements for the degree must be completed within seven years.

Transfer Credit

Up to 12 credits of graduate-level coursework may be transferred into the EdD in Ethical Leadership. To be eligible for transfer, credit must be above and beyond the requirements of a previously earned degree, from a program that was not completed, or from a non-degree granting program (e.g. licensure). A transfer course must be a match for a specific course within the program, meeting the equivalency requirements (i.e. analogous learning outcomes). Students may be asked to provide course syllabi to show the equivalency. To be considered for transfer, a grade of "B" or better must have been earned. Transfer credits must be from an accredited institution of higher education and completed within the last seven years. Coursework older than seven years may be credited based on individual review of the coursework. Requests to transfer credits must be made in the student's first semester. Please contact the Program Director if you have previously completed a WI state Superintendent license.

Dissertation

All students will complete a dissertation prior to graduation from the EdD program. During the program students are prepared with the knowledge and skills necessary to successfully accomplish a dissertation. Each student will select a faculty mentor and a committee to help with the process. A final copy of the dissertation will be submitted to the program director and archived in the Viterbo University Todd Wehr Memorial Library.

Learning Outcomes

  • Analyze and apply leadership theories to inform ethical practice and solve problems of practice

  • Practice ethical reasoning skills (including self-reflection, problem-solving, collaboration, and change facilitation) based in knowledge of ethical theories

  • Promote and assess diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging efforts and power-sharing across differences in their organizational settings

  • Articulate complex ideas through oral and written communication

  • Conceptualize, produce, and disseminate scholarly research in leadership studies that fosters equity, organizational growth, or change

  • Engage in leadership praxis (action and reflection) for the common good with a social justice orientation

Addendum

The Ethical Leadership EdD was approved by the Higher Learning Commission in April 2022.

Accounting (BBA Degree Completion)

Overview

Viterbo’s accounting degree completion program is an online program that allows students to complete a Bachelor of Business Administration degree following the completion of an associate degree in accounting or the completion of the required accounting prerequisite courses. Accounting represents the study of measurement, processing, and communication of financial information, allowing students to build upon their practical experience and skills while expanding upon knowledge in finance, management, and leadership.

Policy
  • All students pursuing the B.B.A. degree must maintain a cumulative grade point average of 2.5 or higher (on a 4.0 scale) in the major requirement courses, and students must receive a letter grade of C (2.0) or higher in each of these courses. If a grade of CD or below is earned in any of these courses, the course must be repeated until a grade of C or higher is achieved. Students pursuing the business education major must maintain a 2.75 grade point average in all business and education coursework.
  • All transfer students seeking an undergraduate degree offered by the Dahl School of Business must earn a minimum of 15 credits of business coursework at Viterbo University.
  • Students completing a bachelor completion degree may not concurrently double major or double degree in a major offered as a traditional student major.
Learning Outcomes
  • Apply principles of various business disciplines to solve complex issues using strategic and critical approaches to decision-making and problem-solving
  • Demonstrate sound ethical decision-making skills to identify, analyze, and resolve workplace issues in financial accounting, auditing, and taxation
  • Communicate clearly and objectively and understand that these skills are critical in the accounting profession
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the legal and regulatory environment and analyze the impact of changes in relevant requirements, constraints, and competitive practices

The Servant Leadership Embedded Certificate is embedded within the Business Core curriculum. The certificate outcomes include the following:

  • Practice ethical decision-making
  • Communicate through storytelling
  • Develop contemplation and discernment
  • Understand how to build community and support the Common Good

The Wealth Management Embedded Certificate is embedded within the Finance major, accounting major, and accounting degree completion curriculums. The certificate outcomes include the following:

  • Understand risk and reward for individual assets and portfolios
  • Know and apply the value and limits of diversification
  • Understand types of investments and their role in strategic asset allocation
  • Describe risk and risk management for assets in different asset markets
Addendum

Accounting (transfer agreement/degree completion) Major (Bachelor of Business Administration)

The Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree must have been earned from a participant school in the statewide accounting program articulation agreement after May 2023 or earlier so long as the curriculum is similar enough to the 2023 AAS curriculums to meet ACBSP accreditation requirements as determined by a Viterbo transfer specialist. Students may not begin these specifically-articulated transfer programs or be considered a student in these programs until the AAS degree has been completed and documented on the technical college transcript. A student who did not complete the AAS degree could instead complete the requirements of the general major, and any completed courses of the AAS would count toward the major, but in order to come into this articulated transfer agreement program, the AAS must be completed prior to transfer to Viterbo. The student cannot be dually enrolled. 

  • Core curriculum – see core curriculum section of catalog
  • Major requirements (28-48 credits) – see below
  • Final degree requirements – a minimum of 120 college level credits, minimum of 30 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.

Wisconsin TC Statewide - Accounting

ACCT 416 or 418, 425, BUSL 306, 309, 318, 400, 401, SVLD 330

Master of Arts in Servant Leadership (MASL)

Overview

Mission Statement: The Master of Arts in Servant Leadership prepares individuals to engage in faithful, creative, and courageous leadership for the common good.

Program Goals:
1) To grow as persons and leaders
2) To cultivate healthy organizational cultures
3) To advance the common good for communities and society
4) To integrate contemplation and action
5) To foster an empathetic commitment to the dignity of all people

Policy

Transfer Credit
Participants may transfer up to nine credits of prior graduate coursework into the MASL program. Credit will only be granted for coursework completed within the last 10 years at a regionally accredited university. Requests to transfer credits must be made in the student’s first semester and accompanied by an official transcript from the institution at which prior credits were earned. To be considered for credit, students must: 1) demonstrate the relevance of the prior coursework to existing MASL program learning outcomes and 2) have earned a B or better in the prior coursework.

Portfolio
MASL students often bring a level of experience and knowledge to academic programs that has been acquired through work, training, or life experiences. For more information on how students may earn graduate credits for prior learning, see the Credit for Prior Learning policy under the Academic Policies and Regulations (Alternative Credit) section of the catalog.

Course Cancellation Policy
In the event that a weekend class must be cancelled due to an event beyond the control of Viterbo University and/or the Master of Arts in Servant Leadership program (e.g., weather, faculty illness, etc.), every effort will be made to reschedule the class. The professor will issue a revised syllabus and make-up coursework.

Learning Outcomes
  • Articulate a vision of servant leadership as a vocation
  • Demonstrate knowledge of key theories, principles, and practices of servant leadership
  • Utilize practical approaches, reflective practices, and skills of servant leadership
  • Analyze organizational and institutional mission, culture, and power dynamics
  • Apply ethical principles and theories in decision-making that contribute to transformational change for the common good
  • Integrate contemplation and work through individual and communal rituals
  • Practice hospitality that demonstrates a reverence for diverse peoples and cultures
Addendum

Nonprofit leadership emphasis: the above requirements, including six credits from MGMT or SVLD courses approved by MASL program chair. In addition, students pursuing this emphasis must focus their research project on issues related to nonprofit organizations.

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