Ethics, Culture, and Society

About Ethics, Culture, and Society

Engage in collaborative problem-solving geared towards improving society, tackling real-world challenges both locally and globally.

Our ethics, culture, and society program invites you to explore an interdisciplinary major where art, history, and philosophy converge, creating a customized degree that resonates with your passions. 

Program Highlights:

  • Customizable degree track
  • Internship, study abroad, and research opportunities
  • Eight minor options
  • Apply skills to real challenges through collaborative, community-based work

Viterbo graduates go on to work in fields such as

  • Law
  • Public Relations
  • Writing
  • Editing
  • Human Resources
  • Media

Customize your degree track

Internship, study abroad, and research opportunities

Eight minors

Why study this program at Viterbo?

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Community Interpreting Certificate

About the Community Interpreting Certificate

The Community Interpreter Certificate at Viterbo University trains bilingual professionals to become qualified interpreters. Our goal is to provide Limited English Proficient individuals language access for effective communication with the providers of private and public organizations, thereby facilitating full and equal access to legal, health, educational, government, commercial and social services.

Who can apply?

The community interpreting certificate has been structured to meet the needs of working people in the Midwest as well as online students from other regions of the country or the globe. Both international students and Dreamers are encouraged and welcome to apply. Acceptance is based on a successful application/interview/entrance exam. The following are eligible to apply for the certificate:

  • Graduates of language programs
  • Individuals working in the field with no previous training in interpreting
  • Bilingual professionals working in fields not related to interpreting
  • Individuals of any immigration status are eligible for the program
  • Juniors and seniors attending high school in Wisconsin with high proficiency levels in two languages may also be eligible to participate through the Early College Credit program of Wisconsin

How does it work?

This certificate program is a total of 13 credits and takes one academic year to complete (August–May). The four required courses are taught in an online format, with a face-to-face option for local students. There is also a one-credit internship to be completed in spring semester.

Who will receive a certificate?

Students will be eligible to receive the certificate after completing the following requirements:

  • Apply to the certificate online
  • Entrance exam
  • Successful completion of the four required courses in the certificate
  • Internship/practicum

What is the timeline?

Fall semester (August–December): 
INTP 301 Interpreting Principles (3 credits)
INTP 456 Seminar on Interpreting in Medical and Social Settings (3 credits)

Spring semester (January–May): 
INTP 444 Intercultural Competence and Ethics in Interpreting (3 credits)
INTP 452 Seminar on Interpreting in Business and Legal Settings (3 credits)
NTP 481 Internship Practicum (1 credit)

Useful Links

The following links may provide more information about the important professional associations in the United States that regulate, guide and educate in the field of interpreting. Our program is affiliated with and works closely with all of these organizations with the objective of maintaining the highest of standards and training qualified interpreters to abide by the codes of ethics and standards of practice of the profession.

Questions?

Contact Michelle Pinzl, associate professor and coordinator at 608-796-3492 or mmpinzl@viterbo.edu.

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Spanish

About Spanish

Build fluency, cultural insight, and career-ready communication skills.

Whether you plan to teach, interpret and/or translate, work in health care, or travel the globe, our Spanish program will equip you with the language proficiency, cultural competence, and professional skills to thrive in any career field. 

Program Highlights:

  • 100% Job Placement within six months of graduation
  • Small class sizes with a low 10:1 student-faculty ratio
  • Four-week Spanish immersion experience in Spanish-speaking country
  • Engage in community projects to apply language skills in real settings
  • Gain publishing experience through Viterbo's student-led Spanish newpaper El Sol

Viterbo graduates go on to become

  • Teachers
  • Translators or interpreters (medical, educational, business, legal)
  • Bilingual nurses, social workers, etc.
  • Writers
  • Journalists
  • Travel agents
  • Immigration officers
  • Flight Attendants
  • Foreign Affairs Officials

100% Job Placement within six months of graduation

Small class sizes with a low 10:1 student-faculty ratio

Four-week Spanish immersion experience in Spanish-speaking country

Why study this program at Viterbo?

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English

About English

Develop, practice, and perfect your writing and research skills in small, vibrant classes with talented faculty.

We prepare students to succeed in careers that value critical thinking, writing, artistry, researching, teaching, and a variety of other skills. Additionally, we offer students valuable research and creative opportunities, and invite them to participate in student-led university publications. As faculty and mentors, we value building dedicated relationships with students in the hopes of not only enriching their academic experiences, but providing crucial aspects of a liberal arts education that prepare students for life beyond the university.

Program Highlights:

  • Small class sizes
  • Talented faculty scholars and writers
  • Three built-in practicum experiences in publishing and journalism
  • Contribute to multiple student-run publications

Viterbo graduates go on to work in fields such as

  • Publishing
  • Advertising
  • Digital Marketing
  • Editing
  • Creative Writing
  • Law
  • Public Relations
  • Journalism
  • Research
  • Technical Writing
  • Education
  • Government
  • Public Policy

Small classes led by award-winning writers and scholars

3 built-in practicum experiences in publishing and journalism

73% of employers look for written communication skills on a resume (National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE))

Why study this program at Viterbo?

Program Overview

English at Viterbo

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Computer Science

About Computer Science

Develop skills in data science, software engineering, robotics, and web development, while building a professional portfolio to showcase your work. 

Through team-based projects and career-focused coursework, you’ll gain the tools to solve complex problems and communicate technical ideas as an innovative leader. 

Program Highlights:

  • Internship or co-op pathway
  • Experiential learning with integrated course projects
  • Embedded systems fundamentals

Careers in computer science

Viterbo graduates go on to become:

  • Web developer
  • Software developer
  • Data Engineer
  • Cloud solutions engineer
  • Cybersecurity specialist
  • Network administrator
  • Robotics programmer
  • Systems architect
  • Sales Engineer

100%

of computer science students complete an internship or co-op

$96,000

median annual wage for computer programmers

15–20%

job growth rate expected by 2034

Why study this program at Viterbo?

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Doctor of Counselor Education and Supervision

About the Doctor of Counselor Education and Supervision

Develop the expertise to lead in academics, clinical supervision, and specialized counseling with our EdD in Counselor Education and Supervision. 

Our doctoral program in counselor education and supervision features active learning through service delivery, a strong research focus, and a multicultural emphasis. Our graduates enjoy a 100% licensure rate and a 100% job placement rate within six months.

Program Highlights: 

  • CACREP Accredited through 2032
  • Can be completed in 3 years or extended to meet your needs
  • Designed to fit your busy schedule
  • Hybrid format featuring weekly classes held online, weekend intensives on campus, and practicum and internship courses delivered via a combination of in-person and online formats
  • Gain real-world experiences through multiple internships

CACREP Accredited through 2032

Can be completed in 3 years or extended to meet your needs

Requires 60-credit master’s degree for entry

Why study this program at Viterbo?

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Master of Science in School Counseling

About the Master of Science in School Counseling

Launch a meaningful, in-demand career as a school counselor with the interpersonal skills and cultural competence needed to support diverse student communities. 

School counselors play a crucial role in helping students navigate challenges and reach their full potential. Viterbo’s program prepares you to provide academic, career, social, and emotional support for K–12 students in the classroom, in small groups, and in individual services. 

CACREP accredited

Program Highlights: 

  • CACREP Accredited
  • 100% placement rates
  • 7-10 semesters
  • Wisconsin DPI approved program
  • Designed for working adults
  • Play therapy expertiselumn 2 content

Why study this program at Viterbo?

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Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling

About Mental Health Counseling

Build the clinical skills, knowledge, and ethical foundation needed for a career as a licensed mental health counselor.

Viterbo’s program combines rigorous coursework with supervised clinical training to prepare students for professional counseling practice. Students develop skills in assessment, intervention, and ethical decision-making while learning to support diverse client needs across a range of mental health settings.

Program Highlights: 

  • 95% job placement rate
  • Seven-semester accelerated path program
  • CACREP approved/accredited through 2032
  • Designed for the adult learner
  • Benefit from successful student outcomes
  • Play therapy expertise

Program career options

Viterbo graduates go on to become

  • Licensed professional counselor (LPC)
  • Licensed mental health counselor (LMHC)
  • Licensed professional clinical counselor (LPCC)
  • Substance abuse counselor (SAC)

17% projected job growth rate

Seven-semester accelerated path program

CACREP approved/accredited through 2032

Why study this program at Viterbo?

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Psychology

About Psychology

Understand the science behind how people think, feel, and act.

Students will explore topics such as development, emotions, social influences, the brain, cognition, and mental health while building strong communication, critical thinking, and research skills. Graduates pursue careers in areas like counseling, research, business, and nonprofit organizations.

Program Highlights:

Careers in psychology

Viterbo graduates go on to become

  • Child development specialist
  • Research analyst
  • Behavioral technician
  • Psychometrician/measurement specialist
  • Mental health counselor
  • Psychotherapist
  • Human Resources
  • Research Psychologist

Internships and Research Opportunities

4+2 Bachelor's to Master's Option

Hands-on Learning in Counseling Lab

Why study this program at Viterbo?

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Social Work

About Social Work

Prepare to support and empower individuals, families, and communities. 

In our social work program, you’ll develop skills in ethical decision making and explore issues around social justice and diversity. Both the BA and BS degrees include a 450-hour practicum in a social service setting, where you’ll work closely with a trained practicum instructor to apply what you’ve learned. Nationally accredited by the Council on Social Work Education, these programs prepare you to make a meaningful impact in your community. 

Program Highlights:

  • 100% job placement rate
  • 100% grad school acceptance rate
  • 40+ Certified agencies for field placement
  • Gain hands-on experience through a 450-hour senior practicum with a community organization
  • Qualify for the national social work exam
  • Learn from expert faculty with extensive practice in the field

Careers in social work

Our graduates have obtained career positions with

  • Case management organizations
  • Elderly and accessibility services
  • Family and children's services
  • Human service organizations across the country
  • Legal services as paralegals or legal assistants
  • Medical centers, including Emplify and Mayo Health Systems
  • Non-profits, including Catholic Charities and Lutheran Social Services
  • Police, correctional, and probation services
  • Nursing homes and elder care facilities, including Rolling Hills Rehabilitation Center
  • Victim advocacy services

40+ Certified agencies for field placement

100% job placement rate

100% grad school acceptance rate

Why study this program at Viterbo?

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