Art is a timeless means of communicating human experiences. Artistic, creative abilities help move our civilization forward.

When you choose the art emphasis at Viterbo, you will learn what it means to recognize and create sound works of art and to understand the art forms of cultures throughout history.

You will be provided with meaningful study and practice in artistic methods, techniques, and media, embedded with intellectual inquiry and critical analysis. Explore questions such as:

• 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?

The art emphasis consists of courses in studio art and art history. Studio courses are offered in:

• Painting
• Drawing
• Sculpture
• Ceramics
• Printmaking
• Photography
• Graphic design

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. This emphasis is a great supplement for those going into the business world, law, or public policy.

Our history emphasis will prepare you with a wealth of knowledge—both past and present—and encourage curiosity and mindfulness of the events that have shaped civilization around the world. You will learn to connect ideas across cultures, which will serve you well in your education and career. Studying history grants you a unique opportunity to supplement your skills in written and oral communication, while also learning to be an informed citizen of the world.

Viterbo’s interdisciplinary program combines courses from at least two academic disciplines, including history, philosophy, and art. Our program emphasizes collaborative problem-solving and community engagement.

Personal choice will drive your pathway, with interdisciplinary studies focused on 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 Ethics in Leadership series of speakers and annual conference.

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. Keep in mind that maintenance of a relatively high undergraduate grade point average is very important for successful law school admission. Recommended undergraduate fields of study include: accounting, criminal justice, English, management, and psychology.

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.

Minors at Viterbo University generally require between 15–25 credits upon completion. Transfer course and waivers and/or substitutions could modify these credit totals.

The minor consists of an 18-credit sequence of courses in studio art and art history. You will 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 Spanish language is ever-growing in popularity, and now almost 15% of Americans speak it.

Having an enriched knowledge of Latin culture and the Spanish language is a valuable trait in modern America. This minor can help you enrich a skill set that is valuable in health care, education, business, social work, and communication fields.

This minor also promotes two significant outcomes:

1. Raise awareness of social justice issues related to Latin American populations and Latinos in the United States
2. Encourage local, national, and international engagement and advocacy toward social justice issues in Latin America and Latinos in the United States