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.

Religious Studies and Theology (BA)

Overview

Viterbo’s religious studies and theology program focuses on social justice and the complexities of religions and spirituality in the modern world. At Viterbo, this process begins with dedicated faculty, both lay and religious, who are actively engaged in theological research and scholarship. Faculty guide and mentor students to examine religious history as well as Christian, Franciscan, and sacramental theologies, scripture, and moral reasoning.

Learning Outcomes
  • Students will analyze practices of faith found in sacred and foundational texts, demonstrating how various people practice their faith.
  • Students will demonstrate knowledge of faith perspectives through history, practices, and sacred, foundational texts, connecting them to doctrinal practices.
  • Students will demonstrate knowledge of the theological values of Francis and Clare of Assisi and Rose of Viterbo and the importance of those values in contemporary life.
  • Students will demonstrate learned leadership skill for functioning as ethical and just leaders in our diverse, contemporary world.
  • Students will articulate the Christian concept of the common good and its application to contemporary issues.

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.

Sport Science (Minor)

Overview

The sports and leisure industries continue their rapid growth and a strong demand exists for qualified and skilled professionals with a strong background in science, research, exercise science, human performance, and psychology combined with management and ethical leadership skills. The sport science minor at Viterbo University helps students expand their knowledge on the complexities of sport science, and provides students with experience needed to get a foot in the door for graduate school, as well as the industry of sport science itself. The skills learned with this minor work wonders in a multitude of professions, and is an excellent choice for those who are interested. Students majoring in sport management and leadership may not declare a sport science minor.

Policy

Students majoring in sport management and leadership may not declare a sport science minor.

Neuroscience (BS)

Overview

Neuroscience majors develop the knowledge and skills necessary to systematically evaluate relationships between the brain and human/animal behavior. Students learn and test foundational and contemporary theories through scientific reasoning, laboratory experiences, and independent research. Graduates pursue professional degrees in health-related fields, advanced degrees in neuroscience or related disciplines, and entry-level careers in mental health services or biomedical research.

Policy
  • Students majoring in neuroscience must maintain a biology grade point average (GPA) of 2.25 to continue in and graduate from this program. The neuroscience GPA is based on all grades earned in the required and elective courses taken in neuroscience and required support courses. Any student whose neuroscience GPA falls below 2.25 will be placed on probation for one semester. If the neuroscience GPA is not raised during that semester, the student may not enroll in further neuroscience courses. An earned grade of a D or lower in any neuroscience or support course will not be credited toward the neuroscience major.
  • Directed research must be faculty-approved, but may be conducted at an institution other than Viterbo University with prior approval. Special topics are offered periodically. Credit for these courses may substitute for one or more of the listed courses with faculty approval.
Learning Outcomes
  • Understand and explain fundamental concepts in neuroscience, biology, and psychology.
  •  Read and analyze primary scientific literature in neuroscience, biology, and psychology.
  • Integrate research findings across disciplines and levels of analysis.
  • Develop hypotheses and design experiments.
  • Collect, analyze, and interpret quantitative data.
Addendum
Undergraduate Student Enrollment in Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling

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

Environmental Science (Minor)

Overview

Humans are inescapably connected to the environment—from food and medicine to the services the environment provides (clean air and water for example). For students concerned about the human impact on the environment and how to improve the world, an environmental science minor is an excellent choice. The environmental science minor at Viterbo University helps connect students to the natural world through a flexible program with a broad-based background in biology, chemistry, environmental science, and sustainability courses. This minor takes an integrated approach to environmental studies with a systems-level view of how organisms interact with the environment, helping graduates in a variety of careers.

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.

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