Category A -- Research

(12 credits)

 

 

Category B -- Core Requirements

(31 credits) Credits

 

  

 

BIOLOGY

 

The Master of Science in Biology program is a multi-disciplinary program that allows students advanced study in several traditional and non-traditional areas of biology. Students have the option of a general M.S. degree in biology or may obtain an M.S. degree in biology with a formal concentration in aquatic science, cellular and molecular biology, clinical microbiology, micro-biology, nurse anesthesia, or physiology. Admission to the program is based, in part, on scores on the GRE general exam, undergraduate grade point average (G.P.A.), letters of recommendation, and on individually prescribed undergraduate course work to meet prerequisite requirements for each concentration. Each student will choose a major adviser and an advisory committee during the first semester of residence. This committee will assist the student in drafting the student's plan of study, which will dictate the student's curriculum for the ensuing semesters. All students complete a capstone experience. Students obtaining the M.S. Biology or M.S. Biology: Concentration in Clinical Microbiology complete a thesis or seminar paper. Students obtaining the M.S. Biology: Concentration in Aquatic Science, Concentration in Cellular and Molecular Biology, Concentration in Microbiology, or Concentration in Physiology complete a thesis. Students obtaining the M.S. Biology: Concentration in Nurse Anesthesia complete extensive clinical training.

 

Biology Graduate Student Requirements

 

All graduate students in biology must meet the following requirements:

 

 

M.S. BIOLOGY

 

This traditional master's degree program is designed to provide the most beneficial learning opportunities based on career goals and the student's area of focus. Intended for students who do not plan to obtain one of the formal concentrations within the M.S. Biology program. Students are required to (1) complete a thesis or seminar paper in an area of biology, (2) pass an oral comprehensive exam, and (3) complete 30 credits
selected by the student and the advisory committee.

 

 

AQUATIC SCIENCE CONCENTRATION

 

This concentration requires (1) completion of a research thesis in an area of aquatic science, (2) passing an oral comprehensive exam, and (3) completion of 30 credits with at least 15 credits from the following list; remaining credits are to be selected by the student and the advisory committee.

 

Credits

 

 

 

With the approval of the student's advisory committee, other courses may be substituted for those listed.

CELLULAR AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY CONCENTRATION

 

This concentration requires (1) completion of a research thesis in an area of cellular or molecular biology, (2) passing an oral comprehensive exam, and (3) completion of 30 credits with at least 15 credits from the following list; remaining credits are to be selected by the student and the advisory committee.

 

Credits

 

 

 

With the approval of the student's advisory committee, other courses may be substituted for those listed.

 

 

CLINICAL MICROBIOLOGY CONCENTRATION

 

This concentration is offered by the Department of Biology and Department of Microbiology, Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center, Marshfield Laboratories/St. Joseph's Hospital/Marshfield Clinic, and the Wisconsin State Laboratory of Hygiene. This program involves on-campus didactic training, nine full-time weeks of clinical rotations at Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center, six full-time weeks in clinical laboratories at Marshfield Laboratories/St. Joseph's Hospital/ Marshfield Clinic, and two full-time weeks at the Wisconsin Laboratory of Hygiene. Students who complete the Concentration in Clinical Microbiology are eligible to secure Specialist Microbiologist (SM-AAM) certification of the American Academy of Microbiology. The combination of classroom education, clinical rotations and research experience will prepare students for a variety of employment opportunities including: (1) supervisory positions in medical centers and public health and private reference laboratories, (2) research, marketing, and sales in select industries, and

(3) basic research. This concentration requires (1) completion of a research thesis (Plan A--Thesis) or seminar paper (Plan B--Non-Thesis) in an area of clinical microbiology, (2) passing an oral comprehensive exam, and (3) completion of the core curriculum of a minimum of 31 credits (Plan A) or 33 credits (Plan B).

Admission Requirements

 

1. Individuals accepted into the Clinical Microbiology program must hold a Bachelor of Science Degree or equivalent in Microbiology, Biology, or a related field with competency in Microbiology. Graduates with a Medical Technology Degree from a program accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences are also eligible.

 

Minimum prerequisites for admission to the program are MIC 230 (Fundamentals of Microbiology), MIC 406/506 (Immunology), MIC 407/507 (Pathogenic Bacteriology), or comparable courses. A strong chemistry background including Biochemistry is strongly recommended. Students lacking prerequisites may be conditionally admitted to the concentration contingent on remediation of prerequisites. Remediated prerequisite courses do not count toward the MS degree.

 

2. Cumulative undergraduate grade point average (GPA) of not less than 2.85.

 

3. Completion of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). A score of 1500 for the total general test scores for verbal, qualitative, and analytical measures is strongly recommended.

 

4. Students must complete an "Application for Admission to Graduate Study" form. Students requesting financial aid must also complete the "Application for Graduate Assistantship" form.

 

5. Three current letters of recommendation (forms provided with admission application).

 

6. An application letter which details:

-- academic and professional goals

-- previous relevant experiences

-- reasons for selecting program

 

7. Completed application forms, letters of recommendation, and applicant letter must be returned to the Admissions Office by February 1. A review committee will assess all submitted materials and a letter of decision will be sent to the applicant. An interview may be required in some instances. Acceptance or non-acceptance is based upon a comprehensive review of all elements of the completed application.

 

Core Curriculum

Plan A -- Thesis Credits

Minimum elective credits 5

 

Total Credits 31

 

Core Curriculum

Plan B -- Non-Thesis Credits

Minimum elective credits 9

 

Total Credits 33

 

Electives

Elective courses to complement the career goals of the student or to make up academic deficiencies will be agreed upon by the student and the student's advisory committee. Students may be required to take additional elective courses based on recommendations of their committee.

 

 

Credits

MICROBIOLOGY CONCENTRATION

 

Admission to the microbiology concentration requires a minimum of one introductory microbiology course --Fundamentals of Microbiology (MIC 230 or equivalent). Students lacking an introductory microbiology course may be conditionally admitted to the concentration contingent on remediation of this prerequisite. This concentration requires completion of a research thesis (MIC 799, 2-6 credits) in an area of microbiology, passing an oral comprehensive exam and completion of 30 credits of graduate course work with at least 20 credits from the following list. The remaining credits are selected by the student and the advisory committee.

 

Credits

 

 

NURSE ANESTHESIA CONCENTRATION

 

This concentration is jointly offered by the Department of Biology and Franciscan Skemp Healthcare, La Crosse, Wisconsin. Students simultaneously complete requirements for the master of science degree in biology and educational requirements to become a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA). Candidates for this concentration must apply separately and be accepted into the Franciscan Skemp Healthcare School of Anesthesia. This concentration requires (1) passing an oral comprehensive exam and (2) completion of the core curriculum of 30 credits.

 

CRNA Core Curriculum Credits

 

 

PHYSIOLOGY CONCENTRATION

 

This concentration requires (1) completion of a research thesis in an area of animal physiology, (2) passing an oral comprehensive exam, and (3) completion of 30 credits with at least 15 credits from the following list; remaining credits are to be selected by the student and the advisory committee.

 

Credits

 

 

With the approval of the student's advisory committee, other courses may be substituted for those listed.

  

 

BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION

 

 

The College of Business Administration is an institution of higher education dedicated to the personal and professional development of its students. The college's programs provide our students with an integrated business education at the undergraduate and masters' levels that prepares them for successful professional careers. Our graduates will be prepared to be effective problem solvers, ethical decision-makers, and life-long learners in a dynamic, diverse world

environment.

The University of Wisconsin-La Crosse offers a program of evening and online courses in business leading to the Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree. The program, which is accredited by AACSB International -- The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business, is designed for qualified students, regardless of area of undergraduate preparation.

The overall objective of the program is to prepare graduates for positions of leadership in business and public administration. The program has been designed to develop the student's critical, analytical, problem solving and decision-making capabilities and to provide basic knowledge useful in the solution of management problems.

More information can be obtained at the Web site: www.uwlax.edu/ba

 

ADMISSION

Applicants for admission to the program must apply through the University Admissions Office. In order to be admitted in good standing, applicants must meet the University requirements including a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 2.85 (or 3.00 for the last half of undergraduate work) on a 4.00 scale and demonstrate the ability to successfully complete the MBA program. Performance on the GMAT and prior academic work will be used as indicators of ability. International students are required to take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) and submit their scores for evaluation. Applicants who meet the minimum standards may be denied admission because of enrollment limitations.

  

THE PROGRAM

 

Foundation

The MBA program has two phases for qualified applicants with foundation course deficiencies. Such applicants will be admitted to the program while they complete their remaining foundation course work.

Foundation Courses

ECO 110 and ECO 120

or

ECO 703 and ECO 704

ACC 221 and ACC 222

or

ACC 703 and ACC 704

MKT 309 or MKT 700

FIN 355 or FIN 701

MGT 393 or MGT 702

MGT 308 or MGT 703

MGT 205

I-S 220

MTH 205

(A minimum grade of "C" is required in all foundation courses completed pre- or post-baccalaureate.)

 

Students completing foundation courses must achieve a minimum grade point average of 3.00. Students who earn less than a "C" grade in any foundation course will be dropped from the program.

Some courses are offered via the Internet in an accelerated format that may allow completion of the foundation program in one calendar year.

Credit by exam (test out) is available for several foundation courses. Information should be obtained from the program director.

 

MBA

Qualified applicants who have completed at least 80% of the foundation courses are admitted to the graduate degree requirement phase. (Remaining foundation courses must be completed within the first two semesters of graduate study.) Course requirements for the degree are listed below:

 

Masters Degree Requirements:

Credits

 

*Elective credits must be selected from course work approved by the MBA Program Director. Several options are available for students to complete the elective credit requirement. These options include:

 

--MBA elective course work from UW-La Crosse or other institutions with the approval of the MBA program director.

--Directed Internship Experience (maximum 6 credits)

--Directed Independent Study (maximum 3 credits)

--Research: Masters Thesis (maximum 6 credits)

 

All students must complete at least six elective credits at the 700 level.

 

SATISFACTORY PROGRESS

A 3.00 grade point average in courses counting toward the MBA is required for graduation. Students must be able to achieve this grade point average in, at most, 36 credits or they will be dropped from the program. A student earning a "D" or "F" in a graduate level course, whether it has been taken on this campus or at another university, will be dropped from the program. A maximum of six credits of "C" may be applied to the MBA.

 

RESTRICTIONS

Enrollment in MBA courses is restricted to graduate students in the MBA program, unless given special permission by the program director. Graduate students from other programs could be permitted to take, at most, six credits of 500/600/700 level MBA courses.

  

COLLEGE STUDENT DEVELOPMENT AND ADMINISTRATION

 

The master's program in College Student Development and Administration (CSDA) at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse is a graduate program that focuses on educating and training professionals to work in post-secondary institutions. The CSDA program utilizes a student development emphasis as the theoretical basis of the program. The objective of developing an appropriate theoretical background, complemented with practical work experience, is designed to facilitate entry into a variety of college student development and administration positions and to provide current and relevant information through the use of full-time practicing professionals who instruct the program. Some of the many areas in which students may choose to specialize their preparations or to seek positions upon graduation include: Residence Life/Housing, Admissions/Registration, Financial Aid, Academic Skills, Counseling/Testing, Placement/Career Advising, Student Development, Student Life, Student Activities/Programs/Centers, or similar support services.

 

ADMISSION

 

Admission to graduate study does not constitute admission to the College Student Development and Administration program. Procedures for admission to the program are as follows:

Graduate students in the CSDA program have the following options from which to choose to complete their course of study: thesis, seminar paper, or comprehensive examination.

 

Enrollment in CSDA courses is restricted to graduate students in the CSDA program, unless given special permission by the program director.

 

PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS

(35--38 credits)

 

* Three credits for those students who choose the thesis or comprehensive examination option; four credits for those students who choose the seminar paper.

 

**Students with prior/current experience in higher education may have one required experience waived (775, 776, or 781) contingent upon submitting required documentation and receiving program director's approval.

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  
INITIAL CERTIFICATION

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LIBRARY MEDIA

 

EXERCISE AND SPORT SCIENCE -- SPORT ADMINISTRATION

 

 

The sport administration program prepares professionals for managerial positions in the sport industry such as athletics, sports/fitness centers, professional sports, sport/athletic equipment merchandising, and intramural/recreational sports. Students may select a thesis (36 credits) or non-thesis option (36 credits). Students choosing the non-thesis option must successfully apply for and complete comprehensive written exams in the Department of Exercise and Sport Science.

 

The following prerequisites must be

met for entry into this Master of Science program:

 

Category A -- Research

Thesis Option (12 credits)

Required Courses: Credits

 

Non-thesis Option (6 credits)

Required Courses: Credits

Written Comprehensive Exam

 

 

Category B -- Core Requirements

(24 credits) Credits

 

 

 

Category C -- Electives

(non-thesis option only -- 6 credits)

Elective credits must be related to the field of sport administration or teaching. All electives must be approved by the program director or adviser prior to course enrollment.

 

Up to three credits of ESS 560, Clinical Forum, will count toward this option.

 

 

EXERCISE AND SPORT SCIENCE -- PHYSICAL EDUCATION TEACHING

 

 

The physical education teaching program is designed as a practitioner-oriented program for physical education teaching professionals seeking additional qualifications and expertise in areas such as teaching methods and styles, new and innovative curricular design, analysis of effective teaching, and supervision. Students may also choose to complete one of the following emphases as part of their program electives: 1) adventure/outdoor pursuits; 2) special populations; or 3) health as a lifestyle. Students must select either the thesis option (32 credits) or non-thesis option (32 credits). Students choosing the non-thesis option must successfully apply for and complete comprehensive written exams in the Department of Exercise and Sport Science. The physical education teaching program does not result in a K-12 teaching certificate. Additional course work may be required based on previously completed undergraduate course work.

 

Prerequisites or equivalents are:

 

Category A -- Research

(6-12 credits)

Thesis Option (12 credits)

Credits

 

 

Non-Thesis Option

(6-9 credits)

Credits

Written comprehensive examination

 

 

Category B -- Core Requirements

(10 credits)

 

 

Category C -- Electives

(Thesis option -- 10 credits)

(Non-Thesis option -- 16 elective credits)

 

Elective courses must be related to the field of teaching. A student may select one of the concentrations or a variety of courses offered in exercise and sport science, health education, and educational studies departments. All electives must be pre-approved by the program director. Up to six (6) credits of ESS 560, Clinical Forum, will count toward this category.

 

CONCENTRATION OPTIONS

 

Adventure/Outdoor Pursuits:

(16 credits)

Credits

 

Special Populations:

(16 credits)

 

Health as a Lifestyle:

(16 credits)

 

ATHLETIC TRAINING CONCENTRATION

The Graduate Athletic Training Concentration provides advanced study for Certified Athletic Trainer. The concentration provides students the opportunity to expand their knowledge and further develop their athletic training skills. The concentration can be completed by

graduate students meeting the following criteria:

 

 

Graduates who have completed the concentration are prepared to:

 

 

Graduates may be employed in:

 

Concentration requirements:

 

 

 

EXERCISE AND SPORT SCIENCE -- HUMAN PERFORMANCE

 

The Master of Science in Exercise and Sport Science-Human Performance is a multi-disciplinary program of advanced study designed to prepare graduates for a career in one of the following areas: 1) fitness; 2) strength and conditioning; or 3) research (exercise physiology or biomechanics). Students will select one of these emphasis areas upon entry to the degree program. A concentration in Athletic Training is also available with the Human Performance program option.

 

Application deadline is February 1 of each year for fall and summer semesters, October 1 for spring semester.

 

Graduate Preparation Goals:

 

* Other courses may be selected with the consent of the program director.

** Total combined credits for all readings classes may be no greater than three.

 

FITNESS EMPHASIS

(Thesis or Non Thesis):

At least one-half of the credits must be earned at the 700 level. Students choosing the non-thesis option must successfully complete written comprehensive examinations at the end of the program.

 

Prerequisite Courses (or equivalent) and Requirements for Admission:

Credits

 

Course Requirements:

 

Category A --Research

Thesis Option (12 credits)

Credits

 

Non-Thesis Option (6 credits)

Credits

 

Category B -- Core Requirements

(13-15 credits)

Credits

 

Category C -- Electives*

Thesis Option (7-9 credits)

Non-Thesis Option (13-15 credits)

Credits

 

STRENGTH AND CONDITIONING EMPHASIS

(Non Thesis only):

 

Prerequisite Courses (or equivalent) and Requirements for Admission:

Credits

 

Course Requirements:

Category A --Research (6 credits)

Credits

 

Category B --Core Requirements (24 credits)

Credits

 

Category C --Electives

(2 credits minimum)

Credits

RESEARCH EMPHASIS

(Thesis only):

 

EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGY

 

Prerequisite Courses (or equivalent) and Requirements for Admission:

Credits

 

Course Requirements (39 credits)

 

Category A -- Research

(12 credits) Credits

 

Category B -- Core Requirements (20 credits)

Credits

 

*Internship must be in approved external research facility.

 

Category C -- Related Requirements (7 credits)

Credits

 

RESEARCH EMPHASIS

(Thesis only):

 

BIOMECHANICS

 

Prerequisite Courses (or equivalent) and Requirements for Admission:

Credits

 

Course Requirements (40 credits)

 

Category A --Research

(12 credits) Credits

 

Category B -- Core Requirements (17 credits) Credits

 

*Internship must be in approved external research facility.

 

 

Category C --Related Requirements (11 credits)

Credits

 

 

HEALTH EDUCATION AND HEALTH PROMOTION

 

Graduate programs leading to a master of science degree are available in two areas of concentration in health education:

 

(1) Community Health Education (non-thesis only) which is designed to prepare individuals for employment in community health agencies, and

 

(2) School Health Education (thesis and non-thesis options), which is designed to prepare certified public school personnel for teaching, administration, and/or curriculum coordination of school health programs.

 

For each program, students must complete individually prescribed undergraduate course work to meet prerequisite requirements. Graduate students from other programs are not allowed to enroll in health education graduate courses unless departmental approval has been given.

 

ADMISSIONS REQUIREMENTS

The following requirements must be satisfied in order to be admitted into the master of science degree program in health education and health promotion.

 

Note:

All deficiencies and/or special prerequisites must be satisfied before the student has accumulated 12 graduate credits. Students have the option of completing these requirements prior to attending the university or prior to the accumulation of 12 graduate credits.

 

 

Appeals of admission denied:

Any student denied admission into the master's program may request a program admission review. A written request for review must be submitted to the health education and health promotion department chair. This request will be forwarded to an appeals committee for the review of the admission status.

 

Note: Graduate credit will not be awarded for any course in which undergraduate credit was received. This applies to all graduate programs offered in the College of Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Teacher Education.

 

COMMUNITY HEALTH EDUCATION CONCENTRATION

 

Non-thesis Option (43 Credits)

Required Courses: Credits

 

 

Each student will develop a program of study through advisement to meet individual needs and meet university requirements. The individualized program will include courses from each of the following core areas. A minimum of six credits will be taken in each area.