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College of Science & Health (CSH)

Graduate Programs

Below is a list of the available graduate degree programs and certificates offered by the College of Science and Health at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, including those offered online. 

To see a full list of graduate degrees offered by UWL, visit the Graduate Education page of the Graduate & Extended Learning website.

Applied Statistics | MS

The objectives of the program are to prepare students for employment as an applied statistician in government, industrial, commercial or private sectors, or entrance into a doctoral program in statistics, biostatistics, environmental statistics, or other programs that make extensive use of statistics.


Department of Mathematics & Statistics
Delivery
: in-person

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Athletic Training | MS

The athletic training program at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse  was the first accredited athletic training program in the state of Wisconsin, and offers one of the most competitive, in-depth and  hands-on athletic training programs in the country. The athletic training program has gained an excellent reputation for involving their athletic training students in various year-round athletic training opportunities.

Over the last three years, our student's have a 92% first pass rate (and 100% overall pass rate) for the BOC Examination, as well as a 100% job placement within 6 months of graduation.


Department of Exercise & Sport Science
Delivery
: in-person

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Biology | MS

At UWL, we specialize in training Master's students, providing individual mentoring and professional development for students preparing for careers or further studies. As a M.S. student at UWL, you will not compete with Ph.D. students for resources, funding, or faculty attention. Many careers require a M.S. rather than a Ph.D., and a master's research project might help you decide whether to pursue a Ph.D. in the future.

Concentrations:
        aquatic science
        cellular & molecular biology
        environmental science
        physiology


Department of Biology
Delivery
: in-person

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Clinical Exercise Physiology | MS

A Clinical Exercise Physiologist (CEP) is a healthcare professional who develops evidence-based exercise programs for patients with chronic diseases where exercise training has been shown to be of therapeutic benefit. Patients include those with cardiovascular disease, pulmonary disease, cancer survivorship, metabolic and other chronic diseases.

UWL offers an internationally-recognized Master of Science in Clinical Exercise Physiology program, which prepares students to sit for the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) Clinical Exercise Physiologist (CEP) examination.


Department of Exercise & Sport Science
Delivery
: in-person

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Community Health Education | MPH

This highly interactive online Master of Public Health (M.P.H.) degree program specializes in Community Health Education. You'll gain skills to communicate complex ideas and to advocate for your community. Earn your degree in 24 months while you remain in your current professional position and implement course projects into your workplace.

The program is aligned with the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH) learning domains and the Eight Areas of Responsibility for Health Education Specialists designated by the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing (NCHEC). 


Department of Public Health & Community Health Education
Delivery
: online

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Data Science | MS

Designed for busy adults, the UW-La Crosse online Master of Science in Data Science is a 100% online program will teach you how to clean, organize, analyze, and interpret unstructured data, deriving knowledge and communicating your discoveries clearly using sophisticated visualization techniques and other means. Expert faculty, flexible schedules, and no GMAT or GRE admission requirements are just a few of the program’s advantages.


Department of Mathematics & Statistics
Delivery
: online

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Healthcare Administration | MS

Today’s dynamic, complex healthcare environments need effective leaders with the knowledge and critical-thinking skills that a master’s degree provides. The online UW-La Crosse Healthcare Administration M.S is an ideal choice for busy adults, like you, who are seeking advanced education that will allow them to move into a leadership position, but need the flexibility an online program offers.


Department of Public Health & Community Health Education
Delivery
: online

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Medical Dosimetry | MS

Medical Dosimetrists use their knowledge of mathematics, medical physics, anatomy, and radiobiology along with strong critical thinking skills to develop optimal radiation treatment plans. The medical dosimetrist is a member of the radiation oncology team that plays a role in the management/treatment of cancer. Medical Dosimetrists specialize in the planning of optimal radiation treatment techniques and dose calculations in collaboration with the medical physicist and radiation oncologist.

There are a number of options for entering this program.  A student who has completed radiation therapy school (Track A) or an undergraduate degree in the sciences (Track B) would be an excellent candidate for this program.  There are also options for current certified medical dosimetrists (see Track C) who are interested in earning a master's degree and seeking professional advancement.  


Department of Health Professions
Delivery
: online

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Microbiology | MS

The master’s program in the UWL Department of Microbiology is unique. Most institutions offering master’s programs in Microbiology also have PhD programs which can overshadow the MS programs.

Faculty are focused on working directly with our graduate students, both in the classroom and the lab. We offer courses not found at PhD-offering institutions.

Our faculty have a wide range of research interests spanning medical, environmental, and industrial microbiology so you can find a mentor tailored to you. The Prairie Springs Science Center offers state-of-the-art research facilities to support our program and your research.

The Clinical Microbiology emphasis is the only program of its kind in the United States, which offers unique and specialized training in the fight to control infectious disease. The program provides considerable focus on diagnostics, but all aspects of human and animal infection by bacterial, viral, fungal and protozoan pathogens are covered. These include the epidemiology of infectious disease, the life cycles and behaviors of infectious agents, and the interactions of infectious agents with the immune system.


Department of Microbiology
Delivery
: in-person

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Nurse Anesthesia | MS

The Nurse Anesthesiology concentration is part of a joint offering from the Mayo Clinic Health System - Franciscan Healthcare School of Anesthesiology, the UWL Biology Department, and Viterbo University School of Nursing. Students earn a MS at UWL and continue on to earn their DNP at Viterbo. The program as a whole prepares students to sit for the national board certification exam to be licensed as a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA). 


Department of Biology
Delivery
: in-person

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Occupational Therapy | MS

Occupational Therapy (OT) practitioners implement a holistic perspective focused on adapting environments to fit the client. Practitioners incorporate techniques to assist people across lifespan participate in everyday activities (occupations).

Employment of Occupational Therapists is expected to grow 17% from 2020-2030, much faster than occupational national average (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics).

The Occupational Therapy Program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA).


Department of Health Professions
Delivery
: in person

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Physical Education Teaching | MS

Our graduates are prepared to enrich and lead school physical education curriculum and instructional processes through application of research related to effective teaching and instructional program development and effectiveness. Graduates are able to lead outdoor adventure trips, direct challenge courses, and teach/coach in PK-12 and at the college/university level.

Students in Physical Education Teaching (MS) may choose one or both of the two in-person learning emphases: Adapted Physical Education, or Adventure & Outdoor Pursuits. We also offer hybrid learning within the adventure & outdoor pursuits emphasis.


Department of Exercise & Sport Science
Delivery
: in-person | hybrid

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Physical Therapy | DPT

The University of Wisconsin-La Crosse Physical Therapy Program is dedicated to quality graduate education in Physical Therapy.  The entry-level Doctor of Physical Therapy program is designed to train therapists who can enter the profession as generalists. Program graduates are able to competently evaluate patients/clients, critically analyze new information, solve complex patient problems and have developed the skills to be life-long learners.  Our faculty represent the major sub-disciplines of physical therapy practice (musculoskeletal, neuromuscular, cardiovascular and pulmonary, integumentary and research) and the state of the art Health Science Center provides exceptional clinical lab and research facilities.


Department of Health Professions
Delivery
: in-person

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Physician Assistant Studies | MS

Physician assistants/physician associates (PAs) are licensed, certified healthcare professionals who practice medicine in partnership with physicians. PAs work in a variety of practice settings, including hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, and research centers.

The UWL PA program represents a unique collaboration with our clinical partners: Gundersen Medical Foundation, Mayo Clinic School of Health Sciences, and Marshfield Clinic Health System 

Students benefit from the expertise of dedicated academic and clinical instructors each of the four institutions. In the first year, didactic instruction is completed at the UWL Health Science Center. Second year clinical instruction occurs within the healthcare systems represented by our three clinical partners. 


Department of Health Professions
Delivery
: in-person

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Recreation Management | MS

The Master of Science in Recreation Management is a multidisciplinary program of advanced study designed to prepare graduates for careers in the public, private non-profit, and the commercial sectors of the recreation profession. With three curricular options (thesis, graduate project, or internship), the program serves both students with extensive recreation backgrounds and students who are looking to a masters program as their gateway into the recreation field.


Department of Recreation Management & Recreational Therapy
Delivery
: in-person

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Recreation Management: Professional Development | MS

University of Wisconsin-La Crosse’s fully online Master of Science in Recreation Management - Professional Development is a versatile program that will enrich your professional experience and inspire you to achieve more. Focused on advanced management skills, this program empowers professionals currently working in the field to build on a base of recreation education and/or experience to advance knowledge, skills and careers. Empower yourself to push the boundaries and boldly lead and inspire with innovative solutions that enrich lives.


Department of Recreation Management & Recreational Therapy
Delivery
: online

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Recreational Therapy | MS

The Master of Science in Recreational Therapy is a comprehensive program of study designed to prepare graduates for careers in the multifaceted field of recreational therapy. Our dual track curriculum serves two kinds of the students, the certified therapeutic recreation specialist (CTRS) seeking advanced training in recreational therapy as well as the student who wants to enter the therapeutic recreation profession by completing their masters degree. All students completing a masters at UWL meet all criteria for sitting for the national recreational therapy examination.


Department of Recreation Management & Recreational Therapy
Delivery
: in-person

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Software Engineering | MSE

The Master of Software Engineering (MSE) program focuses on state-of-the-art technologies in software development. Our students gain hands-on experience in applying that knowledge to real-world problems.

MSE students develop high-demand skills by completing a 12-credit capstone project with the guidance of a faculty mentor. 

Many capstones involve real-world applications using industry best practices, and are completed in collaboration with clients who will use the product upon delivery. Students use the most advanced and up-to-date tools and technology for course work and capstone projects. 

Deep faculty expertise combined with an outstanding array of department resources provide students with a truly outstanding experience-leading to some of the best salaries of any UWL graduate.


Department of Computer Science & Computer Engineering
Delivery
: in-person

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The College of Science & Health offers the following graduate certificate options: