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COLLEGES and SCHOOLS 

The university is organized into three academic colleges: the College of Business Administration, College of Science and Allied Health, and the College of Liberal Studies. Within the College of Liberal Studies are two schools: the School of Arts and Communications and the School of Education. Although there is a School of Education, teacher education is a campus wide commitment. Programs in exercise science, health education/promotion and recreation/therapeutic recreation are part of the College of Science and Allied Health. The following pages describe the departments and programs within the colleges as well as general information, college curriculum requirements, and any requirements that apply to specific colleges. Descriptions of pre-professional programs are included in the College of Science and Allied Health. Wisconsin teacher licensure information is included in the School of Education section.

THE COLLEGE OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION (CBA)

THE COLLEGE OF LIBERAL STUDIES (CLS)

PRE-PROFESSIONAL CURRICULA

SCHOOL OF ARTS AND COMMUNICATION

SCHOOL OF EDUCATION (SOE)

THE COLLEGE OF SCIENCE AND ALLIED HEALTH (SAH)

The College of Business Administration (CBA)  
Dean - William Colclough  
Associate Dean - Bruce May  
223 Wimberly Hall; 608-785-8090  
www.uwlax.edu/BA 

Departments/Units  
Accountancy  
Small Business Development Center  
Economics  
Finance  
Information Systems  
Management  
Marketing  

Degrees Offered  
Bachelor of Science  
Master of Business Administration  

MAJORS AND MINORS  
The following majors and minors are available:  

Majors  
     Accountancy  
     Economics  
     Finance  
     Finance with Risk and Insurance

 Concentration  
     Information Systems 
     International Business  
     Management  
        Tracks in: 
                     B7 General Management and Technology  
                     B7 Human Resources  
                     B7  International Management  
     Marketing  

Minors  
     Accountancy  
     Business   (not available for CBA students)  
     Economics  
     Information Systems  
     International Business

mission  

The College of Business Administration is an institution of higher education dedicated to the personal and professional development of its students. The college’s program provides our students with an integrated business education at the undergraduate and master’s 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 primary purpose of the College of Business Administration is to provide education leading to baccalaureate and graduate degrees in business supplemented by appropriate research and service activities. As such, the college emphasizes academic excellence in its educational programs and emphasizes quality teaching and appropriate scholarly activities that support the educational mission of the institution. The college also offers professionals within the region opportunities for graduate education and professional development; provides professional expertise for organizations in the area; publishes regional economic data through the quarterly La Crosse Area Business and Economic Review; and cultivates a collegial, supportive organizational climate that stimulates individual achievement and contributes to the personal and professional development of students, faculty and staff. The college offers business programs that prepare graduates to enter professional fields in business and government. Specific objectives in student learning include the following:  

1. To provide a broad-based educational foundation in the arts, humanities, and sciences.

2.  To provide a broad understanding of world events as they relate to current social forces.

3.  To develop an understanding of business functions and their inter-relationships.

4.  To develop a broad understanding of the role of technological change and the importance of information systems.

5.  To develop an understanding of business ethics and the relationships among government agencies and business in the domestic and global economy.

6.  To develop research skills and the  ability to apply quantitative and behavioral skills in the decision-making process.

7.  To develop a high level of competence in at least one field of study in business.  

Additional objectives of the college are to serve the business community in western Wisconsin by offering business outreach programs, providing business-consulting services, and conducting research projects. The college is committed to attracting and retaining a highly qualified faculty who are dedicated to excellence in teaching and to provide them with opportunities for continued professional development in research and service.  

Adviser Assignment  

Students are assigned to faculty advisers in their declared major area. Advisers help students develop programs, plan schedules, discuss major and career choices and refer for assistance in the case of academic difficulties. Students are required to meet with their faculty adviser at least once a semester.

The final responsibility for selecting courses and meeting graduation requirements rests with the student. Students should review course prerequisites by checking course descriptions in the appropriate listings of this catalog and consult with their faculty adviser and/or seek assistance from the dean’s office. Program advising also is available on the CBA Web site: www.uwlax.edu/BA .

Admission to the Business Program  

Students who desire to major in business must be admitted to the business program in order to register for the professional (300-400 level) courses offered by the college. An application for admission to the business program must be completed and approved by the dean prior to the semester the student plans to enroll in upper division College of Business Administration course work.  

Admission Requirements  
1. “C”  grades earned (or in progress) in: ACC 221, 222; ECO 110, 120; MGT 205.  
2.  54 credits earned (or in progress).  
3.  Four of the following core courses completed (or in progress) in:  
                BUS                230  
                C-S                103 and 104  
                ENG                110  
                I-S                220  
                MTH                145  
                MTH                175 (or 207) 
     (Remaining pre-business courses not taken prior to admission should be completed during the first semester after admission to the program.)  
4. Earn a 2.50 cumulative grade point at time of application. This includes courses taken at UW-La Crosse and elsewhere.  

                Application forms for admission to the business program are obtained from the Dean’s Office, 223 Wimberly Hall, and may be submitted for either fall or spring terms. Applications are due by midsemester. Late applications may not be accepted. Applicants who meet all of the admission requirement except the grade point minimum may still submit an application for consideration.

                To avoid scheduling problems, pre-business students should work closely with their faculty advisers in order to complete the pre-business program within their freshman and sophomore years at UW-L.

Students who undertake their freshman and sophomore years of study at another university should familiarize themselves with the college’s pre-business requirements and the university’s General Education program, and plan their program of study accordingly.

A guide for course sequencing pre-business and professional core requirements is as follows:  

Freshman Year  
* MTH   145          Elementary Statistics  
* MTH   175  (or 207) Applied Calculus  
* ECO     110          Microeconomics and Public Policy  
* ECO     120         Global Macroeconomics  
* ENG    110         College Writing I  
   C-S      103        Elementary Database Principles and Design  
   C-S      104        Elementary Spreadsheet principles and Design  

Sophomore Year  
**ACC  221         Accounting Principles I  
    ACC  222         Accounting Principles II  
    MGT 205  The Legal and Ethical Environment of Business  
    I-S      220         Information Systems for Business Management  
    BUS   230         Business and Economics Research and Communication

Admission to the business program is required prior to enrollment in the junior/ senior level business courses.  

Junior Year  
    MGT 308         Behavior and Theory in Organizations  
    MGT 393          Production Management  
    MKT 309          Principles of Marketing  
    FIN    355         Principles of Financial Management

Students also will complete their business major requirements during their junior and senior years.  

Senior Year  
    MGT 449         Administrative Policy Determination  

(taken final semester; requires completion of all other core requirements)  
*This course also will fulfill General Education requirements.  
**Accountancy majors may complete in freshman year.  

Core/Major Requirements    
All students enrolled in any program within the college must complete the business core and all requirements for the major. The College of Business Administration professional core requirements are:  

                                      Course/Title/Credits  
ECO  110 Microeconomics and Public Policy       3  
ECO  120  Global Macroeconomics 3  
MGT 205  The Legal and Ethical Environment of Business  3  
ACC  221 Accounting Principles I       3  
ACC  222 Accounting Principles II       3  
I-S      220  Information Systems for Business Management     3  
BUS   230 Business and Economics Research and  Communications 3  
MGT 308 Behavior &Theory in Organizations     3  
MKT 309 Principles of Marketing 3  
FIN    355 Principles of Financial Management     3  
MGT 393 Production Management     3  
MGT 449 Administrative Policy Determination   3   (Final Semester)  
                         Total Common Core      36

Major Requirements 21-28 (See appropriate department listings)  
Total credits required for graduation    120

Second Major in College of Business Administration  
                Business students may complete a second business major by completing all courses required for the second major as described in the catalog. Students may not use the same courses to fulfill both majors.

                Business students seeking a second major or minor in liberal studies and science areas, including economics, may do so by completing all requirements of the major or minor they elect, as stated in the catalog.

Scholarships  
                Scholarships are available to students who have demonstrated outstanding leadership qualities and have achieved scholastic excellence in the College of Business Administration program. Information may be obtained from the UW-La Crosse Foundation Office in the Cleary Alumni and Friends Center or on the Web at www.foundation.uwlax.edu/ 

Internships  
                Students may elect to take up to 15 College of Business Administration internship credits upon receiving approval of the department chair and dean; however, a maximum of six will be counted toward the 120 credits required for graduation. Internship credits may be applied toward fulfilling major requirements.

                To be eligible for a College of Business Administration internship, a student must have a cumulative grade point of 2.50 or above and have completed the following: ACC 221, 222; BUS 230; ECO 110, 120; FIN 355; I-S 220; MGT 205; 308; MKT 309.  

Requirements for Graduation

Students seeking to graduate from the College of Business Administration must:  

1. Fulfill the university’s General Education requirements.

2.  Achieve a minimum 2.00 grade point average in the business core and major. Students majoring in accountancy must have a cumulative grade point average of 2.50 in the core and in their major.

3.  Fulfill all other university general requirements.

4.  Complete at least 60 credits outside business. (Up to nine credits of economics may be counted as outside business.)

5.  Complete at least 50% of the business course requirements in residence at UW-L.

College of Liberal Studies (CLS)  
Dean — John Mason  
Associate Deans - Ruthann Benson, Charles Martin-Stanley  
Assistants to the Dean: Chris Bakkum, Sandy Keller  
Academic Advisers: Kathy Elgin, Timothy Walls, Troy Richter  
227 Graff Main Hall; 608-785-8113  
www.uwlax.edu/LS 

Departments/Units  
Art  
Communication Studies  
Educational Studies  
English  
Ethnic &Racial Studies  
History  
Military Science  
Modern Languages  
Music  
Philosophy  
Political Science/Public Administration  
Psychology  
Sociology/Archaeology  
Theatre Arts  
Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies  

Degrees Offered  
Bachelor of Arts  
Bachelor of Science  
Master of Education-Professional Development  
Master of Science in Education  
Education Specialist  

majors and minors  

Humanities/Social Sciences Majors:  
   Archaeology — BA/BS  
*Economics — BA/BS  
   English w/Literature Emphasis— BA  
   English w/Rhetoric and Writing Emphasis-BA  
*French — BA  
   French w/Business Concentration — BA  
*German Studies— BA  
   German w/Business Concentration — BA  
*History — BA/BS  
*History w/Regional Emphasis — BA/BS  
*Philosophy — BA/BS  
*Political Science — BA/BS  
*Psychology — BA/BS  
*Public Administration — BA/BS  
*Sociology — BA/BS  
*Spanish — BA  
   Spanish w/Business Concentration — BA

Minors (only):  
Anthropology  
Creative Writing  
Criminal Justice  
English  
Environmental Studies  
Ethnic and Racial Studies  
International Studies  
European Emphasis  
Latin American Emphasis  
Military Science  
Professional Writing  
Public History  
Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages  
Women’s Studies  

Emphases /Programs  
Child/Youth Care  
Gerontology  
University Honors  

Certificate Program  
French Studies

School Of Arts And Communication (SAC) Majors And Minors

*Art — BA/BS  
  Communication Studies — BA/BS  
        *Interpersonal Communication  Emphasis  
        *Public Relations and Organizational  Communication Emphasis  
        *Persuasion and Public Communication Emphasis  
         *Telecommunication Emphasis

*Music — BA/BS  
        History Emphasis  
        Jazz Performance Emphasis  
         *Music Theatre Emphasis  
        Performance Emphasis  
        Piano Pedagogy  
        Theory Emphasis

Photography (minor only)

Theatre Arts — BA/BS  
     *Design/Technical Emphasis  
     *General Studies Emphasis  
     *Management Emphasis  
     *Music Theatre Emphasis  
     *Performance Emphasis  

* also offered as minors  

School Of Education (SOE) Certification Programs Offered

 Early Childhood-Middle Childhood (formerly Pre-K-6)  
— Requires completion of the Early Childhood Education minor    

Middle Childhood-Early Adolescence (formerly elementary/ middle, grades 1-9)

Early Adolescence-Adolescence (formerly middle level/secondary, grades 6-12)

Early Childhood-Adolescence (formerly middle level/secondary, grades K-12)

The College of Liberal Studies (CLS) includes departments and programs in the humanities, social sciences, and interdisciplinary studies, as well as the School of Arts and Communication and the School of Education. CLS continues the established liberal studies tradition of providing many curricula leading to the Bachelor of Arts or the Bachelor of Science degree.

CLS is dedicated to providing quality instruction and learning experiences which prepare students for future education or careers and meaningful, responsible lives by fostering a climate of intellectual curiosity and creativity. Graduates of the College will have developed the ability to communicate effectively, to think critically, to conduct sound research, to understand global issues, to use knowledge in all aspects of life, to participate meaningfully as citizens, and to discover and apply worthwhile values.

CLS faculty and staff are committed to maintaining academic integrity and high ethical standards. CLS, through its faculty, students, and curricula, also is dedicated to advancing cultural diversity. Furthermore, by developing partnerships and encouraging professional connections, the College establishes its membership in the broader community.

The academic community within the College of Liberal Studies supports a strong General Education program, nurtures exceptional disciplinary programs, and creates innovative interdisciplinary and international programs, which together promote lifelong personal and professional learning.

Programs in the Humanities, Social Sciences, and Inter-disciplinary Studies  

     At the heart of the College of Liberal Studies are the departments which teach the humanities and social sciences. These departments have traditionally represented the cornerstone disciplines of a university. They offer essential experiences that prepare students for lifelong learning. Courses in the humanities and social sciences introduce students to cultural, ethnic and racial diversity; international dimensions of politics, economics, language and culture; social institutions and social interactions; theories and applications of human behavior; and the great writing that develops and explores these realms of knowledge.

All students at UW-L take courses in the humanities and social sciences even though they may not major in one of these programs. Many of the skills courses and liberal studies courses of the General Education program are offered by departments in the humanities and social sciences. The skills that are built are those that enable students to proceed with effective and efficient learning.

Courses in the humanities and social sciences provide individuals with solid reading and writing abilities, an understanding of cultural diversity, critical thinking and problem-solving skills, the ability to integrate and synthesize ideas, and a sense of personal responsibility. Courses in these disciplines help individuals learn from the past, explore the present and adapt to the future. The liberal studies program is designed to be an enriching experience that produces a well-rounded individual.

The humanities are taught in the departments of English, modern languages, history, and philosophy. The social sciences are taught in the departments of political science/public administration, psychology, and sociology/archaeology. The College of Liberal Studies also offers interdisciplinary opportunities in the departments of military science (ROTC) and women’s, gender, and sexuality studies, as well as in child/youth care, criminal justice, environmental studies, honors, international studies, and ethnic and racial studies. These programs supplement and complement many others found throughout the university.

School of Arts and Communication  

     The School of Arts and Communication is dedicated to supporting and enhancing liberal studies while providing a complete pre-professional curriculum. School of Arts and Communication programs strive to develop the knowledge, freedom and spontaneity which underlie creative expression in its highest forms. Classes focus on establishing the foundations for creative work through the study of technical, historical, and artistic dimensions in the arts. The primary activity involves hands-on experience, so students spend much of their time in laboratories, studios, and rehearsals developing the skills, processes, and attitudes necessary for success. Students in these programs specialize in a particular art or communication discipline as they acquire general knowledge through the liberal studies core. Upon completion of their program, they have a wide range of occupational and educational choices. Some graduates begin careers in the fine or performing arts or the mass media. Others enter graduate schools, specializing in some aspect of their previous study or in some related field. Still others choose from a wide range of occupations where their creative and communicative skills serve them well. Whatever the career and whatever the future, graduates of the School of Arts and Communication are flexible, adaptable, and disciplined communicators who understand process, problem solving, and commitment.

School of Education

See p. 106 for School of Education information, certification programs and requirements.

COLLEGE OF LIBERAL STUDIES DEGREE OPTIONS  

A student in the College of Liberal Studies or School of Arts and Communication may earn either the Bachelor of Arts (BA) or the Bachelor of Science (BS) degree. The type of degree earned by a student (BA or BS) may be determined by the major programs elected by the student. School of Education students earn a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree. All general university degree requirements must be met (as listed on p. 54): a minimum of 120 credits (40 of which must be 300/400 numbered courses), General Education program requirements, (as listed on pp. 49-52), college core requirements, and major program requirements. See pp. 61, 106 for School of Education information, including certification programs and requirements.

Advising  

     All students in the College of Liberal Studies are assigned to faculty advisers. Advisers provide guidance and assistance to those students who are undecided on major fields of study and assist those with clearly defined goals to develop plans for post-college experience. Students and their advisers are provided with computerized degree audits (SNAP reports) that assist them in monitoring progress in meeting degree requirements. Degrees are verified in the Offices of the Dean. Students are encouraged to come to the office to review progress toward the degree during their junior year. 

The School of Education was in the process of becoming part of the College of Liberal Studies at the time of catalog publication. All information in this section might not be applicable to all areas, particularly college core and program admission requirements. Consult the academic advisers in the dean’s office for the most current information.

COLLEGE core requirements

The core requirements of the College of Liberal Studies enhance the student’s experience of the liberal arts tradition in higher education. Building on the General Education program, the CLS Core Curriculum emphasizes critical inquiry marked by rigor, balanced breadth, and intellectual integrity. The CLS core curriculum contains: I.) a common core of requirements for students majoring in CLS programs, and II.) requirements for the Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science degrees.

I.  Common Core Curriculum

     In addition to the minimum requirements in each category of the university’s General Education program, all students in CLS must complete the following common core curriculum. (courses apply only to one category of the core):

A.  History

     Complete a HIS course at the 200 or 300 level.

B.  Global and Multicultural Studies/Minority Cultures or Multiracial Women’s Studies       (One course required)

     Complete a second General Education course from Minority Cultures or Multiracial Women’s Studies selected from: ECO 336; ENG/ERS 207, 210, 215; EFN 205; ERS 100; HIS 306, 336; HON 207, 220; MUS 209; POL 205; PSY 285, 318; SAH 307; SOC 225; W-S 100, 210, 230  

                                                                                        or

     Complete a second General Education Global and Multicultural Studies course selected from ART 201; ANT, ECO, GEO, HIS, POL, or SOC 202; ECO 120; ENG 208; ENV 201; FRE 220; GEO 110, 200; HIS 101 or 102 (whichever was not taken for a General Education requirement), HIS 220; INS 250, 251, 252 (must complete all three to count); MUS 201, 204; PHL 230; POL 234; PSY 280; THA 351.

C. Self and Society      (One course required)  
     Complete a second General Education course from Self and Society (from a different discipline than the student’s first General Education course in this category). Select from: ECO 110; ENG 220; ERS 110; HIS 206; HON 204, 206; POL 101 or 102; PSY 100; SOC 110 or 120; ARC 100; ANT 101.

D. Humanistic Studies      (one course required)

     Complete a second General Education Course from Humanistic Studies (from a different discipline than the student’s first General Education course in this category). Select from: MLG 299 or HON 203 or 205 (if not selected from General Education list 1); HIS 205 or PHL 100 or POL 251 or HON 100 (if HON 203 or 205 is not taken under list I above).

E.  Second Major, Minor or Program  
     Option Requirement—Students must complete one of the following options:  

1. Complete a minor (or a second major) outside of the student’s major program, consisting of at least 18 credits;

or

2. Complete an emphasis, program or concentration of at least 18 credits outside the major program. General Education courses may apply provided they are not being used to fulfill minimum General Education requirements;

or

3. Complete 18 credits in two or more departments or programs earned at the 300 or 400 level. These courses must be outside the major department and can be from any college. General Education courses may apply provided they are not being used to fulfill minimum General Education requirements.  

II.  Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science Core Requirements

     Students majoring in English or in a   modern language must earn a Bachelor of Arts degree. Students majoring in other CLS programs may choose either a Bachelor of Arts or a Bachelor of Science degree. In addition to the common core requirements listed in I. above, the following courses are required for the degree the student is seeking:

A. For the Bachelor of Arts Degree

     Complete FRE 202 or GER 202 or SPA 202 or MLG 202 or MLG 304 or ESL proficiency score of 80 or above on the La Crosse Battery of exams for non-native speakers of English. (Contact the English as a Second Language Institute for eligibility and regulations.)

B. For the Bachelor of Science Degree (two courses required)

1. Complete a second General Education science course (from a different discipline than the student’s first General Education course in this category) selected from ANT 102; BIO 102, 103 or 105; CHM 100 or 103; ESC 101; HON 290 or 295; MIC 100; PHY 103, 106, 125 or 203; AST/PHY 155or 156; PSY 107;

or

    Complete a second science course selected from ENV 201 or PHL 334.

2. Complete a research emphasis course or sequence of courses in the major program from the following list of applicable courses.

Research Methods Courses — Bachelor of Science Requirement  

                                        Course or course sequence  
Major          for the Bachelor of Science  
Program           Degree  
ARC            ARC 445, Research Methods in Archaeology  
ART*          A sequence of courses as outlined below  
CST             CST 499, Senior Project in  Communication Studies  
ECO            BUS 230 or ECO 307 or   POL 361  
HIS              HIS 490, History Research  Seminar  
MUS**       A sequence of courses as  outlined below  
PHL             PHL 496, Integrative Seminar  in Philosophy  
POL             POL 361, Research   Methods in Politics and Government  
PSY             PSY 231 and 232,  Experimental Psychology  
                               and PSY 451 Psychological Measure (PSY 420, Research  
                               Foundations also an option)  
PUB ADM POL 361, Research Methods  in Politics and Government  
SOC             SOC 350, Sociological            Research and one of the following: SOC 402, Clinical Sociology Careers, SOC 405, Applied Sociology, SOC416, Qualitative Explorations, SOC 480, Comparative Sociology/Anthropology or SOC 499, Seminar in Sociology.
THA            THA 490, Senior Project  

*                  ART           A sequence of courses including three Art History courses from ART 351, 352, 353, 354. In addition one course from ART 303, 400, 405, 408, 410, 413, 414, 415, 416, 421, 440 will be completed.  

**                All B.S. music majors are required to take an eight-semester sequence of course work in music history and music theory. The courses involve students in learning and practicing basic research methods and research problem solving in the discipline, including bibliographic, primary and secondary research on composers, historical periods, etc., and research writing. In addition, students apply the research they conduct in these courses in parallel applied music course work sequences. The courses involved are: MUS 201 & 202, MUS 301 & 302, MUS 235 & 236, and MUS 335 & 336. As seniors, all BS music majors also take independent study, in which research is an integral part of individual projects.

  School of Education (SOE)  
Assistant to the Dean/Certification Officer - Sandra Keller  
220 Thomas Morris Hall; (608)785-8123  
Academic Adviser – Troy Richter  
http://www.uwlax.edu/soe

Accreditation

UW-L teacher education programs are:  
Accredited by North Central Association  
Approved by the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction, since 1937  

Certification Programs Offered  
Early Childhood-Middle Childhood (formerly Pre-K-6)  
— Requires completion of the Early Childhood Education minor   

Middle Childhood-Early Adolescence (formerly elementary/middle, grades 1-9)  
— Requires completion of a certifiable minor including:  
Biology  
Chemistry  
Computer Science  
Earth Science  
Economics  
English  
French  
General Science  
Geography  
German Studies  
History  
Mathematics  
Physics    
Political Science  
Psychology  
School Health Education  
Social Studies  
Sociology  
Spanish  
Special Education  
Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages  

Early Adolescence-Adolescence (formerly middle level/secondary, grades 6-12)  
     Areas of study include:  
Biology  
Broadfield Science  
Broadfield Social Studies  
Chemistry  
Computer Science  
English  
Mathematics  
Physics  

Early Childhood-Adolescence (formerly middle level/secondary, grades K-12)  
          Areas of study include:  
Art  
French*  
German Studies*  
Music-General  
Music-Choral  
Music-Instrumental  
Physical Education  
School Health Education     
Spanish*

*Minors in French, German Studies, and Spanish are certifiable at the early adolescence-adolescence developmental range only, unless another language is completed as a major.  If a language major and language minor are completed, both languages may be certifiable at the early childhood-adolescence range.  

Concentrations are available in coaching competitive athletics and special/adaptive physical education See p. 135 for more information.

SOE Mission  
The School of Education faculty and staff are committed to preparing and supporting education professionals for Early Childhood-Adolescence (PreK-12) schools, which serve a variety of diverse populations.  UW-La Crosse Teacher Education graduates possess knowledge, skills, and dispositions which reflect extensive preparation in general studies, professional studies, specialty studies, and pedagogy.  Graduates are dedicated to the youth of society, to the improvement of the human condition, and to teaching as a profession.  

Teacher Education Governing Council  
As the primary policy-making body for professional education programs at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, the Teacher Education Governing Council oversees the professional education unit.   It consists of representatives from teacher education programs across campus and faculty from departments in liberal studies and sciences. Public school professionals and students in professional education programs are also members.  

Conceptual Framework  
Teachers are active and healthy learners, leaders, and community members. We believe that to be successful learners, leaders and community members, it is crucial that educators understand the need for a sense of balance in their lives. Further, we believe that a healthy lifestyle includes physical, emotional, social, intellectual, and spiritual dimensions. Our goal is to support educators who strive to develop into active, healthy lifelong learners, strong leaders, and involved community members.  

Teachers as Learners  
We believe learning is a lifelong process. Educators who seek to guide children and youth toward discovery and knowledge should themselves be learners. Learners actively construct knowledge on the basis of personal experiences. Teaching is learning and learning is teaching. Learning is both acquisition and construction. As a facilitator, a constructivist teacher motivates students to actively seek knowledge, and through affective communication encourages and guides their growth and creativity. Gaining knowledge, skills, and dispositions to help every student learn in diverse classroom settings is central to the constructivist perspective.  

Teachers as Leaders  
We believe that leadership should be transformational for those who lead and those who are led. Being a teacher leader starts by being an excellent role model. Today’s educators always need to consider what is in the best interests of children and youth. We believe educators must be capable of taking leadership roles by being risk takers and change agents.   

Teachers as Community Members  
We believe educators promote a sense of community by making decisions that contribute to the development of all the communities they serve: classroom, school, district, and greater community. Educators and the public recognize that healthy communities are safe places where members can receive the support they need to grow and develop into thoughtful human beings.  

UW-L Teacher Education Standards  
Standard #1: Understands Content  
   The professional educator understands the central concepts, tools of inquiry, and structures of the discipline(s) he or she teaches and can create learning experiences that make these aspects of subject matter meaningful for students.

Standard #2: Understands Development  
   The professional educator understands how children learn and develop, and can provide learning opportunities that support their intellectual, social and personal development.

Standard #3: Understands Difference  
   The professional educator understands how students differ in their approaches to learning and creates instructional opportunities that are adapted to diverse learners.

Standard #4: Designs Instructional Strategies  
   The professional educator understands and uses a variety of instructional strategies to encourage students’ development of critical thinking, problem solving, and performance skills.

Standard #5: Manages and Motivates  
   The professional educator uses an understanding of individual and group motivation and behavior to create a learning environment that encourages positive social interaction in the classroom.

Standard #6: Communicates  
   The professional educator uses knowledge of effective verbal, nonverbal, and media communication techniques to foster active inquiry, collaboration, and supportive interaction in the classroom.

Standard #7: Plans and Integrates  
   The professional educator plans instruction based upon knowledge of subject matter, the community, and curriculum goals.

Standard #8: Evaluates  
   The professional educator understands and uses formal and informal assessment strategies to evaluate and ensure the continuous intellectual, social and physical development of the learner.

Standard #9: Reflects on Practice  
   The professional educator is a reflective practitioner who continually evaluates the effects of his/her choices and actions on others (students, parents, and other professionals in the learning community) and who actively seeks out opportunities to grow professionally.

Standard #10: Participates in the Professional Community 
   The professional educator fosters relationships with school colleagues, parents, and agencies in the larger community to support students’ learning and well-being.  

SOE Resources  
Several resources for education students, university faculty, and area teachers are provided through the School of Education.  
   

Alice Hagar Curriculum Resource Center  
— contains many teacher education materials and references for teaching all grade levels  
— located on the upper floor of Murphy Library  

Center for Cultural Diversity and Community Renewal  
— created in response to our commitment to the value of diversity, need to recruit and retain students of color in teacher education programs  
— Center works to establish positive relationships with communities of color in La Crosse and Milwaukee  
— encourages young people to come to UW-L to pursue a career in teacher education  

Rhea Pederson Reading Center  
— provides reading resources for UW-L students and area teachers  
— located in 335 Thomas Morris Hall  

Admission to Teacher Education  
                All students must be admitted to Teacher Education in order to enroll in professional education courses.  Application and admission requirements vary by program. Students are encouraged to work closely with their academic adviser to ensure completion of the application requirements in effect for their program of study. Meeting the eligibility criteria does not guarantee admission into the Teacher Education Program.  Resources available limit the number of students admitted. See school health education, p.147, physical education, p.133, and department of educational studies, p.106 for criteria and application procedures.  

Any student who has been convicted of a criminal offense must contact the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI) to discuss eligibility for teacher licensure. A copy of the DPI Conduct and Competency Code is available in the certification office in Morris Hall.

Assessment System in Teacher Education (including portfolio)  
                Formal assessments are conducted at admission into all teacher education programs during each semester of the professional sequence. Each course and field experience specify links to the UW-La Crosse Teacher Education Standards in its syllabi. A Professional Development Portfolio is one of many measurement tools used by the School of Education. For each course-related standard, knowledge, skills and disposition indicators are identified as the parameters of expected student performance. Candidates submit reflective statements with artifacts identified by instructors for inclusion in the portfolio that provide evidence of learning. The evidence is supported with information on the context, justification, and reflection of learning.  Course instructors evaluate standards-based artifacts using a two-point rubric (sufficient/insufficient).  Assessment Review timelines and portfolio mentoring systems vary by program. Specific program details can be found on the School of Education Web site.  

Retention in Teacher Education  
                Candidates may be retained in the Teacher Education Program as long as they maintain a 2.75 GPA (3.00 for graduate candidates), show proficiency in oral and written communication, fulfill additional assessment criteria (e.g., portfolio) required by the candidate’s program, and are otherwise in good standing with the university and the School of Education.  

Candidate Progress Review Committee 
                The Candidate Progress Review (CPR) Committee is charged to oversee the development and assessment of knowledge, skills, and dispositions among educator certification candidates as assessed by the multiple measures of the Teacher Education Assessment System. Academic and non-academic misconduct (plagiarism, cheating, etc.) are referred directly to the Office of Student Life. If issues related to the progress of candidates are identified, School of Education faculty and staff members initiate a referral using the Candidate Progress Review Referral Form. The candidate receives a copy of the referral. The director of the School of Education will forward a copy to the candidate’s adviser, the program director, department chair, and the content liaison, where appropriate. Details about the referral process can be found on the School of Education Web site.  

Admission to Student Teaching & Internships 
                The student teaching experience is generally completed during the final semester in residence. Applications for student teaching may be obtained at www.uwlax.edu/tefp . Completed applications must be returned to that office by early February for fall semester placement, or by early October for a spring semester placement. 

                Candidates student teach for a full semester, as calculated according to the calendar of the cooperating school. Most cooperating schools are located approximately within a 50-mile radius of  La Crosse, though candidates may apply to teach in larger urban settings outside that radius.  

To be eligible for student teaching, candidates must:  

1.  have and maintain 2.75 combined cumulative, major, minor, concentration, and professional sequence grade point averages  

2.  meet prerequisites specified for ECE 400, ECE 401, C-I 403, C-I 409, SHE 403, SPE 483, or SPE 484, including an official Praxis II content test score report documenting passing scores on Praxis II content tests in the appropriate certification area/discipline

3.  declare the major(s), minor(s), and/or concentrations for which they are seeking certification at the time of admission to student teaching.  

Internships  
                To be eligible to apply, candidates must be formally admitted to teacher education, and must possess and maintain through graduation, a combined cumulative grade point average of 3.00. Interns are assigned for an entire semester to schools that are part of the Wisconsin Improvement Program. The Intern Selection Committee admits students to the internship program. Applications for internships may be obtained at www.uwlax.edu/tefp . The completed application is due by early February for placement during the fall or spring semester of the subsequent year.    

Certification to Teach  
                Candidates must maintain a 2.75 combined cumulative grade point average and a 2.75 grade point average in all certifiable majors and minors, concentrations and professional education courses. The completion of a Professional Development Portfolio also is required.  An official Praxis II content test score report documenting passing scores on Praxis II content tests in the appropriate certification area/discipline must be on file in the certification office, 220 Morris Hall.

                Candidates who complete all university requirements and all teacher education requirements for student teaching/internship, but who fail to successfully complete the student teaching/internship experience, may be awarded a Bachelor of Science degree without certification. This degree will not earn Department of Public Instruction endorsement for licensure. (See the Academic Assistant to the Dean for details.)    

Background Screening  
                Candidates enrolling in field experiences in the School of Education are screened for physical, mental, and criminal histories which might lead to non-acceptance into programs, courses, and/or fieldwork. Having a history in these areas does not automatically deny admission to the program. Before issuing a teaching license, the State of Wisconsin conducts a criminal background check through the FBI.

                Background checks are conducted at each level of clinical field experience and a CIB check will be conducted prior to student teaching. Candidates will pay the cost of the CIB at the Cashier’s Office prior to student teaching. Copies of the background check will be kept in the candidate’s file and on file at the clinical site if required. Questions concerning criminal background checks should be directed to the Office of Student Teaching and Field Experiences.    

Wisconsin Application  
                Graduates desiring a license to teach in Wisconsin may obtain the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction’s License Application from the DPI Web site. Upon completion of all items appropriate to the certification desired, the application and a $100 check payable to the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction should be returned to the certification office in 220 Morris Hall. When all certification requirements are satisfactorily completed, the certification officer will endorse the application and forward it for approval to the State Department of Public Instruction.    

Out-of-State Applications  
We recommend that graduates seeking certification in other states request application forms and instructions from the Department of Education of the state in which certification is desired. Candidates should seek such information early in the professional preparation program. Most states will require institutional endorsement as Wisconsin does.  

Statutory Requirements  
  Environmental Education and Conservation-Demonstration of knowledge and understanding in environmental education and in the conservation of natural resources is required for licenses in early childhood-middle childhood, middle childhood-early adolescence, science (majors or minors), and social studies (majors or minors).  Instruction in environmental education and conservation is required for the completion of these programs.  

Cooperatives. Demonstration of knowledge and understanding of cooperative marketing and consumer cooperatives is required for licenses in social studies (majors or minors).  Instruction in cooperatives is noted by the major and minor course listings in social studies disciplines.  

Exceptional Education. Demonstration of knowledge and understanding of procedures used for assessing and providing education for children with disabilities, including provider roles and responsibilities and curriculum modification. 

Human Relations. Demonstration of knowledge and understanding in the areas of “Minority Group Relations” under PI 34 3.15 (4) (c) 1-6 to be certified to teach in the state of Wisconsin.  

Reading. Demonstration of knowledge and understanding of teaching reading and language arts including phonics, for licensure in early childhood-middle childhood and middle childhood-early adolescence.  

Conflict Resolution-Demonstration of knowledge and understanding in:

1. resolving conflicts between pupils and between pupils and school staff;

2. assisting pupils in learning methods of resolving conflicts between pupils and between pupils and school staff, including training in the use of peer mediation to resolve conflicts between pupils; and

3. dealing with crises, including violent, disruptive, potentially violent or potentially disruptive situations that may arise in school or at activities supervised by a school as a result of conflicts between pupils or between pupils and other persons.    

General Education Requirements           
    Students take specific courses from General Education to meet statutory requirements in the areas of human relations, environmental education and conservation depending on the certification desired. General Education check sheets listing required courses are available in Morris Hall. The two-year transfer policy does not exempt students from these requirements.

Standardized Testing  
    Passing scores on the Pre-Professional Skills Test (PPST) in reading (175), mathematics (173), and writing (174) is required of all candidates in teacher preparation programs. In addition, an official Praxis II content test score report documenting passing scores on Praxis II content tests in the appropriate certification area/discipline is required prior to enrolling in the student teaching/internship semester and to be recommended for licensure by the certification officer. The State Superintendent of Public Instruction determines passing scores.  

NOTICE

  Students should be aware that the Department of Public Instruction is specific in its requirements about the content of both general education and professional education; therefore, prospective teacher education candidates should work closely with an adviser from the outset of their studies at the university. Completion of Department of Public Instruction requirements for licensure may take longer than four academic years.

Title II Reporting  
                Section 207 of Title II of the Higher Education Act requires institutions to report program information to the state each year. Program information includes the total number of students enrolled in teacher education programs, the number of students enrolled in supervised student teaching experiences, the number and full-time equivalencies of faculty and staff supervising student teachers, a student/faculty ratio, the average number of hours per week and the number of weeks required for student teaching. State approval information is also required. Title II reports for UW-La Crosse can be found on the School of Education Web site.   

The College of Science and Allied Health (SAH)  
Dean - Michael Nelson  
Associate Deans – Keith Beyer, Karen Palmer-McLean  
Assistants to the Dean - Carla Burkhardt, Guy Herling  
105 Graff Main Hall; (608)785-8218  
www.uwlax.edu/sah/  
science@uwlax.edu 

Departments/Units  
Biology  
Chemistry  
                 Nuclear Medicine Technology  
Computer Science  
Exercise and Sport Science  
Geography/Earth Science  
Health Education and Health Promotion  
Health Professions  
                Occupational Therapy  
                Physical Therapy  
                Physician Assistant Studies  
                Radiation Therapy  
Mathematics  
Microbiology           
                Clinical Laboratory Science  
Physics  
Recreation Management and Therapeutic Recreation

Degrees Offered  
Bachelor of Arts  
Bachelor of Science  
Master of Public Health  
Master of Science  
Master of Science Physical Therapy  
Master of Software Engineering  

majors and minors  
   Athletic Training-BS  
   Biochemistry— BS  
  *Biology — BA/BS  
               Aquatic Science Concentration  
               Biomedical Science Concentration  
               Cellular and Molecular Concentration  
                Environmental Science Concentration  
*Chemistry — BA/BS  
               ACS Certification  
               Business Concentration  
               Environmental Science Concentration  
   Clinical Laboratory Science — BS  
   Community Health Education — BS  
*Computer Science — BS  
   Exercise and Sport Science — BS    with emphases in:  
               Fitness  
               Physical Education              
               Sport Management  
*Geography — BA/BS  
            Environmental Science Concentration  
*Geographic Information Science  Concentration  
*Mathematics — BA/BS  
               Applied Emphasis  
            *Education Emphasis              
          *Statistics Emphasis  
   Microbiology — BA/BS  
            Biomedical Concentration  
            Environmental Concentration 
   Nuclear Medicine Technology—BS  
*Physics — BA/BS  
 *Astronomy Emphasis  
            Computational Physics Emphasis  
              Optics Emphasis  
            Biomedical Concentration  
             Business Concentration 
   Radiation Therapy—BS  
*Recreation Management-BS  
*School Health Education-BS             
   Therapeutic Recreation-BS  

  * also offered as minors

Dual Degree Programs  
Biology/Chiropractic  
Biology/Physical Therapy  
Chemistry/Engineering  
Computer Science/Engineering  
Mathematics/Engineering  
Physics/Engineering  
Physics/Physical Therapy

Minors (only)  
Computational Science Minor  
Earth Science Minor  
Geoarchaeology Minor  
 

concentrations  
Coaching Competitive Athletics  
Special Physical Education  
Strength and Conditioning  

Certificate Program

Medical Dosimetry

                The College of Science and Allied Health houses high quality major and minor programs in the natural and physical sciences, mathematics and computer science, exercise science, recreation, and in selected allied health professions. The college’s combination of programs provides both applications for the sciences and a strong science base for the allied health offerings. These programs also collectively provide many scientific literacy offerings within the university’s General Education program.

All major programs offer undergraduate research experiences and/or professional internship experiences through collaborative agreements with external agencies.

Sequences and requirements are listed in the Undergraduate Program and Course Description section of the catalog.

In addition to the major and General Education requirements, all students in the College of Science and Allied Health must complete a core curriculum which emphasizes diverse in-depth study outside of the major.  

The College of Science and Allied Health and the College of Exercise Science, Health and Recreation were in the process of merging at the time of catalog publication. All information in this section might not be applicable to all areas, particularly college core and program admission requirements. Consult the assistants to the dean for the most current information.

Core Curriculum

All B.S. and B.A. students graduating from the College of Science and Allied Health are required to take two natural laboratory science courses selected from the General Education laboratory science category (II.C.) and from BIO 204, BIO 210, CHM 104, ESC 221, ESC 222, PHY 104, or PHY 204, and they either must take two mathematics courses or one math course and one computer science course from the math/logical systems category of the General Education requirements (I.B.). One of the two science courses must be from a department outside of the student’s major department.  

(Note: Math courses can be pairs, i.e. 150 & 151; MTH/C-S majors can use 2 science courses from same department.)  

In addition:  
1. For the Bachelor of Science degree, students must complete  

       A. a major from the college plus a minor (or a second major) from any college

                                        or

B. a major from the college plus 18 credits at the 300 or 400 level in courses outside the major department from any college. Internship credits generally do not count toward this college core option.

2. For the Bachelor of Arts degree,

    students must complete a major from the college plus proficiency in a foreign language at the 202 level or an ESL proficiency score of 80 or above on the La Crosse Battery of exams for non-native speakers of English. (Contact the English as a Second Language Institute for eligibility and regulations.)

        and

A. a minor in the College of Liberal Studies

   or

B. 15 credits at the 300 level or above in the College of Liberal Studies. Internship credits generally do not count toward this college core option.

3. Students who major in chemistry with a business concentration, clinical laboratory science, radiation science-nuclear medicine technology, or radiation science-radiation therapy may satisfy the college core requirements for the Bachelor of Science degree by completing the special core requirements approved for the major.

exercise science, health and recreation programs

      Professional preparation programs are available for students pursuing careers in school health education, physical education, community health education and health promotion, athletic training/sports medicine, sport management, fitness leadership, recreation management, and therapeutic recreation. Programs are nationally accredited, including many of the graduate programs. Teacher certification programs are state and regionally accredited. 

All professional programs have strong academic foundations in General Education requirements, professional cores, and field-based experiences to best prepare students for a wide variety of careers and job opportunities. Most programs culminate with a university-supervised “on-the-job” experience such as student teaching, internship, or preceptorship.

Personalized advisement is a key element in the success of all students. Each student is assigned a faculty adviser when he/she enters the college. Students are encouraged to connect with their faculty adviser early in their academic career for guidance in course selection and career planning. In addition, the college has academic assistants to the dean who interpret and carry out university policy for the college. Students should contact them regarding graduation requirements, change of major/minor, inter-college transfer, admission to programs, academic action appeals, petitions for exceptions to curriculum requirements and policies, and transfer credit evaluation. The academic assistants also are available to answer questions and give advice on a variety of other topics related to the collegiate experience.

Several comprehensive community service programs provide students with “hands-on” experiences to supplement classroom learning. Included among these programs are the La Crosse Exercise and Health Program, Special Populations Exercise Program, Strength and Conditioning Center, Musculoskeletal Research Center, Adventure Education Ropes Course and Climbing Wall, Community Recreation Special Events, and numerous collaborative partnerships with community and educational agencies.

Core REquirements

Exercise Science, Health, and Recreation does not require a common core curriculum for all students.  

Admission to Program  
Most ESHR programs have criteria for admission, and students in these majors carry a pre-major designation until they have satisfied these criteria and have been recommended for admission by the faculty. Careful attention to application procedures and close communication with one’s faculty adviser are vital aspects for students making a successful application.            

Admission is required for the following majors:  
Athletic Training  
ESS-Fitness  
ESS-Physical Education Teacher Certification  
ESS-Sport Management  
School Health Education  
Therapeutic Recreation

The College of Science and Allied Health and the College of Exercise Science, Health and Recreation were in the process of merging at the time of catalog publication. All information in this section might not be applicable to all areas, particularly college core and program admission requirements. Consult the assistants to the dean for the most current information.

PRE-PROFESSIONAL CURRICULA

      Students are provided the opportunity to complete requirements in a variety of pre-professional fields on the campus prior to applying to other colleges and universities for admission to their professional programs. Pre-professional program requirements vary widely; some require a degree while others do not. Students are expected to be aware of the requirements of the school to which they plan to apply; therefore, they need to select their course work carefully. Pre-professional advisers on the campus can be of assistance to students in designing a curriculum in such programs. Pre-professional advisers and their contact information can be found at  or by inquiring at the College of Science and Allied Health Office, 105 Graff Main Hall.  

Pre-Chiropractic  
      Pre-chiropractic students enroll at  UW-L for at least two years (60 credits) before being admitted to professional chiropractic schools; however, most students entering chiropractic programs have more than 60 credits, and many chiropractic colleges strongly recommend a bachelor’s degree. Students should sample liberally from the General Education curriculum with some emphasis in biology and chemistry. Minimal academic qualifications include one year of biology, one year of general chemistry, one year of organic chemistry, one year of physics, one year of English, one semester of social science or humanities.    

Pre-Dentistry  
      The usual pre-professional education requirements for admission to dental school stipulate two academic years of liberal arts study; however, many of the dental schools in the United States require three years of college education, and most prefer baccalaureate degree candidates. Dental school requirements in pre-professional curricula vary but a freshman year basically includes: BIO 105 and 303; CHM 103 and 104; ENG 110; PHY 103 and 104 or 203 and 204 and a course in mathematics.

The pre-dentistry adviser should be consulted as to full curriculum requirements. Admission to dental school is based on grade point average, interviews, aptitude tests and letters of recommendation. An aptitude test is taken in the year preceding application to dental school.    

Pre-Engineering  
      Most of the basic mathematics, chemistry and physics courses that the prospective engineer needs in the first two years of an engineering curriculum can be taken at UW-L, and a wide choice of electives is also available. In the first two years, every pre-engineer should complete three semesters of calculus, two semesters of chemistry and two semesters of physics. Since requirements vary with the engineering school and the particular major, students should see the pre-engineering adviser in the chemistry, computer science, mathematics, or physics department as early as possible. The adviser can furnish information about specific majors within engineering schools. Engineering curriculums require four or more years of study; therefore, students spending the first two at La Crosse will need to spend two or more years at an engineering school to complete degree requirements.  
 

Pre-Forestry (Natural Resources, Conservation, Wildlife Management)  
      A curriculum is available to meet the needs of the majority of students who will later major in such diverse fields as wildlife management, forestry and conservation education. However, students entering one of these fields are reminded that most forestry schools set their own requirements for admission, and thus it is imperative that exact requirements be obtained from current catalogs of the schools to which students plan to transfer to complete their professional training. Generally, the requirement for admission with junior standing to professional school is 60 semester hours.

In some cases students will find it advantageous to earn a bachelor’s degree before entering the professional program. Students may do so by continuing for two more academic years at UW-L and fulfilling requirements prescribed for that degree. Students electing to follow this plan should allow extra years to complete graduate work in the professional school. Students are urged to contact the university’s pre-forestry adviser early in their first semester.  
 

Pre-Medicine 
      Minimal academic requirements to qualify for admission to medical school include a number of courses as part of, or in addition to, a regular academic major leading to a baccalaureate degree. Pre-medicine requirements include eight semester hours in biology (general and advanced zoology); 16 semester hours of chemistry including one year of general and eight semester hours of organic; one semester of mathematics; eight semester hours of physics; and six semester hours of English. Academic preparation in all of these areas is available at UW-L. Although the majority of pre-medical students major in chemistry, biology or microbiology, the student may major in any field of interest as long as the minimal requirements are satisfied.

Admission to medical school is highly competitive, and admission decisions are based on factors such as overall grade point average, grade point average in the required science courses, performance on the national Medical College Admission Test (MCAT), usually taken in the spring of the junior year, non-academic credentials (activities and work experiences), letters of evaluation from faculty, and a personal interview.  
 

Pre-Nursing  
      Students may take pre-nursing courses at UW-La Crosse in preparation for transfer to a school that offers a nursing program. Pre-nursing students need to be aware of the requirements of the nursing program to which they plan to transfer. See uwlax.edu/nursing for more information and links to area schools of nursing.

UW-Madison, in conjunction with Gundersen-Lutheran Medical Center in La Crosse, offers the professional nursing curriculum in La Crosse to students selected to attend UW-Madison’s “Western Campus.” More information on this program is available at the Web site above and at gundluth.org/web/ptcare/ westnursingcampus.nsf    
 

Pre-Occupational Therapy  
      Undergraduate students interested in occupational therapy must declare an undergraduate major.  In addition to declaring an undergraduate major, students may select pre-professional occupational therapy as a secondary area of interest. Dual degree agreements are available for psychology in which students receive both a bachelor of science and a graduate occupational therapy degree from UW-La Crosse.  The total length of time for both degrees is approximately five and one-half years.  It is important that students selecting this option work with their major adviser early and declare their intent officially.  

      General admission requirements for the UW-La Crosse occupational therapy graduate program include:

B7      an undergraduate degree or completion of an undergraduate degree prior to starting the program (except for declared dual degree students);

B7        completion of all prerequisite course work including BIO 312, 313; PHY 125; PSY 212; MTH 145 with required minimum grades

B7        attainment of at least a 3.00 cumulative GPA;

B7        completion of 10 hours of clinical experience supervised by an OT.

Information about the O-T program, admission criteria and selection process is available at www.uwlax.edu/ot .

Pre-Optometry  
      Students should plan to spend at least two years in undergraduate study; most successful applicants have three or four years of undergraduate work. A typical program includes BIO 105 and 303; CHM 103 and 104; PHY 103 and 104, or 203 and 204; ENG 110 and a course in mathematics. Additional courses may be needed for a pre-optometric program. Consult the adviser for complete undergraduate curriculum requirements. The Optometry Admission Test (OAT) must be taken before or during the semester in which students apply for admission to a school of optometry.  
 

Pre-Osteopathic Medicine  
The statement in the section on pre-medicine applies equally to pre-osteopathic medicine. Medical school and osteopathic curricula are nearly identical, and the practice of medicine by graduates of either type of school is essentially identical. Osteopathy is best considered an alternative within medicine rather than an alternative to medicine.  
 

Pre-Pharmacy  
Most pharmacy programs offer the “Doctor of Pharmacy” degree. The programs involve a pre-pharmacy curriculum of about 70 credits that can be taken at UW-L. The professional program that is taken at the College of Pharmacy is an additional four years. The pre-pharmacy curriculum is set by the individual colleges of pharmacy but generally consists of BIO 105, 312, 313, 306 or 315; CHM 103, 104, 303, 304 and 305; PHY 103 and 104; MTH 207, plus non-math, non-science General Education courses.

It is very important to work with the pre-pharmacy adviser as program requirements change frequently.  
 

Pre-Physical Therapy  
      Undergraduate students interested in physical therapy must declare an undergraduate major.  Typical majors include biology, exercise & sport science, psychology, and physics but other majors are equally appropriate and feasible with appropriate planning.  In addition to declaring an undergraduate major, students may select pre-professional physical therapy as a secondary area of interest. Dual degree agreements are available for biology and physics in which students receive both a bachelor of science and a graduate physical therapy degree from UW-La Crosse.  The total length of time for both degrees is approximately five and three-quarter years.  It is important that students selecting this option work with their major advisor early and declare their intent officially.  

      General admission requirements for the UW-La Crosse physical therapy graduate program include:

B7      an undergraduate degree or completion of an undergraduate degree prior to starting the program (except for declared dual degree students);

B7        completion of all prerequisite course work including BIO 105, 312, 313; CHM 103, 104; PHY 103 or 203, 104 or 204; PSY 100; SOC 110 or 120; and MTH 145

B7        attainment of at least a 3.00 cumulative GPA;

B7        completion of required volunteer experiences with letters of recommendation; and

B7        completion and submission of Graduate Records Examination (GRE) scores. 

The program typically considers conducts and early and general admissions screening of completed applications.  Please consult the admissions section of the physical therapy program Web site  for specific application instructions and deadlines.  
 

Pre-Physician Assistant Studies

      Physician assistants (PAs) practice medicine with physician supervision.  To become a PA, students must be admitted to an accredited PA education program.  Like many PA programs across the country, the UW-L – Gundersen – Mayo PA program is a graduate program, though there remain a number of undergraduate physician assistant programs at other institutions.  Thus, undergraduate students interested in the UW-L program must declare a primary undergraduate major in another field in order to complete a baccalaureate degree.  Pre-physician assistant studies then may be selected as second major and PA faculty members may be selected as academic advisers.

      Prerequisite requirements are quite variable among the 130 PA programs across the country.  For the UW-L graduate PA program at a minimum the following prerequisite requirements apply: 

B7      Biology:  At least 14 semester hours of biology including at least two lab courses:

BIO 312 and 313; MIC 230; one of the following—BIO 306, 406, 408, 413, 424, 432, 443, 465, 466, MIC 406

B7        Chemistry:  A minimum of 11 semester hours of chemistry including at least two of these courses which must include a laboratory:

CHM 103 or 104; CHM 300, or CHM 303 and 304; CHM 325, or CHM 417 and 418 or BIO 315 or 435

B7        Mathematics:  A minimum of two semesters including: MTH 151 or 207; MTH 145 or 205 or 305

B7        Psychology:  one of the following: PSY 100, 210, 212, 304, 310, 311, 312

B7      Academic Aptitude:  A minimum cumulative GPA on all post-high school courses of 3.00.  A minimum science GPA of 3.00.  Submission of GRE scores is required.

B7      Health Care Experience:  Prior direct patient care health experience is expected.  Such experience provides evidence of a career commitment to healthcare as a PA.

Application to the UW-L – Gundersen – Mayo PA program should be made during the summer prior to the senior year.  Pre-PA students should consider making application to several PA programs and carefully review the specific requirements of the programs in which they are interested.  Many programs, including the UW-L –Gundersen – Mayo Program, utilize the Centralized Application Service for Physician Assistants (CASPA) and require a program specific supplemental application.  
 

Pre-Podiatry  
A podiatrist is a medical specialist who has unlimited licensure to practice on the ankle and foot. Requirements for admission to a school of podiatric medicine are the same as those listed in the pre-medicine section.  
 

Pre-Veterinary  
The University of Wisconsin-La Crosse offers courses that satisfy the requirements for admission to any school of veterinary medicine. Requirements generally include courses in biology, microbiology, chemistry, physics, English composition, mathematics and social sciences and humanities.  Several majors at UW-L (particularly biology, microbiology and chemistry) provide an excellent basis for meeting course requirements while pursuing a bachelor’s degree. Applicants are also required to take the graduate record exam (GRE) and have documented animal work experience.  Check veterinary schools’ Web sites for most current information.  The pre-vet adviser acts as a resource for pre-vet students and more information visit www.uwlax.edu/microbiology/prevet.htm .

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