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Undergraduate Overview 2024-25

The University of Wisconsin-La Crosse (UWL) has specific language requirements for international students whose native language is not English. These requirements are in place to ensure that students can succeed in the university’s academic programs, which are primarily taught in English. Here are the general language proficiency requirements:

1. English Proficiency Test Scores:

UWL accepts several English language proficiency tests. The following are the most commonly accepted tests and their minimum required scores:

• TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language):

  • Internet-based TOEFL (iBT): Minimum score of 71.
  • TOEFL Paper-based: Minimum score of 523.

• IELTS (International English Language Testing System):

  • Minimum overall band score of 6.0.

• Duolingo English Test:

  • Minimum score of 100.

• Cambridge English (C1 Advanced, C2 Proficiency):

  • Minimum score of 169 for C1 or 180 for C2.

• PTE (Pearson Test of English):

  • Minimum score of 48.

2. Waiver for English Proficiency:

International students may be exempted from submitting English proficiency test scores if they meet one of the following criteria:

• Completion of Secondary or Post-secondary Education: If the student has completed at least three years of study in an institution where English is the primary language of instruction.
• Completion of College-Level English Composition: If the student has completed a college-level English composition course with a grade of C or higher at an accredited institution.

3. Other Considerations:

• Conditional Admission: If an applicant does not meet the required English proficiency score but shows potential, they may be offered conditional admission. This could involve enrolling in an English as a Second Language (ESL) program or taking language courses to improve their proficiency before starting their degree program.
• English Skills Assessment: Some students may be required to take an English skills assessment upon arrival to assess their writing and reading abilities, particularly if they have not met the minimum proficiency standards or if there are concerns about their academic readiness in English.

4. Intensive English Program:

UWL offers an Intensive English Program (IEP) for students who do not meet the English proficiency requirements. This program helps students improve their English language skills before they are fully admitted to their degree programs.

Welcome - Admissions | UW-La Crosse

The University of Wisconsin-La Crosse (UWL) offers a wide variety of undergraduate and graduate programs with specializations in various fields. UWL is particularly recognized for its strengths in health sciences, business, and education, with several standout programs. Below are some of the university's key areas of specialization:

1. Health Sciences

• UWL is well-known for its health and wellness programs, with a strong focus on training professionals in healthcare, fitness, and sports medicine.
• Popular Programs:
  • Kinesiology: UWL is especially known for its exercise science, sports medicine, and kinesiology programs, which prepare students for careers in physical therapy, sports coaching, fitness training, and rehabilitation.
  • Public Health: UWL offers a highly regarded Public Health program, focusing on health policy, epidemiology, and community health.
  • Nursing: The Nursing program at UWL prepares students for a variety of healthcare roles, with a clinical focus and opportunities for advanced practice.
  • Occupational Therapy: UWL offers a highly ranked Occupational Therapy program, with pathways for students to enter into graduate-level education in therapy professions.

2. Business and Economics

• The College of Business Administration at UWL is known for preparing students for success in business, with emphasis on management, finance, marketing, and accounting.
• Popular Programs:
  • Business Administration: UWL offers undergraduate and graduate-level degrees in Business Administration, including specializations in finance, marketing, and management.
  • Economics: The economics department at UWL provides students with the knowledge to understand economic principles and prepare for careers in research, policy analysis, or business.
  • Healthcare Administration: Given UWL's focus on health sciences, their Healthcare Administration program provides students with an understanding of management practices within the healthcare sector.

3. Education

• The School of Education at UWL offers a variety of programs specializing in teacher preparation and leadership roles in education.
• Popular Programs:
  • Special Education: The university is known for its strong Special Education program, preparing teachers to work with diverse student populations, including those with disabilities.
  • Educational Leadership: UWL provides leadership-focused programs for students aiming to work as school administrators, principals, or other educational leaders.
  • Teacher Education: UWL offers a comprehensive teacher education program in several subjects, including elementary education, secondary education, and early childhood education.

4. Biology and Environmental Science

• UWL has an excellent reputation in the life sciences, including biology, environmental science, and ecology.
• Popular Programs:
  • Biology: UWL offers several pathways within biology, with a focus on ecology, cell biology, genetics, and microbiology.
  • Environmental Science: The university offers programs in environmental science that focus on sustainability, conservation, and managing natural resources.

5. Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences

• UWL has strong programs in the arts, humanities, and social sciences, which prepare students for careers in education, writing, social work, and research.
• Popular Programs:
  • Psychology: UWL offers a comprehensive Psychology program, with an emphasis on clinical, social, and developmental psychology.
  • Sociology: The Sociology program prepares students to understand social behavior, institutions, and structures.
  • Communication Studies: UWL provides specialized programs in communication, focusing on media studies, public relations, and organizational communication.

6. Computer Science and Information Systems

• UWL offers computer science and information systems programs that prepare students for careers in software development, IT consulting, and systems analysis.
• Popular Programs:
  • Computer Science: The program prepares students for the tech industry, with courses in programming, data structures, artificial intelligence, and software engineering.
  • Information Systems: UWL offers an Information Systems program that focuses on the application of technology to business processes and data management.

7. Humanities and Languages

• UWL offers Humanities programs that focus on the study of culture, history, and society, as well as foreign language programs for students interested in international careers or language studies.
• Popular Programs:
  • English: The English program at UWL offers students concentrations in literature, writing, and professional communication.
  • Foreign Languages: UWL offers a Spanish program, along with courses in other languages such as French and German.

8. Engineering and Mathematics

• UWL has a Mathematics and Engineering program that prepares students for technical careers in fields like engineering, finance, and actuarial science.
• Popular Programs:
  • Mathematics: UWL's Mathematics program is strong in both theoretical and applied mathematics, preparing students for careers in teaching, finance, or research.
  • Engineering Science: UWL also offers an interdisciplinary Engineering Science program that provides a foundation in various engineering principles.

9. Political Science and International Relations

• UWL offers robust programs in Political Science, with an emphasis on American politics, international relations, and public policy.
• Popular Programs:
  • Political Science: The program focuses on U.S. government and political theory, preparing students for careers in public policy, government, or law.
  • International Studies: Students in the International Studies program focus on global issues, international relations, and cultural studies.

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Majors and programs - Admissions

Scholarship Resource Center

International student help

The University of Wisconsin-La Crosse (UWL) provides a range of career services and job opportunities for its students and graduates. Here's an overview of how UWL helps its students prepare for and secure jobs:

1. Career Services Center:

UWL offers robust support through its Career Services Center, which helps students with:

• Job Search: Assisting with finding internships, part-time jobs, and full-time positions.
• Resume and Cover Letter Assistance: Helping students create professional resumes and cover letters tailored to their career goals.
• Interview Preparation: Offering mock interviews, interview coaching, and tips for handling real interviews.
• Career Counseling: Providing one-on-one career advice, helping students choose career paths, and offering guidance for job transitions.
• Networking Opportunities: Organizing career fairs, employer networking events, and connecting students with alumni for job advice and mentorship.

2. Internship Opportunities:

UWL encourages students to gain work experience while studying. Many academic programs, particularly in the health sciences, business, and education, require internships as part of the curriculum. The university has established relationships with local businesses, healthcare providers, schools, and other organizations that offer valuable internship experiences.

3. Job Placement:

UWL has a strong job placement rate, especially in fields such as nursing, physical therapy, business, and education. Graduates from these programs tend to find positions quickly, with many securing jobs before graduation through internships or campus recruitment events.

4. Alumni Network:

UWL has an active and engaged alumni network that provides additional job opportunities. Alumni often return to campus for networking events and career fairs or participate in job shadowing and mentorship programs for current students. This network can be an invaluable resource for job-seeking graduates.

5. On-Campus Jobs:

For students looking to gain work experience during their studies, UWL offers on-campus employment opportunities, including roles in libraries, dining services, research labs, and administrative offices. These jobs provide valuable work experience and often allow students to balance their academic schedules with work responsibilities.

6. Career Fairs and Employer Recruitment:

UWL hosts annual career fairs where employers from various industries come to campus to recruit students for full-time positions, internships, and co-op opportunities. These events are a great way for students to connect directly with employers and learn about job openings.

7. Graduate School Preparation:

For students interested in continuing their education, UWL offers resources and guidance for applying to graduate programs. The university has strong programs in healthcare, education, and business, and many graduates choose to pursue advanced degrees in these fields.

8. Key Career Fields for Graduates:

Some of the top industries and career fields where UWL graduates find employment include:

• Healthcare: Nurses, physical therapists, health administrators, and exercise science professionals.
• Education: Teachers, special education professionals, school administrators, and counselors.
• Business: Accountants, marketers, financial analysts, and human resources professionals.
• Environmental Sciences: Conservationists, environmental educators, and researchers.
• Public Service: Social workers, public health workers, and community service professionals.

9. Job Search Resources:

• Handshake: UWL uses Handshake, an online platform for students and alumni to find jobs, internships, and career-related events. It’s a direct portal for employers to connect with UWL students and post open positions.
• Job Search Websites: In addition to Handshake, students are encouraged to use other job search platforms like Indeed, LinkedIn, and Glassdoor.

10. Employer Relations:

UWL maintains relationships with a wide array of local, regional, and national employers. These connections help ensure that students have access to a wide variety of job opportunities and internship placements. The university works closely with employers to understand workforce needs and provide students with opportunities that align with industry demands.

In summary, the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse offers comprehensive career services, including job search assistance, internship opportunities, networking events, and career counseling. UWL’s strong academic programs, coupled with its active career services, help students secure jobs in their chosen fields after graduation.

The University of Wisconsin-La Crosse (UWL) is home to many dedicated and accomplished professors, but it does not have widely recognized individual professors who are specifically known at the national or international level like those at some larger research institutions. However, the university does pride itself on its excellent faculty in various disciplines, particularly in its well-regarded health sciences, education, and business programs.

Some notable aspects of UWL faculty include:

1. Kinesiology and Health Sciences:

UWL is particularly known for its Kinesiology department, and many professors in this field are leaders in exercise science and sports medicine research. The university's strong emphasis on health sciences and physical therapy attracts faculty with extensive experience and recognition in these areas. Professors often participate in research related to exercise physiology, biomechanics, and rehabilitation science.

2. Education Faculty:

UWL has a highly respected School of Education, and many professors here are known for their work in preparing future teachers, especially in the areas of special education and educational leadership. Faculty members in this field often hold advanced degrees, contribute to educational research, and have experience as educators in K-12 schools.

3. Research Excellence:

Professors at UWL often engage in undergraduate and graduate research projects. For example, UWL faculty have been involved in research related to sustainability, environmental science, and public health. While these professors may not have won Nobel Prizes, their research is often influential in its field and contributes to the advancement of knowledge in practical, impactful ways.

4. Awards and Recognition:

While no individual UWL professor may be widely famous for a Nobel Prize or international recognition, many faculty members receive awards for teaching excellence, research, and community involvement. UWL is dedicated to fostering an environment of educational leadership, and several faculty members are frequently recognized by academic and professional organizations for their contributions.

If you are looking for specific faculty or notable professors, it may be best to consult the university’s faculty directory or explore the faculty’s research interests in areas like health sciences, business administration, education, and environmental studies. Professors often publish their work in journals, present at conferences, and contribute to the overall reputation of the university through their professional achievements.

The University of Wisconsin-La Crosse (UWL) does not have any Nobel Prize laureates among its faculty or alumni as of now. However, the university is recognized for its strong academic programs and contributions to fields such as health sciences, education, business, and public service. While it may not have Nobel Prize winners, UWL has fostered a solid academic environment that prepares students for successful careers and encourages research, particularly in fields like kinesiology, exercise science, and healthcare.

In general, universities like UWL may not always be directly associated with Nobel Prize winners, but they contribute to society in other impactful ways through research, alumni success, and specialized programs.