Mount Senario College, located in the serene town of Ladysmith, Wisconsin, offered a diverse array of undergraduate programs focused on liberal arts, professional preparation, and Franciscan values. The campus emphasized small class sizes and personalized education, preparing students for meaningful careers and lifelong learning.
- Business Administration: This program provided foundational knowledge in management, accounting, marketing, and economics. Students explored business ethics, strategic planning, and entrepreneurship through case studies and internships. Courses included Principles of Management, Financial Accounting, Marketing Strategies, and Business Law, equipping graduates for roles in corporate, nonprofit, or small business sectors.
- Elementary Education: Designed for aspiring teachers, this major covered child development, curriculum design, and classroom management. Key courses were Educational Psychology, Methods of Teaching Reading, Mathematics for Elementary Teachers, and Student Teaching Practicum. The program emphasized inclusive education and cultural sensitivity, leading to Wisconsin teaching licensure.
- Nursing: The Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) prepared students for the NCLEX-RN exam. Curriculum included Anatomy and Physiology, Pharmacology, Nursing Fundamentals, Maternal-Child Nursing, and Community Health Nursing. Hands-on clinical experiences in local hospitals fostered skills in patient care, critical thinking, and health promotion.
- Criminal Justice: This interdisciplinary program examined law enforcement, corrections, and juvenile justice. Courses such as Introduction to Criminal Justice, Criminology, Constitutional Law, and Corrections Systems analyzed societal issues like crime prevention and rehabilitation. Students engaged in mock trials and field observations.
- Liberal Arts and Sciences: Core offerings in humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences built critical thinking and communication skills. Subjects included English Literature, History of Western Civilization, General Psychology, Biology, and Environmental Science. Minors in areas like Art, Music, and Religious Studies allowed customization.
- Human Services: Focused on social work and counseling, courses covered Human Behavior in the Social Environment, Social Welfare Policy, Counseling Techniques, and Case Management. The program prepared students for roles in community agencies, advocating for vulnerable populations.
Throughout its programs, Mount Senario integrated Franciscan principles of service, peace, and justice, encouraging community involvement and ethical decision-making. Extracurricular activities, such as service-learning projects and campus ministry, complemented academic pursuits. Although the college closed in 2002, its legacy endures in the comprehensive education it provided to thousands of students, fostering personal growth and professional excellence in a supportive, rural setting. The curriculum balanced theoretical knowledge with practical application, ensuring graduates were well-rounded and adaptable in their fields.
