Bachelor of Arts in Christian Ministry

at Concordia University, St. Paul USA

Depending on their career goals, math majors can choose to earn a Bachelor of Science degree or a Bachelor of Arts degree in mathematics at Concordia University, St. Paul. In earning either degree, students will develop the critical thinking and problem solving skills necessary for today’s technological world.  The BS degree is more credits and offers students more opportunities to explore math applications within the math major, while the BA degree is fewer credits and is designed to be paired with a minor or a second major such as secondary education, computer science, business, science, or a variety of other possibilities.  All of the courses in the math major are offered face-to-­face in small classes (usually less than 20 students) and the emphasis is on actively solving problems in class. Throughout the curriculum, students will learn to use technology, including computer algebra systems, geometry modeling software, spreadsheets, 3D printers, and computer programming to model and solve problems. In some courses students investigate topics and learn to present their ideas professionally.  Some of these topics lead to independent research projects that students can present at undergraduate research conferences and help the students earn honors in the major. There is also an active Tri-Pi math club that offers social events to build comradery amongst the math students. Our math majors have followed a wide variety of career paths and are currently working as data analysts, risk analysts, inventory analysts, high school teachers, college professors, statisticians, health professionals, lawyers, and researchers.  Instead of asking “What can I do with a math major?”, you should ask yourself “What can’t I do with a math major?”

Biology majors develop a strong foundation in biology by exploring cell biology, genetics, molecular biology, chemistry, evolutionary theory, scientific methodology, and laboratory techniques in our core curriculum.  Students then have the opportunity to tailor their degree with various electives including immunology, microbiology, human anatomy and physiology, and human gross anatomy, in which students have access to a human cadaver lab. The coursework pushes students to sharpen their critical thinking, scientific reasoning, and laboratory skills. 

Students graduating with a Family Science major develop lifelong skills in scientific thinking and understanding human thought, behavior, and family interaction. The educational outcomes in combination with the internship experience prepare students to enter a career of choice or graduate school.

Students in the Music major expand their creativity, analytical, research and writing skills while studying music performance, programming, analysis, composition, history, literature, education and worship music. The music program is led by accomplished and caring faculty who give one-on-one attention to students in a nurturing community.  With the support of CSP's deeply networked music faculty, students in this major are provided opportunities to ply their craft in music positions at churches, internships with local music organizations, and professional workshops.  The culmination of the major is a senior year public presentation of the student's work, in which the student plans, prepares, promotes, and presents a recital of their work.  The major prepares students for graduate work in music or other fields and employment as entry level music performers, composers, and private teachers.  The program also provides students with the communication skills, collaborative aptitude, creativity, organizational ability, and work ethic to succeed in a broad range of fields beyond music, while providing them with a lifelong outlet for joyful aesthetic expression.

Majoring in Early Childhood Education at Concordia University, St. Paul involves the study of pedagogy, or the method and practice of teaching. You’ll develop the skills and insights to become an effective early childhood educator and a lifelong learner. Concordia offers specializations in Birth-Grade 3 Early Childhood Education, Child Learning and Development or Parent and Family Education. You’ll gain knowledge and skills that are important for any teaching career as you take 64 credit hours towards a Bachelor of Arts degree, and the early childhood education curriculum meets the Minnesota Department of Education requirements for a teaching credential (passage of standardized examinations of content and pedagogy are also required).  
The Teacher Education program at Concordia has been the pride of Concordia for nearly 60 years. It is widely recognized for excellence in its programs, faculty, staff, and candidates, and regarded as among the finest in the state of Minnesota and in the Concordia University System. The program is fully accredited by the National Council of Accreditation for Teacher Education (continuously since 1969) and the Minnesota Board of Teaching. Because of Minnesota’s rigorous teacher licensure standards, students graduating from Minnesota’s colleges and universities are favorably regarded nationwide.

The public relations major provides students with the concepts, skills, and expertise needed to help organizations build mutually beneficial relationships with the diverse public. The knowledge and tools students develop through the P R curriculum prepare students in fields such as corporate communication, social media, government affairs, and public relations firms. The professional internship experience, coupled with graduate and elective coursework, provide opportunities for students to practice and refine their skills.

Biology majors develop a strong foundation in biology by exploring cell biology, genetics, molecular biology, chemistry, evolutionary theory, scientific methodology, and laboratory techniques in our core curriculum.  Students then have the opportunity to tailor their degree with various electives including immunology, microbiology, human anatomy and physiology, and human gross anatomy, in which students have access to a human cadaver lab. The coursework pushes students to sharpen their critical thinking, scientific reasoning, and laboratory skills.

The Church Music major develops students into well-rounded church musicians, preparing them for careers as music professionals in a Christian worship setting.  It enjoys all of the opportunities in Concordia's Music program, but also provides these additional features:

• There are organ, choral, piano, guitar, instrumental, composition, and self-designed tracks, thus equipping students to lead both traditional liturgies and contemporary worship formats.
• Each track shares the core musicianship (music theory/analysis/writing/ear-training/keyboard harmony) and music history courses. Private lessons and ensembles applicable to each track are also part of the core.
• Each track has specialized courses, culminating in a senior project/recital in the track.
• The program culminates in recital performance in the student's chosen track(s) and an internship in a metro area church.
• Students may add Director of Parish Music Certification by completing the Lutheran Theology minor, compiling a portfolio, and passing entrance and exit interviews with the Department of Theology and Ministry. This leads to rostered church worker status as a Commissioned Minister in The Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod.

With several tracks available, the Church Music Major at Concordia allows students to pursue music ministry in the area that best suits their interests and talents.

This program is designed to prepare students with practical marketing skills and knowledge that will be directly applicable to the business world upon graduation. Students learn marketing theory and apply concepts in activities such as electronic commerce, direct marketing, advertising, sales presentations, case analysis and marketing plans. These activities expose students to the practical, challenging and interesting projects and situations they will encounter in their careers. Students develop leadership skills and explore ethics and environmental sustainability. In addition, students earning a BS gain a strong foundation in consumer behavior, social media, and global marketing.

The Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science focuses on kinesiology science concepts in human movement, exercise, and wellness. This program prepares students positions in settings such as fitness/wellness centers, personal training, coaching, rehabilitation sciences, and health and wellness education. This B.S. degree can also serve as preparation for post-baccalaureate study in areas such as physical therapy, chiropractic, human growth, aging, athletic training, biomechanics, exercise physiology, sport management, sport psychology, and more. The B.S. degree is a more in depth major with additional coursework in Biology, Mathematics, and Human Anatomy.