Bachelor of Arts in Christian Ministry

at Concordia University, St. Paul USA

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.

Chemistry involves the study of the composition, structure, properties, and reactions of matter, especially of atomic and molecular systems. Chemistry coursework at Concordia University gives students a framework of knowledge that allows them to learn and incorporate new facts and concepts as the field evolves. Through the program, students will sharpen their analytical, problem-solving, scientific reasoning, critical thinking, communication, and laboratory skills.

Chemistry majors will gain an understanding of the structure of atoms and molecules, properties of materials, and the reactions that convert one molecule or material to another.  The chemistry major prepares students to think critically and quantitatively, reason scientifically, and to understand the experimental methods, techniques, and instrumentation used in chemistry.  Students have the opportunity to gain relevant research experience on campus.

The Department of Theatre and Dance provides students with a challenging variety of theatrical experiences that enrich their artistic, intellectual, cultural, and spiritual lives. Students will experience a rich blend of traditional classroom, hands-on laboratory, and performance opportunities that help prepare students for entry into professional careers in theatre, graduate study, or to support and strengthen their abilities and expertise in other fields such as education, business, or ministry.

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.

The study of History at Concordia University is not only about the past – it is also about the present and the future. A student in this program will learn to think critically about change over time and how contemporary society has been shaped by all those who came before. The program stresses both global and community education. The program offers students the global knowledge they will need to compete in the 21st century. At the same time, students can experience and witness local history first-hand. The History major will allow students to develop skills in both research and content knowledge. The program offers courses that focus on the entire globe. Students get a mix of political, social, economic, and diplomatic history. The major requires a senior research project, where students do an original research paper, as well as a senior readings course. The remaining classes are electives, with the stipulation that at least one of those courses has a global focus. History majors are also required to do an internship, which helps them prepare for their careers and the job market.

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. 

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?”

Biochemistry majors focus on the chemistry of living systems.  The major includes coursework in key fundamental areas of biology and chemistry including molecular biology, cellular biology, genetics, analytical chemistry, organic chemistry, physical chemistry, and a full year sequence of biochemistry.  The major pushes students to develop their critical thinking, scientific reasoning, and laboratory skills in a true interdisciplinary way.  Students are required to participate in an on-campus research experience as a part of this program.

A Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Concordia University, St. Paul provides a solid foundation for students interested in a wide range of human-focused careers, including social work, counseling, human development, and others - along with a pathway to powerful advanced degree programs.

Students in this program learn from experienced CSP faculty who bring deep expertise in human psychology, combined with unique insight into career path exploration to support students’ individual interests.

The focused curriculum provides the essential learning opportunities and skill-building that opens doors to myriad opportunities to help others in virtually limitless ways – whether within organizations and companies or in settings where graduates will work 1:1 or in group settings to help people improve their lives and resolve issues. 

In the business program, students will learn to think about the overall picture of a business’s operations and how it interacts with larger market forces. A business management major at Concordia St. Paul will develop business skills in leadership, team-building, and project management. They will explore core business principles in marketing, finance, management, law, economics, and accounting with an emphasis on international perspectives and ethics.

Students studying business management develop crucial business skills in project management, team-building, HR management, and negotiations to enter the broad field of management. Using core business principles in marketing, finance, management, economics and entrepreneurship, develop a personal management style, learn motivation tactics, and utilize strategic planning skills with an emphasis on ethics. Investigate various dimensions of business decisions by delving into case studies and working as a consultant with area businesses to develop strategies for competitive advantage and growth.