Bachelor of Arts in Church Music

at Concordia University, St. Paul USA

A Bachelor of Science degree in Finance prepares CSP students for vital and high-demand roles in business. With academic programming focused on some of the most pressing challenges confronting businesses today, graduates enter the job market with real-world knowledge that helps them make a positive impact on the world.

Corporate finance careers span all aspects of business today. CSP graduates can then apply their knowledge to advise and guide companies of all sizes, from startups to global conglomerates. Finance professionals lead IPOs, mergers & acquisitions, and major corporate investments and expansions. They are also essential leaders for healthy and vibrant nonprofits of all types.

The major in theology is designed to prepare students who plan to attend seminary and pursue a master’s of divinity or other advanced theological degree. The core required courses introduce students to biblical studies, Lutheran theology, philosophy, and church history. Students are encouraged but not required to study biblical Greek and Hebrew and can choose from a variety of theology electives that are of interest to them. Although the degree emphasizes Lutheran doctrine, students from any Christian tradition planning to attend seminary will be well prepared by completing this major.

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.

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.

The Public Policy major will equip students with sufficient intellectual tools to prepare them for professional work in the public sector. Students will be trained to seek positions in organizations which deal with public policy issues such as government agencies, trade associations, lobbying organizations, nonprofit groups, regulatory agencies, and NGOs. This major will provide students with the factual, analytical, practical, and theoretical skills necessary for contemporary policy design, implementation, and evaluation.

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?”

This program is designed to prepare students for service in a ministry setting (with an option for certification as a Director of Christian Education or Outreach for LCMS students). Students will gain an understanding of Christian and Lutheran doctrine, beliefs, teachings, history, practices, ethics, church organization and strategy, vocation, and outreach. Upon completion of this program, students will recognize their personal identity in Christ, the broader ministry of the Gospel, and their philosophy of ministry.

The English major is an excellent choice for people who enjoy reading and writing. Contrary to popular belief, an English major does not doom graduates to a life of starvation or menial labor. In fact, our graduates go on to find success in a variety of occupations, including journalism, marketing, magazine writing, creative writing, public relations, web content creation, technology, management, and more. English majors also go on to graduate school in a variety of areas, including education, business, literature, creative writing, law, library science, and fashion history.

In the English major, students will gain broad-based knowledge of literature from all periods and from around the world. They will learn to write clearly and persuasively, think independently, create original works, present alternative viewpoints, and solve problems. Students can choose from four emphasis areas within the English major: literature, creative writing, journalism, or professional writing.

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?”

Our expert faculty are prepared to help you analyze testing techniques, use open-source R and Python to program data analytics capabilities, identify numerical optimization in linear programming, and give you all the practice you need with tools like Hadoop, Spark, and Splunk.

With CSP’s data analytics degree, you will be ready with skills to gather and store big data in a high-salaried role. Employers are on the hunt for pros with your skillset.

Within the program you will analyze various testing techniques such as hypothesis testing, two sample and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) tests, chi-square tests, simple linear regression, and multiple regression. Learn how to utilize an open-source R statistical package plus Python to program data analytics capabilities.

Other key skills you’ll focus on are Identifying statistical graphic simulations and numerical optimization in linear programming. You’ll also explore designing a decision support system (DSS) using object-oriented technologies.