Bachelor of Arts in Missions

at Concordia University Wisconsin USA

This is an intense field, and it takes a lot of work and dedication to prepare you for your Society of Actuaries Exams. That’s why it’s an incredible benefit to you that our program consists of small class sizes to maximize the personal attention you get from your professors. It really makes all the difference, and will get you where you need to go quicker.

The program itself encompasses a three-part curriculum that includes a liberal arts core, a business common body of knowledge, and a specialization in actuarial science. So in addition to classes like Econometrics, International Business, and Linear Algebra and Differential Equations, you’ll round out your education with classes in literature, history, and theology.

Yes, it’s demanding. But it’s incredibly rewarding as well. High school students are encouraged to get as many AP credits as you can before you begin the actuarial science program. Once you’re in the program, we strongly encourage you to take (and pass, obviously) your SOA Exams P and FM while you’re still in college. It’s especially important for you to pass your Exam P before or during your junior year, because it’s the only way you’ll be able to secure an actuarial science internship.

The Bachelor of Science in Rehabilitation Science is the first step in pursuing your career in occupational or physical therapy. You’ll benefit from a broad-based education that meets the prerequisites for entering our Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT) and Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT). For those of you who already have a particular area interest, you can start early! During your undergraduate studies, you can select elective courses focusing on pediatrics or gerontology.
You are at the beginning of your university education! That is pretty exciting. Are you planning even further ahead for future graduate studies? Yes? This program is going to get you ready for a Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT) or Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT). By starting here, you get the skills and knowledge that will serve you later on. Not quite sure if graduate school is for you, but you’d like options? Rehabilitation science is useful in and of itself. It is broad enough to be applicable in plenty of medical and health careers, while focusing on healing and strengthening the human body. We’ll give you a foundation that you can build on whichever way you choose.

In order to provide efficient, quality learning, you can apply for CUW’s MOT program during your sophomore year, and begin the graduate coursework your junior year. What does that ultimately mean for you? By combining the two programs, you will graduate with a bachelor and master’s in 4 ½ years! Opting for the bachelor alone means you’ll be finished in 3 ½ years. Our faculty and staff will help you choose the path that best suits your individual goals and needs.

In addition, there is an accelerated DPT admission option for qualified students. This option allows students to complete the Doctor of Physical Therapy degree in 6 rather than 7 years. The option is open to students who matriculate as freshman and take all their science prerequisite coursework at Concordia University. If you decide to pursue admission through the accelerated process you will receive a Bachelor of Science in Rehabilitation Science following completion of your fourth year of academic study at Concordia University.

The Art Education major prepares future teachers with the knowledge, skills and attitudes needed to teach visually and perceptively. As an art educator, you can share tools such as patience, passion, and critical-thinking which are vital for living a peaceful and joyous life. You’ll learn to guide others as they explore their inner selves, the external world, and the relationships between them.

Art provides the means to give physical form to all of human experience. You will learn the power of using faith as a part of education in both public and parochial settings. You will learn to promote engagement between art and theology, the importance of the spiritual as revealed in art objects, sacred spaces, and in artistic practice, and the connections between visual art and faith. You will learn how art affects the development of children from a physical, mental and spiritual perspective. This program is a licensable subject area major for those seeking a K-12 Education Bachelor's degree.

The classical education program comprises an interdisciplinary course of study in classical studies and classical teaching methods, grounded in the liberal arts tradition with a strong foundation in the Lutheran heritage. The complete classical education program at Concordia is comprised of our classical studies major (which provides you with a classical foundation) and the classical pedagogy minor (where you’ll learn how to teach according to classical principles).

Students can anticipate engaging the liberal arts at all levels of the program. You will gain a solid foundation in classical culture and the Christian intellectual tradition. You will explore the history, theory and practice of a classical approach to curriculum and pedagogy. You will develop a thorough knowledge of biblical content and demonstrate an understanding of the Christian worldview from a Lutheran perspective. Upon graduation, you will have the broad content knowledge and practical experience that classical schools are looking for in teacher candidates.

Throughout history, mathematics has played an essential role in leading humanity to new discoveries and technological advances. In fact, some of the most important achievements of our time would not have been possible without the field of mathematics. The question you have to ask yourself is, how many of your future students will go on to make the next major contributions to the field of mathematics? A degree in secondary education with a math focus will prepare you to teach the skills your students will need to make an impact – even if it falls short of changing the world as we know it. At the very least they’ll learn how math impacts their daily lives.

One of the reasons mathematics is so appealing is because it’s irrefutable. In our program, you’ll find satisfaction in discovering the best way to get your students to the right answer, all while enjoying the challenge of complicated problems. Throughout the program, you’ll learn how to use computers and computer systems in the classroom to enhance problem solving. You’ll explore the relationship between a Christian worldview and a technological science. Every step of the way, you’ll have experienced professors guiding you. And even though numbers may be your thing, you’re certainly not a number at Concordia – you’re a student who’ll get to know your professors and receive meaningful mentorship, providing a workable model for the future relationships you’ll form with your students.

The parish music program consists of the standard music major with additional classes in church music. Learn from practicing church musicians and enjoy the opportunity to participate in handbell choirs, vocal choirs, orchestra, band, and organ performances. Learn to lead the congregation in song, direct choirs and instrumental groups, choose theologically sound music, and work with a pastor to structure music in worship. Because of CUW’s location, you have access to rich variety of musical events in the Milwaukee area. If you are a member of the Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod, you can take additional theology classes to be placed on the church worker roster for the LCMS.

Plan on dedicating significant energy to practicing piano or organ. Regardless of your current skill level, we have experienced tutors available to help improve your technique in a one-on-one setting. General music elements of this program include composing and arranging, music history and theory, aural skills, choral and organ literature, and conducting. You’ll also focus on how music connects with the theological aspects of worship.

Science aims to understand the incredible intricacies of God's creation. It all starts with a question, which leads to research, forming a hypothesis, testing the hypothesis, and analyzing and communicating the results, which often leads to new questions. This scientific inquiry is what leads to theories and laws that observe and describe the world around us.

In this program, you'll study everything that exists in the earth's environment, from the plants and animals to ecosystems and climate patterns, and how they all correlate. Two concentrations are available; ecology and environmental chemistry. Both tracks take a deep dive into a wide variety of scientific disciplines, with each specialization putting an extra emphasis on ecology or environmental chemistry respectively.

The environmental science major explores the physical, chemical, and biological properties and processes of our world. The program seeks to help students grow in the following six areas:

• Knowledge base: demonstrate an understanding of and an ability to explain major biological and related scientific concepts.
• Laboratory procedures: demonstrate the ability to appropriately collect and analyze data while utilizing laboratory equipment and procedures safely and effectively
• Scientific inquiry: develop investigative and critical thinking skills to explore complex questions and solve challenging scientific problems
• Scientific communication: demonstrate the ability to communicate scientific information effectively to both scientists and non-scientists using oral and written forms of expression
• Vocation and ethics: recognize how vocations in science provide opportunities for service to Christ and others and necessitate ethical behavior in all aspects of science
• God’s design and stewardship: demonstrate an understanding of how/why a Christian sees evidence of God’s design in nature and how to be good stewards of His creation

Through the master's degree in church music, you’ll be encouraged to strengthen your theological knowledge and grow as a church musician so that you can better guide and enhance others’ worship. Our graduate program is designed to be completed exclusively in summer sessions, or in combination with evening sessions. This allows us to meet your needs outside of the traditional academic year, while still providing the beneficial personal interaction with the faculty. You’ll be able to choose from two areas of emphasis: organ and choral. And even though our courses are taught from a distinctly Lutheran perspective, all denominations are always welcome.

Through this master’s program, you’ll not only perfect your musical abilities, you’ll deepen your understanding of how music ought to relate to theology, specifically in a worship setting. With the combination of these two areas of expertise, you’ll grow in your ability to shape meaningful worship experiences for parishioners. What will your course work look like? Some courses will focus on areas like music theory, arranging, and composing. Others will prepare you for leadership roles in conducting and directing choirs or instrumental groups. Towards the end of your education, you’ll be asked to demonstrate a knowledge of liturgical music practices, musical forms, and the history of music in the church.

During your time at CUW, you’ll have the opportunity to study ecology, explore the outdoors, and learn how humans affect the natural world. The environmental studies program combines coursework in biological, physical, and earth sciences as well with environmental law and ethics. A variety of elective courses such as ornithology, astronomy, meteorology, and environmental policy is available. Many courses in this major will be taken at the Concordia Center for Environmental Stewardship, which is a state-of-the-art learning and research facility on the shores of beautiful Lake Michigan committed to the practice of Christian environmental stewardship. Plus, you’ll have the benefit of professors who approach this discipline from a Christian perspective and who understand the responsibility we all have balance our care for humankind with our care for the environment and the rest of creation.

As an environmental studies major, you’ll develop a strong scientific foundation by studying a variety of topics in natural science including biology, chemistry, earth science, and physics. You’ll also develop a strong foundation in the liberal arts by taking courses related to your major such as environmental law, environmental ethics, or environmental policy. One of the most exciting opportunities awaiting you is to study tropical ecology and then travel to the Caribbean to see these amazing ecosystems firsthand. In addition to your major, you will be required to complete the CUW liberal arts core and a minor, and you can choose from a variety of elective courses and complementary minors. Completing a minor in fields such as art, business, justice and public policy, or chemistry can allow you to specialize in the area that best fits your personal career goals.

To be successful within this program, you must possess an exceptional drawing ability. Because we want you to have every opportunity to develop your skills, CUW has partnered with the Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design (MIAD) to create the illustration bachelor’s degree. Your 18 credits that take place at MIAD allow you to use the very latest in illustration concepts and technologies. Most of your classes (all core requirements, over half major requirements, and your minor) will be taught right on the CUW campus. You will experiment with both digital and physical illustration mediums to develop your own unique illustration style. Because aspiring illustrators need to distinguish themselves in the workplace, we recommend choosing a compatible minor in business or marketing.

Illustration is a very competitive field, demanding excellent drawing skills and the ability to produce images quickly and meet firm deadlines. You can anticipate this same rigour during your time as a student. Faculty will expect you to spend a substantial amount of each day on observational drawing to improve your technical abilities. A great deal of patience, self-discipline, and dedication will be asked of you. Upon graduation, you will be well-equipped to create both physical and digital drawings for books, magazines, websites, and other media.