Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies

at Concordia University Wisconsin USA

This program is designed specifically for students who want to engage in serious theological discussion, and who are not also pursuing an Education or Director of Church Ministries degree.

In this program, you’ll have the opportunity to study the structure of Christian belief and practice. You’ll dive into God’s Word as well as respected Lutheran doctrinal texts to properly frame your thoughts and perspectives before exploring the cultural, political, and theological implications of God’s Word on your daily life. In short, this program is for anyone with an earnest desire to better understand and grapple with God’s message of salvation so that you can communicate it with confidence and zeal for the benefit of the Kingdom.

Whether you’re an operations manager, a civil engineer or a chief sustainability officer, our MBA in Sustainability Management and Analytics will provide you with the practical skills and knowledge you need to carry out financially successful sustainability. You’ll learn how to use traditional methods like Six Sigma, lean systems and operations research so that you can improve processes, reduce resource use and waste, and make better social and environmental decisions. We’ll show you how sustainability is the source of process and product innovation and we’ll give you the chance to explore a wide range of emerging topics to capture commercial and industrial innovations as they develop.

Throughout your time in the program, our experienced professors will teach you how to develop measures and consequent analyses so you can design and manage products or services in an environmentally sustainable way. You’ll also delve into topics like micro and macroeconomics, decision science, statistical analysis, environmental chemistry and toxicology, environmental law, social entrepreneurship and industrial ecology. And because we want this program to work for you, we offer flexibility first and foremost. Our program is designed for working professionals and can be completed in two years, while working full-time. Plus, we offer our classes at our main campus, our off-site locations and online - so you can join the program wherever you are on the map.

With an MBA in Sustainability Management and Analytics, you’re going to enter the workforce with hands-on experience and expertise in current sustainability practices. You’ll develop the ability to strategically innovate and handle global productions and operations. You’ll have a deep understanding of ecological economics and you’ll be able to utilize tools of the modern sustainability designed building. Not only will you have knowledge of the field, you’ll also have hands-on experience, certificates in sustainability methods, and exam prep if you decide to take the LEED Green Associate exam. Plus, you’ll increase your financial competence, leadership abilities and communication skills through the program’s eight core classes. You’ll even have a portfolio of your work to show potential employers.

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.

The bulk of your time in this program will be spent learning Hebrew and Greek, the languages that the Old and New Testaments were written in. Why? In order to translate Scripture into the indigenous languages of those whom you are ministering to, you must start from the original text.

In addition to translating the Bible, your coursework will include an in-depth exploration of the Old Testament, the New Testament, and Christian Doctrine. To complete your well-rounded studies, you’ll also delve into anthropology, communications, and missions to gain the basic skills necessary to work in a variety of mission settings.

The greatest benefit of this program is that you get to combine areas of study that compliment each other. By studying biblical languages, Christian doctrine, and missions, you gain diverse training that applies in many different areas of service. Each component of your training will support and enhance your ability to serve Christ—no matter what continent you find yourself on!

The special education program has a strong liberal arts foundation with a Christian emphasis. Education coursework and fieldwork experiences begin freshman year. It offers a public education track, a Lutheran teacher diploma track for students wishing to pursue education as an LCMS church work professional, and a Christian teacher certification track for students wishing to pursue education in another Christian school setting. This program may be pursued as a special education major only, leading to K-12 certification in cross categorical special education or as a dual major combining special education and general education. Dual majors are available at the early childhood and elementary/middle school levels. The special education program is accredited and approved by the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction.  Job openings in this field are plentiful, as this is a high-need certification area nationally.

In addition to coursework, you’ll experience firsthand the blessing and challenge of working with special needs children in an actual, real-world setting. You’ll be grounded in a deep understanding of child and adolescent development in mind, body, and spirit, as well as the range of exceptionalities. You’ll work to master content knowledge in addition to a wide range of instructional strategies and learner accommodations. You’ll develop skills in classroom management, curricular design and assessment, and engagement and collaboration with other educators and school stakeholders.

The Physician Assistant (PA) Program at CUW prepares students to become competent physician assistants who provide high quality health care in a respectful, culturally sensitive, caring and knowledgeable manner. CUW PA graduates are committed to caring for patients in mind, body and spirit with an emphasis on continual lifelong learning.

Your studies will be a combination of didactic and clinical courses. The didactic portion is held on our Mequon campus and provides your foundation for the clinical year by exploring the basic sciences, clinical medicine, and behavioral medicine. We believe it is essential to begin putting your knowledge into practice as soon as possible in order for you to grow as a health care professional. You’ll get a variety of hands-on experiences through 11 months of clinicals. Clinical rotations must be taken in family medicine, internal medicine, general surgery, women's health, behavioral medicine, pediatrics, emergency medicine and two elective rotations. While the majority of your rotations will occur in Wisconsin, our Director of Clinical Education may work with you to pursue out-of-state options.

Your courses will delve into the realms of human anatomy, physical examination and history. You'll also cover pharmacology, physiology/pathophysiology, clinical skills, and issues in health care. The overarching theme of your education will be an emphasis on preventative medicine and primary care. In order to facilitate your clinical skills and overall experience, we have a simulation lab and recently renovated cadaver lab on campus. You’ll get to learn in a small class setting (no more than 30 students) and receive personalized instruction from our dedicated faculty. Upon graduation, you’ll be eligible to sit for the Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination (PANCE).

Program Highlights:

• Small class sizes with personalized instruction
• State-of-the-art cadaver lab
• Multiple interprofessional educational experiences
• Opportunities for service learning and community service within the curriculum and as a student society
• Simulation lab
• International rotations available

In the psychology program, you’ll study the biological and psychological influences on the human mind. What makes our program unique? At CUW, our courses are grounded in science, ethical research, and Christian service. This translates to a holistic approach toward learning in which you first build up your knowledge in the classroom and then apply it in supervised, practical experience at local agencies and institutions. Toward the end of your studies (typically during your junior year), you’ll apply for senior status. Once approved, you can then enroll in Practicum, Research Proposal, and Senior Seminar. By the time you graduate, you’ll possess the skills and knowledge needed for graduate studies or to pursue a helping profession.  This program is also available as a minor.

During your time here, you’ll be introduced to topics like theories of personality, abnormal psychology, psychotherapy, and human behavior. Through it all, we’ll help you become familiar with the procedures, principles, theories, and vocabulary of psychology. This gives you the tools necessary for success. Each psychology class builds on and enhances the others. For example, learning about the developmental stages from conception to death is relevant when studying how individual preferences and worldviews are shaped. Similarly, properly interpreting research is key to using current therapy approaches in treating behavioral disorders. Outside of the classroom, you’ll have the opportunity to participate in numerous service endeavors in the community - so you can start making a positive impact before you frame that diploma.

By the end of the program, you’ll not only have a deep understanding of theories in psychology, you’ll have hands-on experience from your practicum and service learning efforts. You’ll be a stronger leader, a better writer and communicator, and a strategic problem solver. Whether you decide to go into counseling, clinical psychology, research, academia or another exciting profession, you’ll be prepared to change other’s lives for the better.

The study of biology connects us to the world in which we live and reminds us of the awe-inspiring intricacies of the Lord’s creation. From the largest ecosystem to the smallest microorganism, each organism and system is designed to seamlessly work together. So if you share an appreciation of wonders great and small, a biology major might be right for you.

You can anticipate learning both inside and outside of the typical classroom. Sure, you’ll attend lectures, but you’ll also participate in labs and field research to obtain hands-on experience. Many of the required classes are taken in the Concordia Center for Environmental Stewardship, a LEEDS Platinum facility designed specifically for laboratory courses that emphasize fieldwork and environmental ethics.

Over the course of your studies, you’ll take 49 credits of required coursework and 11 credits of related electives.  The required coursework provides a strong foundation in the biological sciences, while the elective coursework allows you the ability to tailor your major to your specific interests.

You will be well equipped for a wide variety of career choices to include graduate studies in any of the life sciences.  The biology major also serves an alternative to the biomedical sciences major for those of you who appreciate breadth in your biology education as you prepare for professions in the medical field, such as pharmacy or medical school.

Our traditional undergraduate program in Healthcare Administration will prepare you for roles that may manage a department and/or a healthcare facility. As someone who may have interest in healthcare, but not necessarily direct patient care this may be the degree for you. Through your courses, you will be exposed to business management, finance, human resources, marketing, and more.

In addition, this program will equip you with the ability to evaluate research results that are applicable to your healthcare practice, and teach you how to create a reflective self-plan for personal and professional growth. You’ll discover an ability to recognize and analyze current trends and issues related to healthcare management, which will help you grow throughout your career.

Our graduates go on to work in hospitals, long-term care facilities, medical groups, medical device or pharmaceutical companies, other clinical settings and even insurance companies. You will be prepared with organizational, managerial, and leadership skills to lead a team. As well as, critical thinking and analytical skills to adequately assist, support, and lead among different areas in healthcare.
There are so many intricacies to working in the complex field of healthcare. This program focuses primarily on managing resources in a healthcare setting while working with others in the field of healthcare. It all starts with your ability to recognize every individual as a holistic being created by God – someone whose dignity, worth, and rights deserve to be respected and upheld.

This program will help you grow adept at analyzing different healthcare systems. You’ll grow an ability to synthesize knowledge from the sciences, humanities, and management theories as a basis for problem-solving and decision-making. You will be expected to display a willingness to work cohesively and communicate with members of the interdisciplinary healthcare network.

As a student in this program, you will be required to complete an internship and have opportunity to work in our new collaborative Speech-Language Pathology Clinic in the Robert W. Plaster Building (on campus). During this time, you will collaborate with other practitioners, clinicians, administrators, and patients to gain invaluable experience without having to go beyond the CUW campus.

Additionally, you are encouraged to participate in the – Next Generation Healthcare Leaders (NGHL), a student healthcare group supported by the Wisconsin Chapter of the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE). This will also provide accelerated opportunities for networking and access to local, state, and national healthcare leaders and decision makers to assist our aspiring students who are committed to a career in healthcare.

In this program, you will study anatomy, patient positioning, examination techniques, equipment protocols, radiation safety, radiation protection, and basic patient care. As is fairly evident from the above sentence, we take both patient and medical personnel safety very seriously. You’ll grow confident in your abilities as you learn from some of the best faculty and professionals in the field.

This CUW bachelor degree is a Two plus Two program, in which you spend the first two years on Concordia’s campus taking prerequisite classes prior to entry into the Radiologic Technology (RT) program. You’ll then apply for the next phase that consists of didactic courses and clinical experience with our partner clinical affiliations. It is worth noting that this is a competitive program, so acceptance is not guaranteed. To improve your chances, we’d like to encourage you to demonstrate exemplary grades, prior health care experience, and job shadow hours.

Because the pre-professional curriculum requires about 67 credits (17 credits per semester if taken in 4 semesters), we highly recommend using winterim and summer breaks to fulfill course requirements. Once you are accepted, the more advanced work begins. At first, you are going to spend most of your time in the classroom and scan laboratory, with less time in clinicals. This is to provide you with the theories and principles to ground you before applying them in a real-world environment. Gradually, your classroom time will be reduced as your clinical component increases. You’ll have the opportunity to engage in hands-on learning at one of our partner clinics including Aurora, Wheaton Franciscan, and Froedtert Health systems.
With this degree, you will be a key part of the health care field by safely creating images needed to check for bone fractures, blocked blood vessels, abnormal growths in breast tissue, brain tumors, and so much more. Upon graduation, you will be ready to find a rewarding career in a variety of settings. Alumni have gone on to work in hospitals, physician's’ offices, medical and diagnostic labs, do research, administration, education, and so much more!