Bachelor of Arts

at Global University Systems (GUS) - Concordia University Chicago USA

Biology is the study of life, which can be studied through molecular, organismal, cellular and ecological perspectives. There is growing demand in the workforce for biology expertise; the job outlook is very promising.

Concordia University Chicago offers a Biology program in which you can earn either a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree. As a member of the program, you will be encouraged to supplement your classroom learning through independent study in the Department of Natural Sciences.

At Concordia University Chicago, science classes are small and encourage hands-on learning.

Such small class sizes allow professors to get to know you and help you directly, whether for a class assignment or with a decision regarding your future. Because natural science is a combination of other sciences like chemistry and biology, our faculty come from a variety of backgrounds. You will also be encouraged to explore the many possibilities the Chicago area has to offer.

You can choose to earn a bachelor of arts degree in natural science by taking a selection of biology and physical science courses, as well as choosing to concentrate in two areas among biology, chemistry, earth science and physics.

Students specifically interested in medical school or other professional health schools are encouraged to consider majoring in natural science, biology or chemistry. Also recommended are selected courses in physics, English, psychology, sociology, the humanities and mathematics. Prospective professional schools should be consulted for their specific requirements.

At Concordia University Chicago, our small political science class sizes make it easy for students to get to know their professors. Professors are easily accessible to answer students’ questions and informally chat about class discussions or a wide variety of related issues.

We’re proud that approximately 90 percent of our students are employed or enrolled in graduate programs in their fields within six months of graduation. We educate students to be faithful, civic minded individuals who will actively engage and change the world through their careers and/or their volunteer efforts. Some political science majors continue their education in graduate school in political science or another social science discipline or go on to law school.

For this major, you will be required to take the introductory American government and politics course and then select your remaining coursework from a variety of electives. Past offerings have included The Politics of the Middle East, Global Terrorism and International Security in addition to:

• Political Theory
• The American Presidency
• State and Local Government
• Constitutional Law
• Public Policy
• American Foreign Policy
• Comparative Politics
• International Relations

The bachelor of arts degree in music is a broad-based liberal arts degree. Students who study music also gain exposure to various disciplines in the arts and sciences.

You will also emphasize in other areas from the humanities or take a minor area or another major. For example, some students will take courses in business or administration.

Concordia-Chicago offers two specialized certificates that can be part of your music major: a certificate in parish music (DPM) and a certificate of piano pedagogy. Review the links to learn more about specific requirements for these certificates.

Nearly all core subjects are taught and ensembles conducted by regular full-time faculty. Our music faculty is recognized and highly respected in their fields of expertise. Many of our applied faculty members perform regularly in organizations such as Chicago Symphony Chorus, Lyric Opera Chorus, Chicago Sinfonietta, Illinois Philharmonic, Elmhurst Symphony, and Symphony of Oak Park and River Forest. Our faculty takes a personal interest in your education and musicianship.

Both the music major and the music minor include academic courses, applied study and ensemble participation. Academic courses encompass the core areas of music theory and aural skills, music history and literature and conducting. All music majors study a primary instrument or voice, and many study a second instrument as well.

Individuals with knowledge in finance will have the opportunity to differentiate themselves from peers and build life-long skills while positively impacting the world. All major management positions, regardless of discipline, require a knowledge of finance in order to produce the desired results. A CUC MBA plus a specialization in finance will prepare you to differentiate yourself from your peers and build life-long skills while impacting the world in a socially responsible manner.

Concordia University Chicago's MBA specialization in finance provides you with a solid foundation in financial management and an understanding of public and private financial processes, financial markets, analysis and investments in a world where finance is an international language. The four courses within this specialization are designed to help you understand the fundamentals of money and banking, financial statement analysis, corporate finance, and international finance. Graduates will navigate through financial situations and problem solve with a global perspective.

Specialization Outcomes

• Analyze and evaluate the financial condition of a business, organization, or government enterprise and recommend an appropriate financial management course of action.
• Evaluate how the capital structure of a company impacts raising capital for various business and organizational structures.
• Demonstrate the ability to appraise and assess financial decisions of a business or organization to develop a visionary culture embracing inclusivity and diversity in all its forms.
• Apply and evaluate the objectives of corporate financial management including analysis of foreign exchange rates and the impact of various government influences in respect to  financial strategies.

A career in accounting has been described as one of the best opportunities for employment, with U.S. News & World Report and Fortune magazines considering accounting positions to be in high demand in a broad range of fields.

Our faculty are dedicated to providing students with a well-rounded learning experience by using the latest technology, stressing the importance of integrity and ethical decision making, and engaging students with real-world business scenarios and practical application of knowledge learned in the courses. The College of Business offers many courses online as well as face-to-face.

Our Bachelor of Arts in Spanish is a broad-basis baccalaureate program that satisfies career options and is excellent preparation for students interested in continuing education at the graduate level.

Our courses offer in-depth studies in areas such as Latin American cultures, Latin American literature, Spanish literature and more.

You will be able to communicate effectively in the Spanish language and have a greater understanding of Spanish and Latin American cultures, allowing you to excel in any career path in which you will use Spanish.

The Spanish major progresses from basic language skills to advanced courses in conversation, grammar, composition and linguistics. In addition, you will study masterpieces of Spanish and Latin literature and learn more about the diversity of cultures among Spanish speakers. Upon completion of the program, you will demonstrate proficiency in speaking, writing and reading Spanish, as well as a greater understanding of history and traditions associated with countries where Spanish is spoken.

Several popular classes focus on research, providing students with opportunities to conduct original work under the guidance of a faculty member.

Recent research projects have focused on the homeless, the dynamics of congregations, family interactions, labor unions, the assimilation of minority groups and criminal justice.

There are many electives to choose from to complete your degree requirements. Electives cover areas such as the sociology of gender, human rights, criminology, social movements and more.

Students have an opportunity to complete an internship as part of their coursework and to integrate their academic learning with work experiences. They also can participate in the Sociology and Law and Justice Club, a recently formed chapter at CUC.

Our rigorous but flexible degree programs build students’ critical knowledge of business and business issues. Faculty and staff are dedicated to providing students with a well-rounded learning experience by using the latest technology and engaging students with real-world business scenarios and hands-on learning exercises.

The Bachelor of Arts in marketing degree, which requires 48 semester hours of study, is for students who want a broad liberal arts foundation with an emphasis in business. If you have questions, a counselor with our Office of Admission can help as you decide on the Concordia-Chicago degree program that best matches your strengths and career interests.

Across all industries, there is a need for proficient managers and leaders. The focus of this major is to graduate students who are confident leaders and managers. Students will sharpen their critical and creative thinking skills and build their business acumen. These abilities and skills are integral to sustaining business success. Students will learn from industry experts and study topics such as ethical decision-making, strategic thinking, leadership and management, marketing, accounting, human resources, operations management, and finance.

Graduates of the BA in Business Administration with a major in management find positions as production supervisors, account executives, human resources administrators, and more.

Faculty and staff are dedicated to providing students with a well-rounded learning experience by using the latest technology and engaging them with real-world business scenarios and hands-on learning exercises. Many courses are offered online, although the traditional 16-week face-to-face format is available.