Bachelor of Arts in Classical Liberal Studies

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

Your learning experience will be greatly enhanced by talented faculty who also are engaged in the study of philosophy.

CUC's full-time faculty members in the Department of History, Political Science, and Philosophy hold terminal degrees in their fields or are studying to complete one, and they have numerous years of teaching experience.

Philosophy courses include logic, ethics, philosophy of religion, social and political philosophy, the history of philosophy, aesthetics, and various thematic courses. The program culminates in an independent study course that requires the preparation of a major paper and public presentation on a selected philosophical topic. The philosophy minor requires 18 hours, but does not include an independent study.

The Master of Arts in Educational Administration is for students who seek master’s degree program in the administration of educational programs. The program is designed to prepare potential leaders to assume various administrative positions which require knowledge and skills in leadership, supervision, and the ability to effectively administer in educational settings. Course curriculum will translate theory into effective practical application so that students become ethical and innovative leaders who can manage and administer in diverse educational environments. This program does not lead to state licensure.

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.

The B.A. in English is a 36-hour major that requires coursework in British, American, and world literature, as well as literary theory, linguistics, and writing. It requires you to experience a broad range of literature, yet it allows you to select from a variety of courses.   

The four courses required of all majors are Literary Theory and Criticism, Linguistics, Shakespeare, and Seminar in English. Students take Literary Theory early in the major to learn the theories and methods that underlie literary studies. The Seminar in English, usually focusing on a single author, provides a capstone experience near the end of the major. It requires significant research and culminates in a long seminar paper.

Of the remaining eight courses in the major, one must be in American literature, one in British literature, one in world literature, and one in twentieth-century literature. Multiple course options exist to fulfill each of these requirements, so you can choose a course that interests you from each area. One advanced writing course is also required. The remaining hours may be taken as electives.

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.

The Master of Arts in Early Childhood Education has achieved National Recognition by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), thereby meeting standards as one of the top graduate degree programs in the country. The MA in ECE program prepares candidates for a variety of leadership roles in early childhood education and is relevant for early childhood teachers, administrators, public policy and advocacy specialists, and scholars. This program is designed to provide candidates with a strong background in child and language development, family and community relationships, assessment, research, theory and practice, of birth through age eight programs within a variety of educational settings: public and private centers and schools, adult and community-based educational settings, and other for- and non-profit organizations.

The MA in ECE program does not lead to licensure, but is intended for early childhood educators who have had at least two years of experience with young children. Upon completion of the program, candidates who have an Illinois Educator’s teaching license may choose to study further and take additional coursework to obtain endorsements in Special Education and/or English as a Second Language (ESL). After receiving their degrees, our graduates will be ideal educators in the design and implementation of early childhood curriculum and programs in centers, home child care, schools and districts, and other settings, and contribute their leadership to various early childhood organizations.

As a student in Classical Liberal Studies, you will be challenged to make connections between history and modernity.

Through rigorous study, you will apply classical concepts in a contemporary setting to address the needs of the 21st century church and world. You will draw on the strength of a broad variety of Concordia University Chicago’s programs, including music, theology and languages, as well as the quality of worship life on campus.

In this unique program, you will work with faculty who are respected and recognized throughout the Church as well as nationally in their fields of study. Your studies will span several departments—from courses in Latin and Greek to courses on Shakespeare, and from modern European history to ethical theory.

A Classical Liberal Studies minor is also available to complement other Concordia University Chicago undergraduate degrees.

The CIS program at Concordia-Chicago provides a theoretical and practical foundation that is hands-on and adaptable to rapid changes in the field.

A quality computer information systems program must include a professional component. Students also must have a theoretical foundation that provides flexibility in a rapidly changing field. CUC’s courses provide for both. The introductory classes emphasize hands-on exercises. In our advanced classes, students work in project teams to gain experience working cooperatively on a complex computer system.

Your coursework will include foundation courses, which will be built upon with supplementary courses as you progress through your degree track. Other courses will focus on hardware and operating systems, analysis and design, database management, programming and troubleshooting, electronic business and management information systems.

Our liberal arts foundation provides communication skills that are essential to being effective in your career of choice.

Founded as a school for education, the university continues its long tradition of preparing excellent teachers. If you are seeking a middle or high school education major, you will take required math courses in combination with your education classes. We offer a fully accredited program leading to Illinois certification.

Mathematics majors at CUC have been successful in gaining entrance to graduate programs at respected institutions across the country.

Mathematics Course Information

You may choose between a bachelor of arts (B.A.) or a bachelor of science (B.S.) degree.

• B.A.: Required courses that cover calculus, mathematical proofs, abstract algebra and analysis. This degree track allows you to choose from many math courses. You can even select a computer science course.
• B.S.: Designed for students considering graduate school in mathematics, or who want to connect their interest in mathematics with another discipline such as accounting or the natural sciences. Through this track you will choose a specialization from natural science, pure mathematics, computer science or actuarial science.

Our qualified and devoted faculty whose educational, career and research backgrounds are directly related to the interests and needs of those pursuing an interdisciplinary degree. Our courses will allow students to critically analyze how institutions that deal with issues of Criminal Justice impede and promote social justice.

Most courses for the Criminal Justice program derive from sociology and political science. Students are required to take courses that set the foundation and build upon their theoretical background, research methodology and practical application of criminal justice issues.