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Concordia University

Concordia University Chicago is one of the most affordable Christian arts-based universities in the Midwest. They prepare their students academically, intellectually, practically and ethically for a meaningful career and life. An institution of The Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod, the university incorporates Christian value and is grounded in the Lutheran tradition. Their location on a 40-acre suburban campus in upscale River Forest is only 10 miles west of downtown Chicago. This provides opportunities to gain practical experience that supplement classroom learning. The resources of Chicago enrich all areas of students’ experiences, making real-world connections possible.

Core Values

As a Christian university of The Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod, Concordia University Chicago, value:

  • Christian Faith – The Christian faith is an integral part of our community.
  • The Individual – As a member of God’s creation, each person is unique and is blessed with inherent worth.
  • Excellence – We strive for excellence in who we are and what we do.
  • Integrity – Our community demonstrates the accord between our beliefs and practices.
  • Service – Recognizing and addressing the needs of others is a response to God’s love for us, and a reflection of God’s love for them.

Service Learning & Leadership

Service learning is an integral part of your college experience at Concordia-Chicago. Textbooks and classroom discussions quickly translate into hands-on opportunities to serve within local and national communities where you can change and improve the lives of others.

Current students serve by:

  • Volunteering at a local women’s shelter
  • Leading youth retreats
  • Teaching Sunday school
  • Rebuilding homes in storm-stricken areas
  • Volunteering with Habitat for Humanity
  • Working with youth through an after school program with the River Forest and River Grove Public Libraries
  • Serving meals at St. Malachy Church’s soup kitchen
  • Assisting with the Boys and Girls Club of West Cook County
  • Participating in the “Read to Me” literacy enhancement program at St. Eulalia Parish

Why You’ll Love Studying at Widener University?

Accreditation

  • Higher Learning Commission (HLC)—Member
  • Council for Accreditation of Educator Preparation (Formerly NCATE)
  • Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs
  • National Association of Schools of Music

Accolades

  • Recognized as a national College of Distinction for engaging students, great teaching, vibrant community and successful outcomes
  • Named for the fourth time to the President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll for volunteering and civic engagement

Some of the Programs Offered

College of Arts & Sciences

Programs and Departments within the College:

  • Art Department
  • Classical Liberal Studies Program
  • Communication Department
  • English Department
  • History, Political Science and Philosophy Department
  • Human Performance
  • Mathematics and Computer Science
  • Music Department
  • Natural Sciences Department
  • Psychology Department
  • Social Work Department
  • Sociology Department and Criminal Justice Program
  • Theater Department
  • Theology and Languages
  • Women’s and Gender Studies
College of Education

Programs and Departments within the College:

  • College of Education Consumer Information
  • Early Childhood Education Center
  • Teacher Education
College of Business

Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with an emphasis in:

  • Accounting
  • Management
  • Marketing
  • Media Arts
  • Music
  • Not-for-Profit/Church Management
  • Sports Management
  • Theatre
  • Visual Art

Master of Business Administration (MBA) program concentrations include:

  • MBA, One-Year and Two-Year
  • MBA, Accounting
  • MBA, Chief School Business Official
  • MBA, Digital Marketing
  • MBA, Health Care Management
  • MBA, Leadership and Change Management
  • MBA, Not-For-Profit Management
  • MBA, School Business Management
  • MBA, Sports Management
  • Not-for-Profit Graduate Certificate Program

Bachelor of Arts with an emphasis in:

  • Accounting
  • Business Communication
  • Church/Not-for-Profit Management for Pre-Seminary
  • Management
  • Marketing
  • Sports Management

Living on Campus

As a residential student you will live in the safe, charming neighborhood of River Forest that surrounds Concordia University Chicago. You’ll quickly find everything to meet your daily needs is steps away. Plus just 10 miles away, you can explore the world-class city of Chicago!

When living in a residence hall at Concordia–Chicago, it’s easy to immerse yourself in the campus community, including athletics, the arts, intramurals, spiritual life, volunteer work and so much more.

CUC offers three different meal plan options for students who live on campus. You would choose the meal plan that best fits your lifestyle during your Jump Start summer orientation session. The campus features five different dining locations, ranging from a cafeteria-style, all-you-can-eat spot to a grab-and-go café.

If you choose to live in the residence halls of Concordia University Chicago, you will make connections and have experiences that could change the course of your life.

Start exploring the different residence hall options and special residential programming including the Residential Experience for new students!