Online Learning at Concordia University
Excellence in Christian Education
Located in Portland, Oregon, Concordia University is a private, Christian, liberal arts university with a committment to the dual purpose of preparing students for life and for a living. Concordia pursues online learning with the same passion and commitment to excellence that has marked its 104-year history in quality Lutheran education.
CU's online courses are rich in learner-to-learner and instructor-to-learner interactivity. The university strikes a balance between offering learners maximum flexibility (in terms of course work completion) and academic rigor that characterizes a quality educational experience.
Online courses take the same dedication as classroom courses. Online students form a diverse learning community that requires regular "attendance" and engagement to maximize the learning potential of all participants. If, you are seeking a stimulating—sometimes challenging—environment of motivated learners who flexibly work together to achieve their learning objectives, you have come to the right place!
Student Focused
Interactive and Collaborative
Concordia University is committed to providing the highest quality online learning experience possible. The university recognizes that learning is best accomplished when it is done as a part of an active learning community—to this end all of Concordia's online courses emphasize communication between students and the instructor. Although participants don't typically meet face-to-face, they are very much a part of a tight-knit community. Many online learners argue that they get to know their professors and classmates better than they might in a traditional classroom.
Communication is facilitated by an online discussion area—a virtual bulletin board where students post their ideas and questions. The resulting conversations and debates often resemble those typically found in graduate seminars. While most activity is restricted to asynchronous forms (not requiring everyone to be online at the same time), instructors keep virtual office hours and can broadcast live multimedia (audio and video) lectures if the need/demand arises.
Student Support for Online Students
Online student services support the University's mission through the provision of services and programs that empower students to engage in Christian-based educational communities, learning, personal development, leadership, service, and cross-cultural understanding.
Complete Library Access—Online!
Nearly all of the resources made available by the Concordia University Library to its traditional student body, including electronic databases, full-text articles, document delivery, electronic reserves and interlibrary loan services, are accessible online to all students.
For distance learning students, the Concordia library can order photocopies of periodical articles, ERIC documents, or books and mail them to your doorstep. The only cost associated with this service is the return postage. You can also request that the books be ordered and waiting at your local library for free pick-up. This service was designed especially for students enrolled in online learning, Web-based programs.
Computer and Technical Support
If you need help while taking an online course, a "Help" button is available on every page. In addition, Concordia provides personalized assistance over the Web, by telephone, and via e-mail.
