Concordia University Chicago

About

Steeped in an education-focused tradition of excellence, Concordia University Chicago was founded in 1864 by the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod. Thus began a centuries-old evolution to develop best practices as it prepared teachers to work in Lutheran parish schools. Fast forward to the present: Among private colleges in Illinois, Concordia now graduates the largest number of Illinois public school teachers. Concordia University Chicago Online also offers a convenient way to earn a degree online.

More than 4,000 teachers and administrators can't be wrong. That's how many students we enroll for our graduate education degrees each year. Here are some reasons why they may have made us their number one choice for education and leadership programs:

Nationally acclaimed and accredited: Our College of Graduate and Innovative Programs' cutting-edge curricula is accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) as well as the Illinois State Board of Education.
Enjoy scheduling flexibility, 24/7: Thanks to the power of the Web, you can fit a college degree into your schedule. Concordia University Chicago Online has developed online classes which give you the freedom to log into class on a 24/7 basis. Post responses on the discussion board, receive feedback and submit assignment - all at your pace.
Accessible Learning and Technology Services: Concordia's customized CougarNet is a group of technology services that deliver interactive, user-friendly experiences and assistance. Students can take advantage of IT and ID card services, video and audio production, print services, access to live and on-demand media links to streaming content, and telecomm services.

Discover the College of Graduate and Innovative Programs

If you're seeking a college for your masters or doctorate in education, consider Concordia's College of Graduate Innovative Programs. This is the place to be, if you already possess teaching experience and wish to distinguish yourself from peers and further your career.

Created by educators for educators, the college offers a variety of advanced degree programs in 14 primary disciplines. Quality is no object: Concordia has been nationally ranked by NCATE as having the top 5 percent of masters programs in sports leadership, reading education and early childhood education. As such, Concordia attracts high-caliber students, as well as seasoned faculty members who teach interactive classes.

As educators and administrators ourselves, we understand your job's challenges: Long hours, budgetary politics, technological changes and classroom challenges. We also understand the personal desire to keep growing. That's why we've developed curricula grounded in real-world exercises and knowledge intended to prepare teachers, school leaders, school counselors, and directors of Christian education to tackle their unique career goals - wherever they go.

Concordia University Chicago Online

To find out more about Concordia University Chicago and the online or on-campus degree program that is right for you, request more information today.

Accreditation

Concordia University Chicago is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.

Online Programs

Program Listings

Master’s Degree Programs
- Human Services
  The Master of Arts in Human Services from Concordia University Chicago is a generalist degree designed to provide a broad-based body of knowledge in related fields, with an emphasis in advocacy, gerontology, and psychology, in order to meet the expressed needs of human services personnel in community mental health centers, family service agencies and similar organizations. This program, both for individuals seeking entry-level positions and for professionals who desire to upgrade their positions in the field of human services, allows for a tailor-made curriculum combining psychology and social service skills.
  
  Note: Graduate students who earn this degree will not have met the educational requirements for certification or licensure in the state of Illinois and should not expect to provide counseling/psychological clinical services as an independent practitioner. Rather, this degree demonstrates master's-level achievement and enhances employment opportunities.
  
  Concordia-Chicago's MA in human services is designed to enable candidates to:
  - Become aware of the increasing scope of human services, especially in outpatient settings such as community mental health centers and family service agencies.
  - Acquire a core of knowledge related to the various helping professions, such as counseling, gerontology, health, and psychology, among others.
  - Develop competency in care-giving skills in settings where such care is typically provided in the community.
  - Work as middle-level practitioners in community settings and human resources divisions of organizations.
  - Assume positions in various health care and family services where management, consultation, referral skills or administration are major job responsibilities.
  - Pursue doctoral-level studies.
- MBA, Accounting Specialization
  Whether you are looking to become a high-level executive at a corporation or an independent CPA, an MBA with a specialization in accounting from Concordia University Chicago opens up a myriad of career possibilities. You will gain the analytical and leadership skills required to excel in accounting. Concordia-Chicago MBA graduates move on to positions in auditing, tax strategy and managerial accounting.
- MBA, Chief School Business Official Specialization
  Concordia University Chicago provides a specialization in school business management with and without an Illinois Chief School Business Official (CSBO) Management endorsement. The information below is only for candidates who do not already have a graduate degree.
  Learning Objectives
  
  By pursuing a CSBO, you will gain a solid foundation in school business administration. You will acquire skills in budgeting, facilities management, human resources, public relations, and legal issues that are required to be a successful administrator. Included in the curriculum are six hours of clinical experience as required by the State of Illinois to be eligible for the CSBO endorsement.
  Proficiency Exam Requirements for CSBO
  
  In order to obtain a CSBO endorsement students will be required to show evidence that they have taken and passed both the Test of Academic Proficiency (TAP) and the CSBO content test #185.
  Career Possibilities
  - Chief financial officer
    Function specialists: transportation, facilities, accounting
    Human resource director
    Chief operations officer
    School administrator
    Superintendent
- MBA, Digital Marketing Specialization
  The future of marketing is undeniably digital. Today's rapidly advancing technologies are transforming the business landscape in a way that requires a shift in the marketing paradigm. Marketing budgets are increasingly shifting from traditional marketing and advertising to digital as mobile, social media and video spending continue to increase and change the face of the media market.
  
  Learning Objectives
  
  Concordia University Chicago's MBA specialization in digital marketing provides you with the strategic and analytical skills to guide organizations in a digital world that is overflowing with data on customers, products, and interactions. The four courses within this specialization are designed to help you understand digital marketing strategy and planning, mobile marketing and social media strategies as well as digital marketing analytics. Your organizations are demanding that you understand important and appropriate digital metrics and how to use them to analyze and improve digital marketing initiatives and marketing ROI. Graduates will successfully champion digital marketing campaigns while achieving their organization’s growth initiatives.
  Specialization Outcomes
  1. Synthesize concepts from various business disciplines to develop effective digital marketing strategies and strategic plans.
  2. Develop a refined management and leadership framework to evaluate ethical issues in digital marketing and social media strategies.
  3. Understand current developments in social media, the potential impact on marketing strategies, and selection of appropriate information technologies to develop business solutions and improve performance.
  4. Integrate a global interconnectedness perspective into a business philosophy and practice.
  Career Possibilities
  - Digital Content Marketing Manager
    Director of Digital Marketing Strategy
    Digital Brand manager
    Digital Marketing Consultant
    VP of Global Digital Marketing Programs
- MBA, Finance Specialization
  The study of finance is more global centric than ever. The financial crises of the last decade is a clarion call for MBA graduates who are ethical and possess the knowledge and skills to excel in financial decision making. 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.
  Career Possibilities
  - Investment Banker
    Chief Financial Officer
    Financial Manager
    Financial Analyst
    Asset Manager
    Financial Advisor
- MBA, Health Care Management Specialization
  If you are interested in advancing your career and obtaining a management position within a health care-related organization, an MBA specialization in health care management will help get you there. The health care industry continues to evolve and face challenges that are well suited for MBAs. You will be qualified to pursue health care management positions related to human resources, finance, information systems, and patient care.
  
  Learning Objectives
  
  This program addresses the unique attributes of health care organizations. Students are prepared to take on leadership roles and address specific managerial issues encountered in today’s health care economy. Students will develop critical thinking and fundamental business analysis skills. They will leave the program proficient at problem solving the operational and financial challenges that health care administrators face.
  Specialization Outcomes
  1. Understand and analyze accreditation, regulatory, licensure, and compliance issues as they relates specifically to the healthcare industry.
  2. Apply and assess the economic supply and demand aspects of the healthcare service delivery model(s) and the impact on the organization and stakeholders.
  3. Identify and evaluate the major causes of global healthcare delivery, financial, management and political challenges and develop strategies to improve the delivery of healthcare policy and services.
  4. Apply understanding of diversity, economic, ethical, and fiscal perspectives to healthcare management decision making aligned to healthcare reform initiatives and policy formation as it impacts the business and stakeholders.
  5. Demonstrate proficiency in use of technology to make and evaluate data driven decisions.
  Career Possibilities
  - Hospital CEO, CFO
    Head of Quality Improvement
    Hospital Administrator
    Health Care Association Director
    Health Care Consultan
- MBA, Leadership and Change Management Specialization
  Were you born to lead? The current economic environment requires successful businesses to use resources creatively and effectively. There is an increasing need for leaders who can guide an organization in adapting to changing environments and consumer needs. Many businesses seek out managers with strong leadership skills who adjust well in a changing environment.
- MBA, Project Management
  The value project management provides to executing successful business initiatives is broad and seemingly boundless, from meeting timeline and workload projections to efficiencies that lead to tighter budgets and better bottom lines. As companies across industries increasingly realize the value of project management, the field continues to see workforce development needs increase at an astronomical rate. According to the Project Management Institute, “through 2027, the project management-oriented labor force in seven project-oriented sectors is expected to grow by 33 percent, or nearly 22 million new jobs,” and “by 2027, employers will need nearly 88 million individuals in project management-oriented roles.”1 The online MBA with a Project Management Specialization from Concordia University Chicago prepares graduates to effectively fill this ever-growing need.
- MBA, Sports Management Specialization
  Do you have a passion for sports? Turn that passion into an exciting career with an MBA in sports management from Concordia University Chicago! The sports industry in both the U.S. and globally is big business. With the sports industry often growing faster than a country’s national GDP, the need to run clubs and associations as organized businesses has become paramount.
  
  Today, a career in sports means understanding the many parts of this diverse field. There is an ever-increasing need for professionals trained in the managerial, administrative and business aspects of sports. Concordia-Chicago's MBA specialization in sports management prepares confident leaders in various types of sports organizations and roles.
  
  Learning Objectives
  
  By pursuing an MBA specialization or certificate in sports management, you will study the economics of the sports industry, financial responsibility, important legal issues related to sports and more.
  
  Specialization Outcomes
  1. Analyze domestic and global economic principles and theories and the impact on the sports industry.
  2. Understand and examine the fundamental concepts of sports finance, stock and bond valuation, capital project evaluation methods, risk and return, leverage and working capital management as related to sports endeavors and the impact on the organization and stakeholders.
  3. Analyze and assess sports law situations in litigation and cases related to insurance, policy and the law.
  4. Explore, examine, and analyze the impact of diversity, gender equity, and ethical decision-making in the global sports industry.
  5. Demonstrate proficiency in use of technology to make and evaluate data driven decisions.
  Career Outlook
  
  Sports management offers a wide variety of career options and paths. Students can accept positions in marketing and sponsorship, sports media, hospitality and events management and even retail. Among others, colleges and universities, talent agencies, major and minor league teams and sports facilities are looking to hire qualified sports management professionals.
  
  While sports management is highly competitive, it shows strong job growth trends through 2022, as predicted by the U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Coaches and Scouts are projected to grow 15%, faster than average. Sports agent/manager is projected to grow 12%, as fast as average. Sports marketing manager is projected to grow 13%, as fast as average.
  
  Career Possibilities
  - Sports media
    Sports administration
    Sports marketing
    Sports agent
    Sports operations
    Events management
Doctorate
- Doctorate in Business Administration (DBA)
  The Concordia University Chicago Doctorate in Business Administration (DBA) is designed to meet the demand for doctoral business education that is the next step in individual professional development. The program, one of the top DBA programs in Chicago, provides a further tier of leadership and management preparation beyond the master’s level. The DBA creates an opportunity for students and faculty to further cultivate the global perspectives, knowledge, and networks already established through the College’s expanding global presence. The curriculum, residencies, specializations, and the Mentor interface are innovative by design and delivery. A unique feature of Concordia-Chicago's DBA program is that the dissertation process begins immediately with students choosing a preliminary topic at the beginning of their program of study.
  The Concordia-Chicago Doctorate in Business Administration has been designed for professionals who seek professional enrichment and want to focus on real-life business challenges while developing application-oriented research. Seasoned business professionals know that they must blend research with their management practice. They must know how to assess current global trends in business, leadership, and management that affect their organizations. The DBA program is committed to scholarly business research, and qualified candidates will have research interests that align with one of the two specializations offered. Those who earn a DBA degree will be prepared to advance in their profession and to use their research expertise to positively impact organizational goals.
  Two DBA specializations are offered, Innovation in Health Care and Leadership and Innovation. Please visit the Curriculum page for program and specialization information.
  The DBA program outcomes are aligned with the College of Business’ Pillars of Knowledge:
  Ethics and Social Responsibility
  Critical Thinking and Entrepreneurial Mindset
  Communication and Human Relations
  Global Interconnectedness and Inclusiveness
  Program Outcomes
  The program prepares graduates to:
  - Critically examine the literature of business, leadership, and applied research
  - Undertake independent, ethical, innovative, and rigorous business research
  - Synthesize global trends, business knowledge, and leadership theory to advance both theory and practice
  - Design and implement innovative business solutions
  - Evaluate the efficacy of business principles to effect change in global environments
  What is a DBA and how does it differ from a PhD?
  A DBA is a professional doctorate with a focus on theoretical knowledge and its application to business practice. While also intended to prepare graduates for academic careers, the DBA has more practical application in managerial settings than the PhD.
  A PhD is a research degree for candidates who would like to pursue a traditional academic career and conduct research that contributes to business knowledge or theory.
  The DBA and PhD are academically equivalent. Concordia-Chicago graduates holding a DBA degree are prepared to work in executive and leadership positions within organizations, as consultants, or in scholarly pursuits at universities and colleges.
- PhD, Leadership, Organizational Leadership
  The organizational leadership specialization curriculum is both strategically focused and innovative, aligning contemporary leadership theory with today's best leadership practices. The coursework offers students the opportunity to identify and achieve personal learning objectives and professional goals as well as the opportunity to make immediate and significant contributions to their organizations.
  
  Offered as a specialization within the EdD/PhD program in leadership, the organizational leadership specialization will develop scholar practitioners who will grow their organizations by incorporating various methods of strategic planning and forecasting, innovative change initiatives, organizational diagnostic strategies and purposeful reform interventions.
- PhD, Leadership: Higher Education Leadership Specialization
  The Concordia University Chicago Department of Leadership is at the forefront in providing educators with quality, relevant and current graduate education, which enhances the leadership of public and nonpublic teachers and administrators as they positively impact schools.
  
  We advocate for our doctoral degree candidates and all students in the public and nonpublic schools. We are reflective professionals who provide quality, relevant, and current education for our graduate candidates in leadership. We prepare our candidates to be teacher and administrator leaders guiding public and nonpublic schools in the service of students so that they may become effective citizens in a global society.

General Info

Facts & Figures

Institutional Accrediting Agency:
The Higher Learning Commission and a member of the North Central Association (www.ncahlc.org)
Total Online Enrollment:
3,000-5,999
Carnegie Classification:
Master's College or University I