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
- MA, Innovation and Entrepreneurship
  Request Information
  Drive Positive Change and Business Success With a Master’s in Innovation and Entrepreneurship
  
  An entrepreneurship degree can help leaders and dreamers develop the essential business skills needed to launch or grow a company, while an innovation degree empowers visionaries to turn big ideas into industry-changing reality. An Accenture survey found 96% of executives agree innovation is critical to long-term success, with 84% stating their organization’s strategy is “very” or “extremely” dependent on it.(1)
  
  The Master of Arts in Innovation and Entrepreneurship from Concordia University Chicago answers the growing need for cutting-edge strategies in management and leadership. Offered through the university’s College of Business’ Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, this master’s degree aims to combine the best of entrepreneurial mindset and innovative thinking.
  
  This program is offered online and face-to-face (depending on enrollment). A convenient online learning platform makes the master’s in Innovation and Entrepreneurship an ideal option for busy professionals across the country and around the world. The program is designed for individuals who aspire to create a new business or nonprofit, or to assume a leadership role in a startup. It is also an excellent fit for “intrapreneurs” who work in business development, continuous improvement, research and development, and other business areas.
  
  Students in the master’s in Innovation and Entrepreneurship program will:
  - Explore ways to develop creative talent—both personally and among individuals and teams.
    Learn to build a work environment that supports creative and divergent thinking.
    Examine leadership theories and styles that foster innovation.
    Analyze how design thinking and innovation principles can be used to create strategic value.
  Groundbreaking Business Ventures Start With an Online Master’s in Innovation and Entrepreneurship
  
  Concordia University Chicago has earned a reputation for excellence in graduate business education, with programs ranging from specialized MBAs and MA to a Doctorate in Business Administration (DBA). In addition to a strong focus on creativity and innovation, as outlined above, the MA in Innovation and Entrepreneurship incorporates business coursework with an emphasis on practical skills.
  
  Through the online courses in this business master’s program, students will learn how to:
  - Read and accurately interpret financial statements for business diagnostics.
    Apply best practices for leading cross-border projects.
    Design and rapidly prototype solutions that deliver a unique value proposition.
    Leverage social media to engage consumers and achieve business goals.
    Integrate ethical frameworks into business decisions and reduce risk and liability.
  Degree Program Specifications
  
  Students must complete 30 credit hours of coursework to earn an MA in Innovation and Entrepreneurship from Concordia University Chicago. This business master’s program features nine online classes and a 3-credit capstone that is designed to help students synthesize and apply what they have learned in a real-world entrepreneurial or innovation-related experience.
  
  The academic calendar spans three 16-week semesters per year, and each semester consists of two consecutive eight-week terms. Students who take one course per term can complete the program in less than two years.
  
  Admission Requirements
  To be considered for admission into the MA in Innovation and Entrepreneurship program at Concordia University Chicago, applicants must have earned a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution. Prospective students must complete the free online application and submit all required admission materials:
  - Objective Statement – Write a brief statement outlining your education, career and/or business goals, and explain how an online business master’s degree from Concordia University Chicago will help you fulfill those objectives.
    Official Transcripts – Provide one official, sealed transcript from each institution that has granted you a degree. Full admission to the master’s program requires a cumulative grade point average of 2.85 or better for bachelor’s degrees and 3.00 or higher for a master’s degrees.
    Letters of Recommendation – Send two letters of recommendation from individuals who are able to comment on your academic proficiency, professional competencies, personal character and business potential.
  International applicants may be required to submit additional supporting materials, such as proof of English language proficiency and a foreign transcript evaluation from an approved credentialing service. For full requirements, visit the Admission & Tuition page.
  
  There is no application fee and no GRE requirement to apply for the master’s in Innovation and Entrepreneurship at Concordia University Chicago.
- MA, Leadership: Organizational Leadership Specialization
  Request Information
  The organizational leadership curriculum will support the development of 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.
  
  Concordia University Chicago's master of arts in leadership studies program is based on the conviction that leaders must learn to lead change so that services and deliverables are effectively, ethically and efficiently delivered to an increasingly diverse population in the context of a changing economy and rapidly developing technologies. The graduate program in leadership studies focuses on practitioner needs by linking theory to the best practices of leadership.
  
  The leadership skills that students attain while pursuing a master’s in leadership are transferable across all types of organizations—private, for profit, nonprofit and public. The Concordia University Chicago leadership curriculum was developed to prepare students to lead organizational change and innovation while managing the challenges of continuous change and global competition.
  
  Students who pursue their master’s in leadership may be working as or want to pursue careers such as information officers, strategic planners, project managers, sales directors, military officers, hospital administrators and religious leaders. The Concordia University Chicago master of arts in leadership studies is designed for people with all types of backgrounds and interests, whether they work or want to work in the government, nonprofit, for-profit, health care, higher education, military and human services at the local, regional, national or global level.
- MBA, Accounting Specialization
  Request Information
  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
  Request Information
  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
  Request Information
  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, Entrepreneurship Specialization
  Request Information
  The increasingly rapid pace of innovation in the 21st century demands that leaders in business have an entrepreneurial mindset and an innovation skill set in order to lead their organizations and communities effectively. Entrepreneurship education is one of the fastest growing MBA specializations in the U.S. and around the world. The rapid growth of entrepreneurship education is driven by the extensive complexity of today’s markets—a product of globalization and its related revolutionary changes in technologies and standards of living. The MBA Entrepreneurship Specialization provides students with the strategic, analytical, and tactical skills necessary for leading organizations in a rapidly changing world.
  
  Concordia-Chicago offers an MBA specialization in entrepreneurship that provides experiential and action-based learning. Business students combine the entrepreneurial specialization curriculum, core curriculum, and internships or work experience to develop real-world entrepreneurial ventures within the entrepreneurship courses.
  
  According to a 2015 report by Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM), 27 million Americans—nearly 14 percent of the working-age population—are launching or operating new businesses. The report notes that 24 percent of U.S. entrepreneurs expect to employ 20 or more people in the next five years. (Source Kelley, 2015-2016)
  
  Looking ahead, great demand is projected for leaders who can successfully deploy entrepreneurial skills along with innovation analysis and launch processes. Whether in service to entrepreneurial new ventures, large corporations, not-for-profit entities, or multi-generational family-owned businesses, leaders will be required to guide organizations toward growth and profitable, sustainable strategic paths.
  
  Career Possibilities
  
  Entrepreneur: New business founder
  Start-up company: First-stage key employee
  Corporate: New Product Development Manager / Product Innovation Manager
  Corporate: Brand Manager / Product Manager
  Family-owned business: Market Expansion Manager
  Business Consultant
  Research and Development Manager
  Sales / Customer operations
  Not-for-profit: Executive Director / Fundraising
- MBA, Finance Specialization
  Request Information
  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
  Request Information
  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
  Request Information
  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, Not-for-Profit Management Specialization
  Request Information
  Managing a successful not-for-profit organization is very similar to managing a business. Concordia University Chicago’s MBA specialization in not-for-profit management addresses the unique attributes of a not-for-profit organization while providing a solid business foundation in areas such as management, finance and marketing. Our academic history is deeply rooted in preparing students to serve others, and our professors exemplify this tradition.
  
  Learning Objectives
  
  Concordia University Chicago's not-for-profit management MBA specialization and certificate courses give students a grounding in the unique legal structure and mission of not-for-profit organizations. Students learn about the rules regarding board formation and governance, grant writing and funding sources. A key objective is to build students skills to the point where they can successfully complete a capstone project on grant writing, management and evaluation.
  
  Specialization Outcomes
  1. Evaluate and demonstrate understanding of the legal and financial structure and mission of not-for- profit organizations.
  2. Apply and assess ethical decisions as it pertains to the rules regarding board formation, governance, grant writing, and funding sources of not-for-profit organizations.
  3. Demonstrate the ability to make managerial and regulatory decisions for not-for-profit accounting and preparation of the financial statements.
  4. Evaluate and assess technology and management decision-making tools such as operational forecasts and budgets to support the objectives of not-for-profit strategies which are globally focused.
  Career Possibilities
  
  Concordia-Chicago's MBA in not-for-profit management will prepare you to serve in areas such as the arts, community development, renewable resources, and social services.
  - Executive Director
    Corporate Partnerships Manager
    Program Director
    Director of Advancement
    Director of Outreach
    Director of Development
- MBA, School Business Management Specialization
  Request Information
  Concordia University Chicago's MBA with a specialization in school business management provides the business fundamentals needed to lead and manage in today’s increasingly complex educational institutions. This distinctive program is appropriate for educational professionals looking to advance their careers, or for anyone looking to transition into the field of educational administration.
  
  Learning Objectives
  
  Concordia-Chicago's MBA specialization for the concentration of school business management prepares you for the national certification program currently being developed by the Association of School Business Officials (ASBO) International and follows their “standards, conduct and expectations of personal and professional integrity.”
  
  You will learn specific skills required of an educational administrator. Such skills include budgeting, facilities management, human resources, public relations, and legal issues. Course content is modeled after guidelines set forth by ASBO International.
  
  Career Possibilities
  - School administrator
    School principal
    Development director
    Chief academic officer
    Chief financial officer
    Superintendent
- MBA, Sports Management Specialization
  Request Information
  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
- The Concordia University Chicago Core MBA
  Request Information
  What differentiates Concordia University Chicago's MBA program?
  
  All of our courses integrate Four Pillars of Knowledge into the curriculum. By cultivating these essential principles in an academic setting, the Concordia University Chicago MBA gives you a competitive edge as you move forward in your career, both while you’re pursuing your degree program and after completion. The Four Pillars are:
  - Ethics and Social Responsibility
  - Critical Thinking and Entrepreneurial Mindset
  - Communication and Human Relations
  - Global Interconnectedness and Inclusiveness
  Flexibility: Classes are offered both 100% online and on-campus for maximum convenience.We work with you to select the format that meets your needs.
  Innovation: Concordia University Chicago offers cutting-edge degree programs to advance today's professional. A spirit of innovation is infused across all curriculum, student interactions and program outcomes.
  Collegial Community: Our educational model fosters close working relationships between students and faculty. At the same time, our unique cohort system groups students together for the duration of their educational experience. This collaborative environment accelerates learning and builds strong peer and mentor relationships that last a lifetime and, often, enhance your career trajectory.
  
  Experienced faculty: The Concordia University Chicago educational approach integrates theory with highly practical, concrete, real-world applications. Our talented, committed faculty members offer MBA students ample, personalized attention and are eager to share their business experience with you. Most faculty members are currently working in their respective fields, giving students a current, real-world perspective on their industry.
  
  Your lifelong partner in education: Earning your MBA at Concordia University Chicago is the beginning, not the end, of an ongoing relationship with an institution committed to your lifelong growth and success. At Concordia University Chicago College of Business, we recognize the importance of maintaining professional agility and contemporary focus in a fast-changing world. At every stage of their careers, our students take advantage of our post-MBA, graduate certificates to maintain a competitive edge in the marketplace. We offer a full range of graduate MBA courses from which working business professionals may select based on their individual needs.

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