Bachelor of Arts in Biology

at Concordia University, St. Paul USA

Biology majors develop a strong foundation in biology by exploring cell biology, genetics, molecular biology, chemistry, evolutionary theory, scientific methodology, and laboratory techniques in our core curriculum.  Students then have the opportunity to tailor their degree with various electives including immunology, microbiology, human anatomy and physiology, and human gross anatomy, in which students have access to a human cadaver lab. The coursework pushes students to sharpen their critical thinking, scientific reasoning, and laboratory skills.

The Church Music major develops students into well-rounded church musicians, preparing them for careers as music professionals in a Christian worship setting.  It enjoys all of the opportunities in Concordia's Music program, but also provides these additional features:

• There are organ, choral, piano, guitar, instrumental, composition, and self-designed tracks, thus equipping students to lead both traditional liturgies and contemporary worship formats.
• Each track shares the core musicianship (music theory/analysis/writing/ear-training/keyboard harmony) and music history courses. Private lessons and ensembles applicable to each track are also part of the core.
• Each track has specialized courses, culminating in a senior project/recital in the track.
• The program culminates in recital performance in the student's chosen track(s) and an internship in a metro area church.
• Students may add Director of Parish Music Certification by completing the Lutheran Theology minor, compiling a portfolio, and passing entrance and exit interviews with the Department of Theology and Ministry. This leads to rostered church worker status as a Commissioned Minister in The Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod.

With several tracks available, the Church Music Major at Concordia allows students to pursue music ministry in the area that best suits their interests and talents.

Majoring in Early Childhood Education at Concordia University, St. Paul involves the study of pedagogy, or the method and practice of teaching. You’ll develop the skills and insights to become an effective early childhood educator and a lifelong learner. Concordia offers specializations in Birth-Grade 3 Early Childhood Education, Child Learning and Development or Parent and Family Education. You’ll gain knowledge and skills that are important for any teaching career as you take 64 credit hours towards a Bachelor of Arts degree, and the early childhood education curriculum meets the Minnesota Department of Education requirements for a teaching credential (passage of standardized examinations of content and pedagogy are also required).  
The Teacher Education program at Concordia has been the pride of Concordia for nearly 60 years. It is widely recognized for excellence in its programs, faculty, staff, and candidates, and regarded as among the finest in the state of Minnesota and in the Concordia University System. The program is fully accredited by the National Council of Accreditation for Teacher Education (continuously since 1969) and the Minnesota Board of Teaching. Because of Minnesota’s rigorous teacher licensure standards, students graduating from Minnesota’s colleges and universities are favorably regarded nationwide.

A Bachelor of Science degree in Finance prepares CSP students for vital and high-demand roles in business. With academic programming focused on some of the most pressing challenges confronting businesses today, graduates enter the job market with real-world knowledge that helps them make a positive impact on the world.

Corporate finance careers span all aspects of business today. CSP graduates can then apply their knowledge to advise and guide companies of all sizes, from startups to global conglomerates. Finance professionals lead IPOs, mergers & acquisitions, and major corporate investments and expansions. They are also essential leaders for healthy and vibrant nonprofits of all types.

A Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Concordia University, St. Paul provides a solid foundation for students interested in a wide range of human-focused careers, including social work, counseling, human development, and others - along with a pathway to powerful advanced degree programs.

Students in this program learn from experienced CSP faculty who bring deep expertise in human psychology, combined with unique insight into career path exploration to support students’ individual interests.

The focused curriculum provides the essential learning opportunities and skill-building that opens doors to myriad opportunities to help others in virtually limitless ways – whether within organizations and companies or in settings where graduates will work 1:1 or in group settings to help people improve their lives and resolve issues. 

This program is designed to prepare students for service in a ministry setting (with an option for certification as a Director of Christian Education or Outreach for LCMS students). Students will gain an understanding of Christian and Lutheran doctrine, beliefs, teachings, history, practices, ethics, church organization and strategy, vocation, and outreach. Upon completion of this program, students will recognize their personal identity in Christ, the broader ministry of the Gospel, and their philosophy of ministry.

Chemistry involves the study of the composition, structure, properties, and reactions of matter, especially of atomic and molecular systems. Chemistry coursework at Concordia University gives students a framework of knowledge that allows them to learn and incorporate new facts and concepts as the field evolves. Through the program, students will sharpen their analytical, problem-solving, scientific reasoning, critical thinking, communication, and laboratory skills.

Chemistry majors will gain an understanding of the structure of atoms and molecules, properties of materials, and the reactions that convert one molecule or material to another.  The chemistry major prepares students to think critically and quantitatively, reason scientifically, and to understand the experimental methods, techniques, and instrumentation used in chemistry.  Students have the opportunity to gain relevant research experience on campus.

Depending on their career goals, math majors can choose to earn a Bachelor of Science degree or a Bachelor of Arts degree in mathematics at Concordia University, St. Paul. In earning either degree, students will develop the critical thinking and problem solving skills necessary for today’s technological world.  The BS degree is more credits and offers students more opportunities to explore math applications within the math major, while the BA degree is fewer credits and is designed to be paired with a minor or a second major such as secondary education, computer science, business, science, or a variety of other possibilities.  All of the courses in the math major are offered face-to-­face in small classes (usually less than 20 students) and the emphasis is on actively solving problems in class. Throughout the curriculum, students will learn to use technology, including computer algebra systems, geometry modeling software, spreadsheets, 3D printers, and computer programming to model and solve problems. In some courses students investigate topics and learn to present their ideas professionally.  Some of these topics lead to independent research projects that students can present at undergraduate research conferences and help the students earn honors in the major. There is also an active Tri-Pi math club that offers social events to build comradery amongst the math students. Our math majors have followed a wide variety of career paths and are currently working as data analysts, risk analysts, inventory analysts, high school teachers, college professors, statisticians, health professionals, lawyers, and researchers.  Instead of asking “What can I do with a math major?”, you should ask yourself “What can’t I do with a math major?”

Students in Sport Communication are introduced to a variety of communication focused career opportunities in the sports industry. Students will gain valuable skills in sports public relations campaigns, social media outreach for sports teams, as well as in working with specialty sports agencies and planning sports events for organizations. Careers in sport communication are varied.  Existing opportunities in sport communication include coaching/managing teams, event management and marketing, sports venue management, public relations representative, service and marketing coordination, digital and print media specialist, education, and recreation management.

Our expert faculty are prepared to help you analyze testing techniques, use open-source R and Python to program data analytics capabilities, identify numerical optimization in linear programming, and give you all the practice you need with tools like Hadoop, Spark, and Splunk.

With CSP’s data analytics degree, you will be ready with skills to gather and store big data in a high-salaried role. Employers are on the hunt for pros with your skillset.

Within the program you will analyze various testing techniques such as hypothesis testing, two sample and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) tests, chi-square tests, simple linear regression, and multiple regression. Learn how to utilize an open-source R statistical package plus Python to program data analytics capabilities.

Other key skills you’ll focus on are Identifying statistical graphic simulations and numerical optimization in linear programming. You’ll also explore designing a decision support system (DSS) using object-oriented technologies.