Bachelor of Arts in Natural Science (STEM)

at Global University Systems (GUS) - Concordia University Chicago USA

Several popular classes focus on research, providing students with opportunities to conduct original work under the guidance of a faculty member.

Recent research projects have focused on the homeless, the dynamics of congregations, family interactions, labor unions, the assimilation of minority groups and criminal justice.

There are many electives to choose from to complete your degree requirements. Electives cover areas such as the sociology of gender, human rights, criminology, social movements and more.

Students have an opportunity to complete an internship as part of their coursework and to integrate their academic learning with work experiences. They also can participate in the Sociology and Law and Justice Club, a recently formed chapter at CUC.

The bachelor of arts degree in music is a broad-based liberal arts degree. Students who study music also gain exposure to various disciplines in the arts and sciences.

You will also emphasize in other areas from the humanities or take a minor area or another major. For example, some students will take courses in business or administration.

Concordia-Chicago offers two specialized certificates that can be part of your music major: a certificate in parish music (DPM) and a certificate of piano pedagogy. Review the links to learn more about specific requirements for these certificates.

Nearly all core subjects are taught and ensembles conducted by regular full-time faculty. Our music faculty is recognized and highly respected in their fields of expertise. Many of our applied faculty members perform regularly in organizations such as Chicago Symphony Chorus, Lyric Opera Chorus, Chicago Sinfonietta, Illinois Philharmonic, Elmhurst Symphony, and Symphony of Oak Park and River Forest. Our faculty takes a personal interest in your education and musicianship.

Both the music major and the music minor include academic courses, applied study and ensemble participation. Academic courses encompass the core areas of music theory and aural skills, music history and literature and conducting. All music majors study a primary instrument or voice, and many study a second instrument as well.

Our bachelor of arts degree in Social Work provides a curriculum and learning environment that is accessible to a broad diversity of students, who will make important and unique contributions in their service to clients, communities and the profession-at-large.

Graduating social work students are prepared to enter the profession in various positions and employment settings. They are also prepared to continue their education at the graduate level with a master’s degree in social work.

The full-time social work faculty members have doctorates in social work, and many years of clinical practice experience in the field. This enables them to connect theory and practice in the classroom by utilizing real-life examples. Social work courses are small with much individual attention and one-on-one interaction with your professors.

The social work degree and field experience will prepare you to work immediately after graduation. Many graduates find employment with the agency where they complete their field experience. If you plan a career in social work, we highly recommend that you complete the Master of Social Work (MSW) degree. Concordia students have attended graduate school at well-regarded institutions such as Washington University (St. Louis); University of Chicago; University of Illinois; Loyola University; University of Wisconsin-Madison and the University of Michigan.

Our qualified and devoted faculty whose educational, career and research backgrounds are directly related to the interests and needs of those pursuing an interdisciplinary degree. Our courses will allow students to critically analyze how institutions that deal with issues of Criminal Justice impede and promote social justice.

Most courses for the Criminal Justice program derive from sociology and political science. Students are required to take courses that set the foundation and build upon their theoretical background, research methodology and practical application of criminal justice issues.

Our program provides you with a solid foundation in which you will build your critical thinking, analysis and problem-solving skills, and apply these skills to psychology. You will develop an understanding of the different types of psychology and theories behind them.

Today, psychologists are increasingly concentrating on behaviors that affect the mental and emotional health and mental processes of healthy human beings. For example, they work with business executives, performers and athletes to combat stress and improve performance. They advise lawyers on jury selection and collaborate with educators on school reform. They show up immediately following a disaster such as a plane crash or bombing, to help victims and bystanders recover from the trauma or shock of the event.

The required courses in the major will provide you with a strong foundation in psychology. Courses such as development, statistics and research will acquaint you with the field, while preparing you for courses like social psychology, abnormal psychology and neuropsychology.

The electives in the psychology department will help you refine your interests and skills. Students wishing to pursue a career in the helping professions can take courses such as Group Dynamics and Leadership Skills, Community Psychology, and Behavior Assessment and Management. Students who wish to prepare for continued scholarly work in the psychological sciences will be encouraged to take classes like Cognitive Psychology, History and Systems and Cross-Cultural Psychology.

You will also choose a capstone experience from either an internship in psychology or senior seminar in psychology. Through the seminar you will discuss current topics in psychology, career planning and the role of psychology in today’s society.

The Master of Arts in Early Childhood Education has achieved National Recognition by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), thereby meeting standards as one of the top graduate degree programs in the country. The MA in ECE program prepares candidates for a variety of leadership roles in early childhood education and is relevant for early childhood teachers, administrators, public policy and advocacy specialists, and scholars. This program is designed to provide candidates with a strong background in child and language development, family and community relationships, assessment, research, theory and practice, of birth through age eight programs within a variety of educational settings: public and private centers and schools, adult and community-based educational settings, and other for- and non-profit organizations.

The MA in ECE program does not lead to licensure, but is intended for early childhood educators who have had at least two years of experience with young children. Upon completion of the program, candidates who have an Illinois Educator’s teaching license may choose to study further and take additional coursework to obtain endorsements in Special Education and/or English as a Second Language (ESL). After receiving their degrees, our graduates will be ideal educators in the design and implementation of early childhood curriculum and programs in centers, home child care, schools and districts, and other settings, and contribute their leadership to various early childhood organizations.

Across all industries, there is a need for proficient managers and leaders. The focus of this major is to graduate students who are confident leaders and managers. Students will sharpen their critical and creative thinking skills and build their business acumen. These abilities and skills are integral to sustaining business success. Students will learn from industry experts and study topics such as ethical decision-making, strategic thinking, leadership and management, marketing, accounting, human resources, operations management, and finance.

Graduates of the BA in Business Administration with a major in management find positions as production supervisors, account executives, human resources administrators, and more.

Faculty and staff are dedicated to providing students with a well-rounded learning experience by using the latest technology and engaging them with real-world business scenarios and hands-on learning exercises. Many courses are offered online, although the traditional 16-week face-to-face format is available.

A career in accounting has been described as one of the best opportunities for employment, with U.S. News & World Report and Fortune magazines considering accounting positions to be in high demand in a broad range of fields.

Our faculty are dedicated to providing students with a well-rounded learning experience by using the latest technology, stressing the importance of integrity and ethical decision making, and engaging students with real-world business scenarios and practical application of knowledge learned in the courses. The College of Business offers many courses online as well as face-to-face.

At Concordia University Chicago, science classes are small and encourage hands-on learning.

Such small class sizes allow professors to get to know you and help you directly, whether for a class assignment or with a decision regarding your future. Because natural science is a combination of other sciences like chemistry and biology, our faculty come from a variety of backgrounds. You will also be encouraged to explore the many possibilities the Chicago area has to offer.

You can choose to earn a bachelor of arts degree in natural science by taking a selection of biology and physical science courses, as well as choosing to concentrate in two areas among biology, chemistry, earth science and physics.

Students specifically interested in medical school or other professional health schools are encouraged to consider majoring in natural science, biology or chemistry. Also recommended are selected courses in physics, English, psychology, sociology, the humanities and mathematics. Prospective professional schools should be consulted for their specific requirements.

Your learning experience will be greatly enhanced by talented faculty who also are engaged in the study of philosophy.

CUC's full-time faculty members in the Department of History, Political Science, and Philosophy hold terminal degrees in their fields or are studying to complete one, and they have numerous years of teaching experience.

Philosophy courses include logic, ethics, philosophy of religion, social and political philosophy, the history of philosophy, aesthetics, and various thematic courses. The program culminates in an independent study course that requires the preparation of a major paper and public presentation on a selected philosophical topic. The philosophy minor requires 18 hours, but does not include an independent study.