Bachelor of Science in Biology (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.

Our rigorous but flexible degree programs build students’ critical knowledge of business and business issues. Faculty and staff are dedicated to providing students with a well-rounded learning experience by using the latest technology and engaging students with real-world business scenarios and hands-on learning exercises.

The Bachelor of Arts in marketing degree, which requires 48 semester hours of study, is for students who want a broad liberal arts foundation with an emphasis in business. If you have questions, a counselor with our Office of Admission can help as you decide on the Concordia-Chicago degree program that best matches your strengths and career interests.

The B.A. in English is a 36-hour major that requires coursework in British, American, and world literature, as well as literary theory, linguistics, and writing. It requires you to experience a broad range of literature, yet it allows you to select from a variety of courses.   

The four courses required of all majors are Literary Theory and Criticism, Linguistics, Shakespeare, and Seminar in English. Students take Literary Theory early in the major to learn the theories and methods that underlie literary studies. The Seminar in English, usually focusing on a single author, provides a capstone experience near the end of the major. It requires significant research and culminates in a long seminar paper.

Of the remaining eight courses in the major, one must be in American literature, one in British literature, one in world literature, and one in twentieth-century literature. Multiple course options exist to fulfill each of these requirements, so you can choose a course that interests you from each area. One advanced writing course is also required. The remaining hours may be taken as electives.

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.

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.

At Concordia University Chicago, our small political science class sizes make it easy for students to get to know their professors. Professors are easily accessible to answer students’ questions and informally chat about class discussions or a wide variety of related issues.

We’re proud that approximately 90 percent of our students are employed or enrolled in graduate programs in their fields within six months of graduation. We educate students to be faithful, civic minded individuals who will actively engage and change the world through their careers and/or their volunteer efforts. Some political science majors continue their education in graduate school in political science or another social science discipline or go on to law school.

For this major, you will be required to take the introductory American government and politics course and then select your remaining coursework from a variety of electives. Past offerings have included The Politics of the Middle East, Global Terrorism and International Security in addition to:

• Political Theory
• The American Presidency
• State and Local Government
• Constitutional Law
• Public Policy
• American Foreign Policy
• Comparative Politics
• International Relations

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.

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.

Faculty in the Department of Human Performance are knowledgeable and experienced in their respective areas of expertise. More importantly, they look to serve and impact the lives of others.

As a Concordia-Chicago student, you will learn about the multi-dimensional aspect of fitness and wellness, anatomy and physiology, kinesiology, exercise, evaluation and exercise testing and prescription.

These basics are further expanded upon as you progress through the course of your studies preparing you to enter the professional world. At CUC, our classes are small and encourage hands-on learning. You will work closely with the faculty, who will help you throughout your entire college career. Faculty will be able and willing to work with you individually to discuss assignments and career decisions, while ensuring you receive a quality experience at CUC.

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.

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.