Pre-Professional Studies Programs
Pre-Seminary Program
A student may pursue the Pre-Seminary Program of Studies in the College of Arts and Sciences or in the College of Education. Either will meet all academic entrance requirements for both seminaries of The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod.
The Pre-Seminary Program of Studies is not in and of itself a degree program, but designates course work to be taken within a Liberal Arts or Education degree program. Students completing all the prescribed course work will be identified as having completed the Pre-Seminary Program of Studies on their transcripts.
Students desiring entry into a public ministry in the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod must have earned a minimum GPA of 2.75 for all prescribed Theology requirements. All courses used in the GPA calculations must have a grade of C or better and cannot be taken under the P/DF grade option.
Pre-Seminary Liberal Arts Track
Choose any Liberal Arts Major.
Recommended: Theological Languages
Suggested: Communication, English, History, Philosophy, Psychology, Sociology
Choose one or more of the following Liberal Arts Minors
(cannot duplicate major area).
Recommended: Biblical Languages (not available with a Theological Languages major)
Recommended: Theology
Suggested: Communication, English, History, Philosophy, Psychology, Sociology
Required coursework if not taken as part of major or minor:
GRE-4110 Greek I
GRE-4120 Greek II
HEB-4101 Hebrew I
HEB-4102 Hebrew II
One PHI Course (PHI-2210 recommended)
THY-2010 Introduction to the Old Testament
THY-2210 Introduction to Lutheran Theology
THY-3105 Introduction to the New Testament
THY-3210 Christian Life
THY-4240 The Church and Its Ministry
Pre-Law, Criminal Justice and Social Justice
Because legal questions arise from many aspects of life and concern all segments of our society, pre-law students should acquire a sound, liberal arts education. The qualities which contribute to success in law school and the practice of law include: high level reading comprehension, an ability to identify logical patterns and organize ideas, proficiency in writing, persuasiveness in speaking, ingenuity, insight into the legal political and social history of the nation, interpersonal skills and integrity.
Although law schools do not require specific majors for admission, Concordia's Law and Justice major is designed for student particularly interested in careers in law, law enforcement, corrections, or social justice. The Law and Justice major helps students understand legal institutions and issues faced America's legal and justice professionals. It is flexible and interdisciplinary, combining courses in political science, sociology, philosophy, psychology, and social work.
Pre-Professional Programs for Health Sciences
While no specific major is required for medical, dental, or nursing schools, students are advised to major in Biology, Chemistry or Natural Science, with selected courses in English, Physics, Psychology, Sociology, the Humanities, and Mathematics (through Calculus). Students should concentrate on demonstrating a well-rounded program of studies and should consult with prospective medical, nursing, and dental schools for specific requirements.
Concordia-Chicago also offers programs in Nursing, partnering with Rush University. To earn a Generalist Entry Masters in nursing, one would first earn his/her bachelor's degree from CUC in any major, while taking prerequisite courses for Rush University's College of Nursing (4 years), then continue at Rush University (1.5-2 years). Program graduates are eligible to sit for RN licensure and Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL) certification. Prerequisites for Rush University include organic chemistry, human anatomy & physiology, microbiology, nutrition, statistics, Intro to Psychology or Intro to Sociology, and Human Growth & Development. All prerequisite courses must be completed with a grade of "C" or better.
The Deaconess Program
The Deaconess Program prepares students to serve in the Church, in church agencies and in missions. The program is designed for women who plan to serve in the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, but is open to anyone. It is a five-year program including a one year internship:
1. Upon successful completion of the program the student earns a baccalaureate degree.
2. Is eligible, but not guaranteed, to receive LCMS deaconess certification and/or placement as an LCMS deaconess.
(See the section entitled “Placement for Lutheran School Teachers/DCE/
Deaconesses” in the College of Education section of this catalog).
Admission
A student should ordinarily apply for admission into the Deaconess program by February 1 of the sophomore year.
Application forms may be obtained from the Director of the Deaconess Program. The application includes biographical information and three letters of recommendation - one from the applicant's parish pastor, and two from persons who have observed the applicant in leadership or service functions. All application materials are to be submitted directly to the Director of the Deaconess Program.
The applicant will be interviewed by a review committee consisting of the Director of the Deaconess Program, the chairman of the Theology Department, the Vice President for Student Services, one faculty member and one active deaconess as appointed by the University President.
Considering the information submitted, the review committee is to recommend admission on the basis of the following expectations:
1. That the applicant has at least a cumulative GPA of 2.00 at the time of application.
2. That the applicant has at least a 2.50 GPA for all foundational theology classes taken, with a grade of C or better in each course. Foundational courses include:
THY-2010 - Introduction to the Old Testament
THY-2210 - Introduction to Lutheran Theology
THY-3105 - Introduction to the New Testament
THY-3210 - Christian Life
THY-3310 - History of Christian Biography
THY-4410 - World Religion
PHI-2110 - Introduction to the Philosophy of Religion
3. That the applicant should have an evident commitment to Christ and the Lutheran Church and a willingness to serve under the authority of the student's pastor/supervisor.
4. That the applicant should possess good communication skills, self-confidence, poise, and leadership abilities.
Applicants will be notified of the committee's decision no later than one week following the interview. In case of denial, the student may re-apply within one month of notification. If denied admission to the program a second time, the applicant has the right to appeal to the Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences.
Students desiring entry into a public ministry in the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod must have earned a minimum GPA of 2.75 for all prescribed Theology requirements. All courses used in the GPA calculations must have a grade of C or better and cannot be taken under the P/DF grade option.
Internship
Students must apply for THY-4990 Deaconess Internship by November 1 of the year prior to the internship year. Applications are available from the Director of the Deaconess Program. To apply for the internship experience, the student must:
1. Be admitted to the Deaconess Program
2. Have junior, senior or post-baccalaureate standing
3. Have completed all THY-4990 Deaconess Internship prerequisites by the time of internship placement
4. Have a cumulative GPA of 2.75 in upper level theology courses and deaconess specialization courses, with a grade of C or better in each course
5. Display a willingness to serve and learn in the practical, full-time setting of an internship
6. Have a minimum of two semesters of THY-4630 Deaconess Field Experience.
Program of Study
Program coursework can be found with the major listings.