CUC provides a solid academic foundation with Christ at the center that is essential in today’s ever-changing and uncertain world. The Classical Educator programs are housed within the College of Theology, Arts & Humanities. Scholars are grounded in God’s Word, classical liberal studies, Latin or Greek, and classical pedagogy to prepare scholars to teach Truth in classical schools, homeschools, and consortiums that do not require state teaching licensure. Scholars are equipped to apply for teaching certification with independent classical accrediting organizations.

Classical Educator scholars also study the Great Books in the Honors Program, a curriculum that largely replaces the standard general education coursework. The Honors Program ensures scholars pursuing any major are centered in Divine Truth, from which we receive faith, hope, and love that reform and provide full meaning for classical concepts of excellence, order, virtue, and beauty. CUC scholars increase their capacity to order ideas, listen intently, and dialogue skillfully, becoming virtuous people serving the Church and the common good.

The Classical Lutheran Educator Program is one of six church worker programs offered at CUC and prepares for LCMS certification and rostering as a Minister of Religion—Commissioned. Enter Classical Lutheran Educator in the search on CUC’s undergraduate catalog for detailed program requirements.

Program requirements include observation and field experience as part of the Classical Pedagogy Minor. Scholars will complete one of the following tracks, based on the age level and major preferred. Latin or Greek is required as part of the Liberal Studies Major and Minor. The scholar should consult with the Program Leader to make appropriate choices.

  • General Education – Honors Program
  • 36 hrs. Major: Classical Liberal Studies (BA in Classical Liberal Studies)
  • 18 hrs. Minor: Classical Pedagogy
  • 18 hrs. Minor: Church Worker Theology
  • CLS-4990 Classical Pedagogy Internship. A supervised internship of 8-16 weeks full-time is required in a school that is an accredited member of a recognized classical professional association (e.g. CCLE, ACCS, SCL).

  • General Education – Honors Program
  • 36 hrs. Major: Content area (eg. Math, English, History, Music, Philosophy, Theology, Interdisciplinary; degree will be a BA in that area)
  • 18 hrs. Minor: Classical Pedagogy
  • 18 hrs. Minor: Church Worker Theology
  • CLS-4990 Classical Pedagogy Internship. A supervised internship of 8-16 weeks full- time is required in a school that is an accredited member of a recognized classical professional association (e.g. CCLE, ACCS, SCL).

For scholars of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod who desire certification as a Minister of Religion—Commissioned, in addition to the above, scholars will take EDU-4900 Lutheran Teacher: Vocation & Methods, earn a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75 for all college-level coursework, and successfully complete all requirements of CUC’s Synodical Placement Office. CUC’s Synodical Placement Director will oversee and coordinate the process whereby a Classical Lutheran Educator receives certification and placement.

Unique to Concordia is that a woman in the Deaconess Program may concurrently complete requirements as a Classical Lutheran Educator.

The Classical Educator Program is designed for scholars who desire to teach in settings that do not require LCMS rostering and therefore does not require the Church Worker Theology Minor. Enter Classical Educator in the search on CUC’s undergraduate catalog for detailed program requirements.

Classical education at CUC is not limited to academic programs. There are many exciting opportunities to delve into topics of Truth, Vocation, and Freedom.

  • Annual CUC Classical Education Study Trip
    • The purpose of the annual Classical Education Study Trip is to provide firsthand experience with the tap roots of the Greco-Roman and Judeo-Christian worlds and the cultures and wonders emerging from them. While the trip is primarily for scholars, faculty, and staff, as space allows, alumni and supporters are welcome. Destinations are chosen for their connection to CUC’s curricula and classical education. 
  • Study Abroad
    • Westfield House 
      Spend a semester living, studying and worshipping at Westfield House in Cambridge, England--one of the world’s most historic university towns.
  • Lecture Series
    • Lectureship in Christianity, Humanities and Public Life
      Established in the fall of 2021, the Lectureship in Christianity, Humanities and Public Life is a biannual series committed to and motivated by the biblical teaching that by and through Christ all things were created, and “in Him all things hold together” (Col. 1:16-17). 
  • The Arts
    • Arts at Concordia
      Scholars, faculty and staff lead and participate directly in show-stopping productions and exhibits. From Shakespeare to Bach, from alternative theater to a premier exhibit by the latest trendsetting local painters, Concordia-Chicago offers a wealth of artistic experiences to our campus and our community
  • Centers of Excellence 
    • Center for Church Music  
    • Free Enterprise Center
      The Free Enterprise Student Fellows Program connects interested students to the philosophical background of the liberty movement. Through the book club, speaker series, and conference opportunities, students grapple with great thinkers throughout history, including Plato, Aristotle, the Church Fathers, Thomas Aquinas, John Locke, Adam Smith, the American Founders, Alexis de Tocqueville, Frederic Bastiat, Milton Friedman and many others. Student Fellows produce publishable journalistic articles each year on a theme of their choice, which allows them to apply the wisdom they’ve gained to a contemporary problem.

Student and Faculty Study Groups

Faculty in the College of Theology, Arts & Humanities host weekly conversations to advance learning and debate on great thinkers. Recent studies have been on Boethius’s The Consolation of Philosophy and Augustine’s City of God. It is a wonderful opportunity for scholars of all ages to discuss important texts together.

Faculty also engage in professional development to study classical thought and pedagogy in various courses throughout the college.