Concordia University is a private not-for-profit four-year Christian liberal arts institution of higher learning. It is open to students of any religious faith and provides a challenging and supportive learning environment that is committed to compassion, justice, and moral integrity. Its mission is to prepare individuals to function as leaders in the ever-changing society.
Concordia University incorporates faith into all aspects of learning and services and it strives to incorporate an invigorating, comprehensive, and purposeful Lutheran approach to higher education. It offers various undergraduate and graduate degree programs, pre-professional programs, and professional church work programs. The average class size is 20 students and the average student to faculty ratio is 17:1 to focus on the needs of all students. Instructors are leaders in their fields and they strive to challenge students to reach their maximum potential and attain their educational goals.
Concordia University offers web-based learning experiences that demonstration the same commitment to excellence as campus-based programs. The online courses are full of opportunities for students and instructors to effectively communication with each other. The courses are balanced between offering high levels of flexibility in completing coursework and the careful attention placed on a quality educational experience. The online environment utilizes the Online Learning Toolbox, which is a set of technology-based learning materials. The Online Learning Toolbox includes the WebCT Course Management System to deliver courses and course materials, email to communicate with instructors and classmates, chat to communicate with others in real time, threaded discussions, streaming media, course calendar, assignment drop box, HearMe multimedia tool, course grade book, and document downloads.
Concordia University was founded in 1905 as a four-year academy to meet the needs of pastors and Lutheran Church schoolteachers in the Portland, Oregon area. It gained accreditation in 1962 and become a four-year college in 1977. Since the 1970s, Concordia University has continued to expand adding new programs and converted to a university in 1995. The first distance learning classes were offered in 1996 and the first completely online program began in 2002. It established its four colleges in 2007. Currently, Concordia University educates about 2,500 students.
Accreditation
The Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities accredits Concordia University.
Schools of Education
Concordia University encompasses four schools of education, which offer all undergraduate, graduate, and online programs.
College of Education: Providing education to future teachers has been the foundation of the academic purpose and mission of Concordia University since its founding. The College of Education offers programs in various areas including early childhood and elementary education, middle and high school education, Christian education, career and technical teacher education, education administration, curriculum and instruction, and educational leadership.
College of Health and Human Services: Committed to helping students develop into professionals who provide health practice, education, leadership, and service. Offers various programs in nursing, exercise and sport science, health care administration, and social work.
College of Theology, Arts, and Sciences: Strives to establish a community of critical thinkers who are committed to faith and pursue leadership positions. Offers various degree programs such as theology, interdisciplinary studies, psychology, environmental management, and biology.
School of Management: Offers various business programs with curricula based on input from business professionals. The programs in various areas such as accounting, finance, marketing, international management, environmental management, and entrepreneurship prepare students to meet the challenges of the constantly changing marketplace.
Scholarships Offered
Concordia University offers various scholarship opportunities for incoming freshman and transfer undergraduate students. Examples of scholarships include Premier President’s Scholarship, The Regents’ Scholarship, Provost’s Scholarship, Cavalier’s Award, The Honors Scholarship, Lutheran High School Graduate Award, Leadership Scholarship, and Lutheran Pastor Family Award. Transfer Merit Scholarships include Academic Achievement Award, Lifetime Learning Award, Transfer Award, Academic Scholar Award, Educational Partner Award, and Phi Theta Kappa Award. Concordia University also accepts private scholarships for undergraduate and graduate students.
Financing Options
Concordia University participates in various federal financial aid programs including Federal Pell Grants, Federal Subsidized Stafford Loans, Federal Unsubsidized Stafford Loans, and Parent PLUS Loan. State funding includes the Oregon Opportunity Grant. Concordia University also accepts private student loans and offers a deferred payment plan for students to pay tuition using monthly payments. Deferred payment plans have fees based on length of term.
Credit Earning Options
Concordia University grants credits from courses completed at a previous accredited institution, national testing programs such as the CLEP Examination, credits for life experience and work experience, previous licensure or certification, advanced placement credits, and Prior Learning Assessment petitions. For all previous courses, students must receive a grade of a C or better. It also accepts dual credits. All students seeking transfer credits must submit an official transcript and other supporting documents.