Applied Theology Major (A)
The theology department identifies its purpose in terms of Concordia’s statement of purpose, especially the following statements with spiritual focus:
“The total program is centered in the Christian philosophy with a confessional Lutheran emphasis…. Concordia University seeks to develop mature Christians in whom knowledge and understanding of the Holy Scriptures, the inspired, inerrant Word of God and the source and norm of Christian truth, are united with personal faith in Jesus as God and Savior. Concordia’s spiritual resources are directed to the development of Christian faith and practice of Christian virtues so that the student can form value judgments and arrive at ethical principles required for purposeful living. Concordia’s programs … nurture religious commitment, provide insights for Christian action in the world, and … provide an opportunity for intelligent selection of vocations for service to God, church and society…. Concordia … is interested in exerting a Christian influence on the community, nation, and world.” (Departmental Statement of Purpose, August 30, 2002)
The Applied Theology major centers on the study of the Word of God as revealed in the Sacred Scriptures and taught by the Church. It also includes courses which develop the student’s skills for communicating this Word in our contemporary culture. The Applied Theology major is open to all students who desire to prepare for graduate level studies in theology. It is recommended that LCMS pre-seminary students select this major. Selecting this major does not constitute entrance into the LCMS pre-seminary program. Please see program description for more details.
Program Learning Outcomes
- Students will develop an understanding of the origin of the Bible, recognize the unique qualities of God’s Word, and appreciate the varied yet unified content of the Old and New Testaments, and use sound principles in interpreting Scripture.
- Students will recognize the Bible as the authoritative source for knowledge of God and humankind, articulate key doctrines of the Christian faith, especially the gospel of Jesus Christ, and apply the teachings of Scripture to the life of the individual.
- Students will develop an appreciation for how God has worked in history, recognize key figures and movements in the life of the Church, and identify the state of theology today.
Curriculum
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Core Requirements | 45 | |
| Major Requirements 1 | 33 | |
| Electives (credits will vary depending on Major(s) and minor selected) | 48 | |
Minor: Required (minimum 18 credits) | ||
| Total Hours | 126 | |
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This major/minor is not permitted to share (overlap) any credits with the core curriculum, with a major, with a minor, or with a certificate per departmental policy unless otherwise specified in the curriculum.
Major Requirements
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Required Core Courses | ||
| Old Testament | ||
| Biblical Theology | ||
| Introduction to Sociology | ||
| Advanced Writing | ||
or ENG 246 | Creative Writing | |
| Greek I 1 | ||
or COMM 105 | Public Speaking | |
| Recommended Core Courses | ||
| For 3 credits of the Human Beings and Being Human requirement, it is recommended to select: | ||
| Cosmogony | ||
OR Any PHIL course except PHIL 101 | ||
| Required Courses | ||
| COMM 105 | Public Speaking | 3 |
| COMM 205 | Advanced Public Speaking | 3 |
| REL 203 | New Testament | 3 |
| REL 404 | Lutheran Confessions | 3 |
| REL 440 | Lutheran Worship: Theology and Practice | 3 |
| REL 490 | Senior Seminar I | 3 |
| REL 491 | Senior Seminar II | 3 |
| Major Electives | ||
| Bible Elective | 3 | |
It is recommended to select any course pertaining to upper-level Old or New Testament content | ||
| Historical Theology Elective | 3 | |
It is recommended to select: | ||
| A Survey of Christian Thought | ||
| Theology/ Family Life Elective | 3 | |
It is recommended to select one of the following: | ||
| Practical Skills in Family Life Ministry | ||
| Foundations of Family Life Ministry | ||
| Administration in Family Life Ministry | ||
| Writing Elective | ||
It is recommended to select one of the following: | ||
| Advanced Writing (May be counted in core) | ||
| Creative Writing (May be counted in core) | ||
| Classical & Modern Rhetoric | ||
| Philosophy/ Literature Elective | 3 | |
It is recommended to select one of the following: | ||
| Elementary Logic | ||
| Moral Philosophy | ||
| Christian Apologetics | ||
| Bioethical Dilemmas in Contemporary Society | ||
| Total Hours | 33 | |
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If COMM 105 is taken in the core, it is replaced in the required courses by any REL elective above REL 204.