Theological Studies (Acc)

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)

God reveals himself through His Word and, to a lesser degree, through His world. The Theological Studies Major examines the Bible, God’s revealed Word, in broad introductory overviews of the Holy Scriptures (isagogics) as well as in close reading of a particular biblical book (exegetical studies). The major also studies God’s providence in history. In addition, students receive practical training in the application of their studies in ministry to others. The Theological Studies Major offers some students the opportunity for a vocation in the church, either as a primary or secondary calling.

Through participation in, and upon completion of, the Theological Studies Major at Concordia University Wisconsin, students will:

  • Have a greater understanding of God’s Word, the Holy Scripture
  • Appreciate the value of sound Christian doctrine based squarely on the Bible
  • Develop a heightened awareness of God’s working throughout history
  • Grow in their relationship with Christ and put His teachings into practice in their vocations
  • Employ various methods of delivering and defending biblical truth in a relevant and practical way to diverse groups
  • Demonstrate an understanding of research skills

Students who complete this major and who wish to become certified through the The Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod with the designation “Minister of Religion Commissioned – Director of Church Ministries (DCM)” should apply to the Director of Church Ministries Certification Program. Application forms are available from the church ministries office at churchministriesprogram@cuw.edu or at 262-243-4343. Applicants must be of good moral character and must meet other qualifications specified by the program. Completion of the courses in the Director of Church Ministries Online Certificate program are required for certification. Graduates may be solemnly called to positions in congregations or recognized service organizations of the church, and may be eligible to be rostered in The Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod. 

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 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.
  • 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.

Curriculum

Post-Traditional Core Students

Post-Traditional Core Requirements44
Major Requirements (listed below)33
Electives43
Total Hours120

Post-Traditional Intermediate Core Students

Post-Traditional Intermediate Core Requirements38
Major Requirements (listed below)33
Electives49
Total Hours120

Major Requirements

Required Core Courses
College Writing
Classical Greece and Rome
Heritage of Faith
Biblical Theology
Christ's People through the Ages
Required Courses
LA 1020Student Success Strategies3
REL 2010Old Testament3
REL 2020New Testament3
REL 2590Religious Education of Youth and Adults3
REL 2630Communicating Bible Messages3
REL 2870Christian Care Giving3
REL 3100Religion in America Today3
or REL 3175 World Religions
REL 3120Office of the Professional Church Worker3
REL 3140Christian Ethics3
REL 3350Life of Christ3
REL 3380Gospel of Luke3
Total Hours33

Curriculum

Post-Traditional Transfer Core Students

Post-Traditional Core Requirements30
Major Requirements36
Electives54
Total Hours120

Major Requirements

Required Core Courses
College Writing
Classical Greece and Rome
Heritage of Faith
Biblical Theology
Required Courses
LA 1020Student Success Strategies3
REL 2010Old Testament3
REL 2020New Testament3
REL 2590Religious Education of Youth and Adults3
REL 2630Communicating Bible Messages3
REL 2870Christian Care Giving3
REL 3100Religion in America Today3
or REL 3175 World Religions
REL 3120Office of the Professional Church Worker3
REL 3140Christian Ethics3
REL 3350Life of Christ3
REL 3380Gospel of Luke3
REL 3510Christ's People through the Ages3
Total Hours36
Plan of Study Grid
Semester 1Hours
REL 2020 New Testament 3
LA 1020 Student Success Strategies 3
REL 2010 Old Testament 3
ENG 2100 College Writing 3
 Hours12
Semester 2
REL 2030 Biblical Theology 3
ELECTIVE 3
ELECTIVE 3
REL 1590 Heritage of Faith 3
 Hours12
Semester 3
REL 2870 Christian Care Giving 3
ELECTIVE 3
ELECTIVE 3
COMM 1010
Speech Communication
or Interpersonal Communication
3
 Hours12
Semester 4
REL 2590 Religious Education of Youth and Adults 3
ELECTIVE 3
MATH 1250
Contemporary Math
or College Algebra
3
ELECTIVE 3
 Hours12
Semester 5
REL 2630 Communicating Bible Messages 3
ELECTIVE 3
REL 3120 Office of the Professional Church Worker 3
HUMAN CREATIVITY & EXPRESSION 3
 Hours12
Semester 6
REL 3100
Religion in America Today
or World Religions
3
ELECTIVE 3
ELECTIVE 3
HHP 1115 Fit and Well 2
ELECTIVE 1
 Hours12
Semester 7
ELECTIVE 3
CCE 1040 Science & Humanity 3
REL 3510 Christ's People through the Ages 3
ELECTIVE 3
 Hours12
Semester 8
REL 3350 Life of Christ 3
REL 3175 World Religions 3
REL 3140 Christian Ethics 3
CCE 1020 Western Culture & Worldview 3
 Hours12
Semester 9
RELIGION ELECTIVE 3
HIST 3400 Classical Greece and Rome 3
ELECTIVE 3
CCE 1030 Western Thought & Worldview 3
 Hours12
Semester 10
REL 3380 Gospel of Luke 3
ELECTIVE 3
ELECTIVE 3
ENV 1050 Introduction to Environmental Science 3
 Hours12
 Total Hours120

Course options and schedule are subject to change.