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
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Post-Traditional Core Requirements | 44 | |
| Major Requirements (listed below) | 33 | |
| Electives | 51 | |
| Total Hours | 128 | |
Post-Traditional Intermediate Core Students
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Post-Traditional Intermediate Core Requirements | 38 | |
| Major Requirements (listed below) | 33 | |
| Electives | 57 | |
| Total Hours | 128 | |
Major Requirements
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Required Core Courses | ||
| College Writing | ||
| Classical Greece and Rome | ||
| Heritage of Faith | ||
| Biblical Theology | ||
| Christ's People Through the Ages | ||
| Required Courses | ||
| LA 115 | Student Success Strategies | 3 |
| REL 201 | Old Testament | 3 |
| REL 203 | New Testament | 3 |
| REL 229 | Religious Education of Youth and Adults | 3 |
| REL 233 | Communicating Bible Messages | 3 |
| REL 287 | Christian Care Giving | 3 |
| REL 310 | Religion in America Today | 3 |
| or REL 410 | World Religions | |
| REL 312 | Office of the Professional Church Worker | 3 |
| REL 340 | Life of Christ | 3 |
| REL 376 | Christian Ethics | 3 |
| REL 383 | Gospel of Luke | 3 |
| Total Hours | 33 | |
Curriculum
Post-Traditional Transfer Core Students
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Post-Traditional Transfer Core Requirements | 30 | |
| Major Requirements | 36 | |
| Electives | 62 | |
| Total Hours | 128 | |
Major Requirements
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Required Core Courses | ||
| College Writing | ||
| Classical Greece and Rome | ||
| Heritage of Faith | ||
| Biblical Theology | ||
| Required Courses | ||
| LA 115 | Student Success Strategies | 3 |
| REL 201 | Old Testament | 3 |
| REL 203 | New Testament | 3 |
| REL 229 | Religious Education of Youth and Adults | 3 |
| REL 233 | Communicating Bible Messages | 3 |
| REL 287 | Christian Care Giving | 3 |
| REL 310 | Religion in America Today | 3 |
| or REL 410 | World Religions | |
| REL 312 | Office of the Professional Church Worker | 3 |
| REL 340 | Life of Christ | 3 |
| REL 376 | Christian Ethics | 3 |
| REL 383 | Gospel of Luke | 3 |
| REL 387 | Christ's People Through the Ages | 3 |
| Total Hours | 36 | |