Concordia University–Portland

concordia university portland majors

Degrees Offered at Concordia University – Portland

Concordia University-Portland appears in our ranking of 50 Great Value Online Colleges for Health Care Management (Bachelor’s).

The more than 30 degree programs at Concordia University (CU) – Portland are divided into five colleges, the Colleges of Health and Human Services, Education, Arts and Sciences, Management, and School of Law. There are 20 undergraduate majors, five master’s degrees, and two doctorates available on campus. In addition, Concordia offers eight degrees completely online in the areas of education, management, and healthcare administration. The College Arts and Sciences houses the most majors including everything from biology and chemistry to music and religion. Across all Arts and Sciences majors, students are encouraged to participate in community service projects and study abroad experiences. One major that embodies both of these activities is the Bachelor of Arts in Global Studies. In this program, students take foundation courses like Global Human Issues and Religion in the Modern World. They can then tailor the program to their particular interests with electives in the areas of politics, human rights, religious studies, sustainability, and economics.

The School of Management is a popular choice among students with undergraduate majors in business, accounting, and marketing. A prominent feature of all of these programs is the BA Business Internship during which students spend a semester working full-time with a company, either local or abroad. Graduates are then prepared to enter the workforce or continue their education with the Master of Business Administration degree at CU Portland. This program consists of 38 total credit hours, a combination of nine core classes and a three-course concentration track. The core includes classes like Competition and Strategy and Research and Analytics for Business Decisions. Concentrations are available in the areas of Leadership and Management, Finance, Healthcare Administration, and Project Management. Some students participate in the combined MBA and JD program during which students attend three years of law school and one year in an accelerated business program.

The College of Education is the only division of Concordia University-Portland to offer degrees at all levels, from undergraduate to doctorate. In addition, more distance learners enroll in education programs than any other online discipline. Undergraduate students majoring in elementary or secondary education qualify for an Oregon state teaching license upon completion of all degree requirements. At the master’s level, students can choose between the Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) or the Master of Education (MEd) degrees. The MAT focuses on an evaluation of grade-level or subject-specific classroom techniques, while the MEd involves theoretical study, looking at the education field as a whole. The MEd program can be completed via the online platform in as little as one year. Students can specialize in Career and Technical Education, Curriculum and Instruction, or Educational Leadership. Each track consists of core classes including Character and the Ethics of Leadership and Contemporary Educational Thought followed by specialization courses and a research project or practicum. In all education programs, faculty emphasizes the real-world applications of didactic study.

About Concordia University – Portland

When the school opened in Portland, Oregon, in 1905, Concordia was a university-preparatory institute and did not offer any college-level classes until 1950. However, by 1962, the school had started offering degrees and achieved university status after receiving regional accreditation. From the beginning, the school has had close ties to the Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod, and it is a member of the Lutheran Concordia University system which consists of eight colleges around the nation. This background helped shape the school’s mission and drives the campus culture. Ethical practices in relation to individual people, society at large, and the environment are emphasized in every department, and students are expected to get involved in community service and leadership projects. While the school is small, with a total enrollment of fewer than 2000 students, it has made an impact regionally. The Oregon Business Magazine included the university third on its 2019 ‘Powerlist’ of MBA programs.

Concordia University – Portland Accreditation Details

The Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU) first provided regional accreditation to Concordia University-Portland in 1962, and the school has maintained this status through all subsequent reviews including the most recent in 2017. The NWCCU is responsible for evaluating the quality and sustainability of colleges and universities in seven states in the northwestern United States. Each review cycle lasts seven years, and the university is required to submit a yearly report and periodic self-study reports. In addition, there are peer visits scheduled throughout with a final review in year seven. The Commission evaluates all areas of the school from its finances to degree offerings and curricula.

Concordia University – Portland Application Requirements

Freshmen applicants to CU Portland can fill out the university’s online application or use the Common Application with no fee necessary. In addition, the Office of Admissions must receive official transcripts, SAT or ACT scores, two letters of recommendation, and an essay before the application is complete. The process is the same for transfer applicants minus the test scores. The admissions process and requirements for prospective graduate students vary from program to program. All students do have to complete an online graduate application and submit official transcripts, at least one letter of recommendation, a statement of intent, and a resume. Students applying to online programs go through the same admissions process as those applying for campus programs.

Tuition and Financial Aid

Students in most Bachelor of Arts programs can expect to pay $15,790 per semester for tuition. However, those majoring in Early Childhood Education, Social Work, Healthcare Administration, and Homeland Security pay a rate of $499 per credit hour. Graduate tuition also varies by program with most master’s programs totaling around $20,000. Tuition for MEd students is around $40,000 with law students paying $975 per credit hour. The university offers a variety of merit-based scholarships for all admitted students meeting GPA and test score cutoffs. These range from $19,000 for students with a 3.6 GPA and 1430 SAT to $8000 for students with less than a 2.6 GPA and lower than 880 SAT score. Other awards are given for excellence in athletics, music, and community service. All students are encouraged to complete their FAFSA and explore federal funding options. Faculty and staff at Concordia University – Portland available to offer financial guidance and provide information about degree programs.