Majors and Specialties
Biology
For the Liberal Arts Student
Concordia's biology department offers a variety of courses that reflects the broad spectrum of studies in the biological sciences and is keeping with the interests and varied post-baccalaureate career goals of the liberal arts student. Recently added courses provide experiences with modern methods in cell and molecular biology and biotechnology, in parallel with current areas of research emphases. Students are encouraged to become actively engaged in undergraduate research projects.
Our undergraduate liberal arts preparation is suitable both for students wishing to pursue a career directly after graduation, as well as for those interested in continuing their education at the graduate level or in professional schools.
For the Future Teacher
Concordia University offers programs that meet the academic needs for students who wish to teach biology at any level through grade 12. Prospective early childhood or elementary teachers would select the Biological Sciences Specialty Area as a part of their preparation. Future high school biology teachers would choose a Secondary Education Science Major with a Biology Designation in their undergraduate education. These programs meet or exceed the certification requirements of the State of Illinois. Also, Concordia's College of Education is accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE).
Chemistry
For the Liberal Arts Student
The College of Arts and Sciences and the Department of Natural Sciences and Geography help prepare students for the role of responsible scientists. The department offers two Liberal Arts degree in Chemistry, a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Science. Courses are available in the various areas of chemistry; inorganic, organic, biochemistry, analytical and physical chemistry.
Our undergraduate liberal arts preparation is suitable both for students wishing to pursue a career directly after graduation, as well as for those interested in continuing their education at the graduate level or in professional schools.
For the Future Teacher
The College of Education and the Department of Natural Sciences and Geography offer an excellent program for those interested in science, which includes a Chemistry Designation. Students can choose to major or minor at the secondary level. Early childhood and elementary education students have the option to select the physical science or general science specialty areas. There is a vital need for elementary and secondary teachers with an interest and expertise in the sciences.
The education program is accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education. In addition, all of our chemistry professors and most of our science professors have backgrounds in education: a unique feature for a science faculty.
Geography
For the Liberal Arts Student
The College of Arts and Sciences and the Department of Natural Sciences and Geography help prepare students for a career in Geography or Earth Science by offering a B.A. in Geography / Earth Science / Environmental Studies.
For the Future Teacher
At Concordia, students in the Early Childhood or Elementary Education programs have the opportunity to specialize in Geography or Social Science. Students in the Secondary Education program may choose a Social Science Major with a Geography Designation or a minor in Geography or Earth Science.
Natural Sciences
While no specific major is required for entrance into most schools of health sciences, interested students are encouraged to consider majoring in Natural Science, Biology, and Chemistry. Also required or recommended are selected courses in physics, English, psychology, sociology, the humanities, and mathematics through calculus.
Concordia University programs provide the liberal arts education required for acceptance into schools of health science (pre-medicine, pre-dental, pre-nursing, pre-pharmacy, pre-veterinary, and pre-physical therapy). Prospective professional schools should be consulted for their specific requirements.
