Undergraduate Catalog
The Institute of Professional Studies
Accelerated Degree-Completion Program for Adults
Concordia University Chicago believes that a liberal arts education is valuable to people of all ages. The Accelerated Degree-Completion Program, with a major in Organizational Management, serves persons who, because of family and work responsibilities, need to attend college in a non-traditional manner.
The Accelerated Degree-Completion Program serves adults who are highly motivated to finish, or even start, a degree program. This program is designed for working adults who can schedule their time carefully; discipline themselves to meet the rigorous demands of the program; and want to complete their degree in a Christian setting.
Concordia University Chicago is an institution of higher education which encourages the application of a student who desires to study in a Christ-centered college environment. Concordia University Chicago will consider for admission a student who is academically qualified and shows promise of contributing to this environment. Candidates for admission must demonstrate reasonable ability to complete a program of study at the University. Each candidate must exhibit attitudes, values and character that will contribute positively to the University mission and environment. Transfer students who leave a college under any circumstance other than good standing may be required to have an interview with a designated University staff member and may be asked to permit Concordia personnel to talk with the Dean of Students office at the sending school.
Dual Degree Program - Bachelor of Arts in Organizational Management and Master of Business Administration (MBA)
Two degrees, one seamless framework in as few as 3.5 years
This dual degree program integrates organizational management and management of human resources with strategic financial and analytical business capabilities at a master's level. The advantage of the dual degree is that a student may seamlessly from their undergraduate BA gree to a master's degree without the requirement of reapplying". Because the student has fulfilled the course requirements through their undergraduate curriculum, the student will take six (6) fewer credit hours toward their MBA. Through this combined program, the Organizational Management program will provide a fundamental foundation that will complement the "real world" business curriculum covered in our Bastersof Business Administration program.
*MBA requirement: complete the Organizational Management BA degree with a 2.80 GPA or higher.
Admission Requirements
- A completed application for admission to the Accelerated Degree-Completion Program for Adults
- Documentation of two years of full-time work experience outside the home (job history or résumé).
- Submission of official transcripts from ALL colleges or universities attended. The most recent college transcript must indicate that the student was in good standing and earned at least a 2.0 cumulative grade point average on a 4.0 scale. (The Admission Committee reserves the right to evaluate applicants on an individual basis or request additional information when prior college transcripts do not reflect a 2.0 cumulative grade point average.)
- If an applicant has completed fewer than 15 semester hours of credit, or has not completed one semester at full-time status, a final high school transcript with graduation date must be provided. An official high school transcript is also required if the college from which the credit was earned does not have regional accreditation. Applicants who have not completed high school must provide documentation of successful completion of the G.E.D.
The University reserves the right to determine the number and type of transfer credits accepted toward the student’s degree. No more than 67 semester hours of lower division transfer credit will be counted toward graduation. One-half of all the credit hours in the major must be completed in residence. At least 32 semester hours of study at Concordia is required to meet residency requirements, preferably the last year before graduation. A Concordia University student’s cumulative grade point average is calculated solely on courses taken at Concordia; transfer course work is accepted as credit.
ADMISSION TO THE UNIVERSITY AND ADMISSION TO THE ORGANIZATIONAL MANAGEMENTMAJOR
Admission to the Accelerated Degree-Completion Program
Admission to the Accelerated Degree-Completion Program Applicants who meet the admission requirements and who have earned at least 30 semester hours of college credit (including at least one English Composition course with a grade of C or better) are eligible to be admitted to the Accelerated Degree-Completion Program and the Organizational Management major.
Admission to the university: pre-major status
Applicants who meet the admission criteria but have earned 0-29 semester hours of credit, or have not completed at least one college-level English Composition course, may be admitted to the university with PRE-MAJOR status. Applicants admitted with PRE-MAJOR status may enroll in accelerated courses at Concordia University Chicago to meet deficiencies until they have earned the minimum requirements for admission to the Accelerated Degree-Completion Program and the Organizational Management major. Applicants admitted on a PRE-MAJOR status are eligible to apply for financial assistance.
Credit for Prior Learning
Students entering the Accelerated Degree-Completion Program for Adults can earn up to a maximum of 32 semester hours of credit from such sources as workshops, seminars, corporate training programs, military service, or other experiences. Documentation that the student presents, demonstrating college-level learning acquired from these sources, is evaluated and may result in credit hours being awarded.
Accelerated Degree-Completion Program Curriculum
The curriculum consists of 42 semester hours of general education requirements, nine semester hours of mission specific courses, 11 courses (modules) in the major plus a Senior Project, and elective credits to total a minimum of 128 semester hours for the degree.
Only one course is taken at a time and each student progresses through the major with the same group, called a cohort. Courses in the major may not be taken as Pass/DF courses.
To graduate, each student must complete a Senior Project. The student chooses a topic, usually work-related, and develops it during the program. The Senior Project advisor provides encouragement and specific guidance.
Academic Requirements for Graduation
- Completion of 128 hours accepted by Concordia University.
- Completion of the 39-hour Organizational Management major.
- A cumulative grade point average of 2.0 (4.0 system) or above.
- Completion of the General Education requirements as follows:
I. General Education Core—37 hours
A. Communication 9 hours
- English Composition - (6)
- Speech Communication – (3)
B. Mathematics 3 hours
- A course above Intermediate Algebra
C. Humanities 9 hours
- At least one course in history, literature, philosophy, or an interdisciplinary course including these areas.
- At least one course in performing arts, visual arts or an interdisciplinary course including these areas.
D. Natural Sciences 7 hours
- Select hours from the following areas (at least one course must be a lab course):
1. One course in Biology or an interdisciplinary Science course
2. One course in Physics, Chemistry, Earth Science or an interdisciplinary science course
E. Social and Behavioral Science 9 hours
- Three semester hours of Macroeconomics (required)
- Six semester hours from at least 1 discipline other than economics. Choose from anthropology, history, human geography, political science, psychology, sociology, or an interdisciplinary course including these areas.
II. Mission Specific—9 hours
A. Theology 6 hours
B. Values and Virtues 3 hours
III. Program Specific—5 hours
A. Health and Wellness 2 hours
B. Multicultural Course 3 hours
IV. Organizational Management Major—39 hours
OMP-4050 Concepts of Adult Learning (3)
OMP-4060 Business Technology (3)
OMP-4000 Group and Organizational Dynamics (3)
OMP-4240 Organizational Communication (3)
OMP-4260 Senior Project I (1)
OMP-4600 Managerial Accounting (4)
OMP-4020 Systems Approach to Organizational Change (3)
OMP-4235 Research Design and Methodology (4)
OMP-4460 Senior Project II (1)
OMP-4431 Principles of Management (3)
OMP-4605 Managerial Marketing (3)
OMP-4440 Human Resource Management (3)
OMP-4610 Personal Values and Organizational Ethics (3)
OMP-4660 Senior Project III (2)
V. Electives—38 hours
Course Descriptions
CART-1100 Introduction to Visual Arts 3 hours
Introduction to the visual arts of the Western World, with an emphasis upon artworks of the twentieth century. Slides, films, lectures, discussions, field trips.
CART-4000 Architecture of Chicago 3 hours
Study of Chicago’s architectural heritage. Survey of architects, architectural terminology, and styles which influenced the development of architecture in Chicago. Field trip required.
CBIO-3000 Nutrition for Adults 3 hours
Introduction to the basic concepts of adult nutrition; the functions and relationships of various nutrients. Food habits, faddish and food misinformation and their relationship to socio-economic and socio-cultural factors. Emphasis on the correlation between good nutrition and optimum well-being throughout life. Students may not receive credit for graduation for more than one of CBIO-3000, BIO-4110 or BIO-4120.
CBUS-2010 Business Law 3 hours
Legal processes, contracts, negotiable instruments and agencies, sales and the Uniform Commercial Code.
CBUS-2100 Marketing I 3 hours
Products, markets, pricing, distribution, and promotion. The marketing environment.
CBUS-3010 Advanced Business Law 3 hours
Legal structure and operation of business organizations, including proprietorships, partnerships and corporations. Government regulations of business. Prerequisite: CBUS-2010.
CBUS-4030 Strategic Planning 3 hours
This course introduces various management planning models and techniques and applies them to business cases. It stresses the concepts of strategic planning and strategic management.
CBUS-4040 Employment Law 3 hours
Focuses on American law pertaining to private sector labor problems. Case studies in sexual harassment, unfair labor practices, Title VII, and the legal ramifications of decisions in the business community. Prerequisite: OMP-4440.
CBUS-4060 Management Policy and Strategy 3 hours
Major problems in management determined by diagnosis. Evaluating alternative solutions. Development and implementation of major policy and strategy.
CCHE-1210 Chemistry in Society 4 hours
Activity/discussion-based study of application of chemical principles to societal-technological issues (lab course).
CCTH-3000 Business and Professional Speaking 3 hours
Foundation skills common to successful oral communication, especially within the business setting. Can be used for general education requirement for speech communication.
CCTH-4000 The Theatre Experience3 hours
Understanding and appreciation of theatre as an art form. Examination and analysis of a variety of plays. Attendance at plays required; students are responsible for ticket costs.
CCTH-4330 Film Appreciation 3 hours
Critical study of styles and forms of films produced as entertainment, education and art.
CECO-2200 Macroeconomics (same as ECO-2200) 3 hours
Emphasis on national income, consumption, investment, money, banking, interest, price level, economic growth, role of government, international trade, and finance in the market economy.
CENG-1100 English Composition 3 hours
Development of students’ written fluency and understanding of the writing process. Research paper required. May not earn credit for both ENG 1100 and CENG 1100.
CENG-2000 Writing That Works 3 hours
Designed for returning adult students who wish to review and improve basic writing skills.
CENG-3000 Business Writing 3 hours
Review of basic writing principles; writing as process; clarity, organization and use of computers in writing; writing memos, letters and reports.
CHIS-2000 Themes and Topics in the Humanities 3 hours
Introduction to the method and outlook of the humanities. Students will examine a well-defined era or theme in history through the literature, arts and music of the times that bear upon a significant event, conflict or movement. Periods and themes will vary with instruction. The course may be repeated so long as the theme is different.
CHIS-2010 Non-Western Biographical Studies 3 hours
This course is an introduction to important non-western figures as well as non-western culture and politics through the medium of biography.
CHIS-3000 History of Contemporary American Business 3 hours
History of American Business from 1900 to the present.
CHIS-3010 The History of Chicago 3 hours
Designed to give students an opportunity to learn about the history of Chicago and its surrounding suburbs through hands-on activities using a diverse range of primary sources. An emphasis will be placed on the unique political, economic, cultural, and social character of the city, and the role Chicago played in the growth of the United States.
CHIS-3020 Cultural and Ethnic Heritage of Chicago 3 hours
An exploration of the ethnic and cultural heritage of Chicago and its surrounding suburbs. Emphasis on the political, economic, cultural and social character of the city, and the role Chicago played in the growth of the United States.
CMAT-1100 Issues in Mathematics 3 hours
Emphasis on the understanding of basic mathematical concepts and their applications. The focus includes algebraic and geometric skills. Problems from measurement, probability, and statistics will be studied.
CMGT-4030 Human Resource Development 3 hours
An overview of human resource training and development, alignment of organizational goals and employees’ goals, maintaining a learning-oriented workforce, individual career planning and development activities, performance appraisal, and motivation. Prerequisite: OMP-4440.
CMGT-4035 Recruitment and Retention 3 hours
In-depth examination of multiple techniques and strategies for effective recruitment and retention of qualified employees; utilization of technology in recruitment; discussion of ethical and diversity issues related to recruitment and retention. Prerequisite: OMP-4440.
CPES-3100 Health and Lifestyle 2 hours
Personal health appraisal; effects of lifestyle factors on holistic health; computerized health assessment.
CPES-3110 Health and Aging 3 hours
Focuses on the topic of aging from a wellness perspective. Geared for students interested in understanding their own aging or that of their parents/grandparents. Topics will include demographics of aging, the changing body, illness and fall prevention, physical activity needs, and family/intergenerational issues.
CPHI-2010 Primer in Philosophy 3 hours
An introduction to the central areas of philosophy including metaphysics, epistemology, ethics, logic, philosophy of religion and political philosophy.
CPHI-2310 Social and Political Philosophy 3 hours
Central problems of social and political thought, with emphasis on political and social ideals such as justice, equality, the law, the basis of authority, rights, and obligations.
CPOS-2115 Civil Right and Civil Liberties 3 hours
An introduction to civil liberties and civil rights with particular attention to the Bill of Rights and the due process and equal protection clauses of the Fourteenth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution
CPOS-3070 Topics on the American Presidency 3 hours
A study of selected issues related to the American presidency. May not earn credit for both POS 4070 and CPOS 3070.
CPSY-3000 Psychology of Aging 3 hours
Study of developmental issues facing middle-age and older adults with special emphasis on older adulthood and elements of human diversity including ethnicity, race, gender, cohort, religion, and socioeconomic group. Application to self and work.
CPSY-4000 Adult Development and Life Assessment 3 hours
Introduces adult learners to adult development theory and links these concepts to life through a process of individual reflection. Both classical and contemporary adult development theories are examined. These theories then provide for self analysis and life assessment, including university credit for prior learning.
CSOC-4000 Diversity in the Workplace 3 hours
Understanding diversity and the role of culture in today’s business environment. Improving cross-cultural communication and skills. Developing strategies to utilize diversity as a positive force. Cross-listed with CBUS-4000.
CSOC-4130 Work and Society 3 hours
The social influences on work and occupations including occupational choice, work satisfaction and social mobility. Not open to students with credit in SOC-4130.
CTHY-4000 Readings in Redemptive History 3 hours
Selected readings in the Old and New Testament with emphasis upon the problem of evil and God’s plan of redemption in the Gospel of Christ. Application to the structures and relationships of the workplace, the home and the broader communities of everyday living.
CTHY-4010 Religion in America: Past and Present 3 hours
A study of the history, organization, teachings and contributions of the major religious groups in America.
CTHY-4020 Values and Virtues 3 hours
A study of human values and an evaluation of various models for personal and social behavior from the perspective of religious faith and examination of current human and ethical problems.
OMP-4000 Group and Organizational Dynamics 3 hours
Small group communication, dealing with positive feedback, principles of small discussions. Project planning, managing people, small group participation, re-engineering organizations. Understanding interpersonal communications, brainstorming process, decision-making and conflict resolution, diagnosing group effectiveness.
OMP-4020 Systems Approach to Organizational Change 3 hours
Nature and meaning of systems, boundaries and environments, mission statements, organizational structures, relationships, rewards, power and procedures. Diagnosing problems in organizations. Preparing for, implementing and managing change.
OMP-4050 Concepts of Adult Learning 3 hours
Adult development and adult learning; assessing abilities; improving writing skills; setting goals; planning, implementing and evaluating life activities; begin construction of the Learning Portfolio. Orientation to University services.
OMP-4060 Business Technology 3 hours
The use of computing and Internet technologies as a tool for management and strategic planning. Discussion and application of emerging technologies.
OMP-4235 Research Design and Methodology 4 hours
Overview of statistics. Measurement objectives for research projects, normal curve, confidence intervals. Data definition, testing hypothesis. Data collection, Chi-Square test. Research project evaluation plan. Survey construction for the research project. Data finalization and project evaluation process.
OMP-4240 Organizational Communication 3 hours
Importance of communication in organizations. Effective communication in organizations. Developing and delivering effective interpersonal communication. Team-building, conflict resolution, and problem solving, communication and organizational culture, communication to and within groups.
OMP-4260 Senior Project Part I 1 hour
Problem specification, literature review, and problem-solving processes.
OMP-4431 Principles in Management 3 hours
Dimensions of management, management process and skills, strategic planning, leadership styles and impact on subordinates, teamwork and work force diversity, communication of values, negotiations with employees and impact on productivity. Total Quality Management and Management by Objectives.
OMP-4440 Human Resource Management 3 hours
Personnel function, development, and organizational structure. Developing job descriptions, personnel planning and forecasting, internal and external recruitment, personnel selection and orientation, legal aspects of personnel. Employee benefits and costs, performance appraisal and discipline, labor relations, unions, and negotiation.
OMP-4460 Senior Project Part II 1 hour
Solution to the problem, selection of evaluation method, and presentation of evaluation results.
OMP-4600 Managerial Accounting 4 hours
Financial tools for managers in decision-making: financial statements, bookkeeping process, financial statement analysis, statement of cash flow, internal cost concepts, present value concepts, budgeting.
OMP-4605 Managerial Marketing 3 hours
Basic marketing theory and terminology. Analyze real-world cases exploring domestic and international marketing opportunities and problems. Identify and evaluate critical marketing data.
OMP-4610 Personal Values and Organizational Ethics 3 hours
Topics discussed from a Christian perspective include: nature of ethics and meaning of being ethical; ethical problems in organizations; environmental change and ethical considerations; moral reasoning, personal values, and decision making; alternate modes of moral reasoning; ethical issues between individuals and organizations; and principled leadership.
OMP-4660 Senior Project Part III 2 hours
Recommendations based on problem identification and evaluation of solution; formal presentation of project, reflection on research process and explanation of learning from research.
