Rooted in Faith. Formed for Purpose. Ready to Lead.

At Concordia-Chicago, general education courses are a requirement for all undergraduate students pursuing a bachelor’s degree, but our courses are different than typical college “gen eds.”

”The Concordia Pillars” are Concordia-Chicago's general education courses that form students who think critically, serve faithfully, and live meaningfully in God’s world. They are at the heart of our mission as a Christian liberal arts university.

MORE THAN "GEN EDS"—A CHRIST-CENTERED CORE

Every Concordia undergraduate—no matter your major—builds on a shared foundation in the liberal arts and sciences, guided by Lutheran principles of truth, freedom, and vocation. Courses in theology, philosophy, history, arts, and the natural and social sciences help students see how truth, beauty, and reason all flow from God. 

What You'll Develop through “The Concordia Pillars” Experience  

Christian Understanding 

Explore theology, Scripture, and God's work in the world. 

Purpose & Vocation 

Discern your calling to serve your family, church, workplace, and community. 

Communication 

Write, speak, and communicate clearly and ethically in today's  world. 

Human Understanding 

Study history, literature, philosophy, and cultures through the lens of truth, beauty, and redemption. 

Creativity 

Appreciate and evaluate artistic expression as part of God's gift of creativity. 

Social Responsibility 

Understand people and societies through exercising judgment shaped by Truth and compassion.

Scientific Inquiry 

Investigate God's creation using scientific reasoning and ethical decision-making. 

Quantitative Thinking 

Apply mathematics and logical reasoning to solve real-world problems. 

 

It's just a wonderful opportunity to learn so much in and outside of the classroom with fellow students, just having discussions in the hallways and just learning all the time.

-Zachary Heiss, Class of 2028

 

PROFESSORS WHO ARE CALLED TO TEACH AND SERVE

Concordia-Chicago professors are more than experts in their fields—they are mentors who view teaching as a vocation. They bring scholarship, faith, and care for students into every course. Whether you’re studying literature, biology, or business ethics, you’ll encounter faculty who connect academic excellence with Christian purpose. 

EDUCATING STUDENTS TO SERVE WITH INTEGRITY AND COMPASSION

Concordia-Chicago’s mission—to equip men and women to serve and lead with integrity, creativity, and Christian compassion—shapes every aspect of our general education program. You’ll graduate not only with knowledge, but with wisdom grounded in faith and a sense of purpose in your vocation through:

  • Learning in Community: Faculty-led small seminars encouraging deep dialogue. 
  • Scholarship in Service: Research and service projects addressing real-world needs. 
  • Mentorship That Matters: Professors who pray for and with their students and lead the way.