Concordia University Wisconsin
Bachelor of Arts in Theology
Jackson, USA
BA
DURATION
4 years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
EARLIEST START DATE
Jan 2027
TUITION FEES
USD 750 / per semester
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
Key Summary
About: Concordia University Wisconsin’s Bachelor of Arts in Theology combines biblical and systematic theology with practical vocational ministry formation. As an LCMS university, courses follow the Lutheran Confessions and prepare students for certification as professional church workers, including Lutheran school teachers and Directors of Church Ministries. You’ll study the Old and New Testaments, systematic doctrine, teaching and worship, choose theology electives, learn from faculty scholars, and complete a track-specific internship.
Career Outcomes: Graduates move into roles such as Religion Teacher, Pastor, Director of Ministries, and related positions like chaplain, youth minister, parish educator, or church administrator, and mission leadership roles.
Study God’s words, minister to others, and grow in your faith with our bachelor’s degree in theology.
Illuminate God’s Word
The word “theology” has come down to us from the Greek; theou logos. Quite simply, it means “God’s Word.” That is probably the best summary of this program we can give. As a theology student, you will get to study God’s Word that He has revealed to us through the Scriptures and illuminate that Word for others.
The theology major or minor gives you a strong understanding of the Christian faith that will support you in your chosen vocation. As a university of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS), our courses are taught in accordance with the Lutheran Confessions. The theology program is not intended to stand alone. Rather, it is intended primarily for those of you who are preparing for certification as professional church workers, such as Lutheran School Teachers or Directors of Church Ministries (DCM). (That is why the internship is specific to your track.)
What to Expect
You can expect to benefit from a well-rounded study of biblical and systematic theology, along with the application of that theology in your life within the Christian Church. You’ll join renowned scholars as you delve into the Old and New Testaments, systematic doctrine, and practical theology (teaching and worship). We offer many theology electives, so you can explore and grow in the particular areas that interest you.
This major/minor is not permitted to share (overlap) any credits with the core curriculum, with a major, with a minor, or with a certificate per departmental policy unless otherwise specified in the curriculum.
Required Core Courses
- Public Speaking; or
- Interpersonal Communication
(COMM 1100 Public Speaking recommended for Pre-Seminary students and COMM 2100 Interpersonal Communication required in Church Ministries minor)
- Introduction to Writing
- Old Testament
- Biblical Theology
Any REL course above REL 2030 (For DCM students, REL 2870: Christian Care Giving is recommended)
Required Courses
- New Testament
Old Testament Course
Select one of the following:
- Genesis
- Wisdom of Israel
- Dead Sea Scrolls
- Prophets of Israel
- Psalms
- Holy Land
New Testament Course
Select one of the following:
- Life of Christ
- The Gospel of Mark
- Johannine Literature
- Pauline Literature
- Revelation and End Times
- Life of Paul
- Gospel of Luke
Historical Theology Course
Select one of the following:
- A Survey of Christian Thought
- Spirituality of the Middle Ages
- Christian Origins
- Theology in the Age of Lutheran Orthodoxy (1546-1700)
- Life and Thought of Luther
- Luther in Context
Philosophy/Theology Course
Select one of the following:
- Elementary Logic
- Moral Philosophy
- Christian Apologetics
- C.S. Lewis: His Life and Christian Philosophy
- Bioethical Dilemmas in Contemporary Society
For DCM students: Any REL course above REL 2030 not already taken
Writing/Rhetoric Course
Select one of the following:
- Art of the Personal Essay (recommended for DCM students)
- Advanced Public Speaking (recommended for Pre-Seminary students)
- Classical & Modern Rhetoric
- Lutheran Confessions
- Lutheran Worship: Theology and Practice
Select One Concentration:
Pre-Seminary Program
- Office of the Professional Church Worker
Dogmatic Theology Course
Select one of the following:
- Law and Gospel in the Life of the Church
- The Person and Work of Christ
- God, Man, and Creation
- Holy Things and Holy People
- Topics in Theology
- Senior Seminar I
- Senior Seminar II
Director of Church Ministries (DCM) Program
- Great Commission Evangelism; or
- Friendship Evangelism
- Religious Education of Youth and Adults
- Office of the Professional Church Worker
- Church Ministries Internship
New freshman undergrads planning to be LCMS pastors may be eligible to receive $20,000.
The Luther Scholar Guarantee is renewed annually for up to four years based on full-time undergraduate enrollment (12-18 credits per semester) and living on campus. CUW aid is subject to change if the student’s cumulative CUW grade point average is below 2.5.
Additionally, the student will maintain good standing in the Pre-Seminary Program and will take part in at least four activities of the Pre-Seminary Student Association and at least one recruitment event per year. Lastly, the student will reaffirm his commitment annually to become an LCMS pastor.
- Religion Teacher
- Pastor
- Director of Ministries