The world opens up from Concordia University Chicago’s campus. Located in River Forest, Ill., Concordia-Chicago is perfectly situated to give students world-class opportunities combined with the individualized attention that prepares them to succeed in their chosen careers and vocations.
With humble beginnings in 1864 as the Addison Lutheran Teachers Seminary, Concordia University Chicago has grown from a small, single-discipline institution to a globally focused, liberal arts university. The pillars that stand tall in front of Addison Hall tell the story of strength, resilience, devotion and an undying dedication to higher education. As a comprehensive liberal arts-based Christian university founded in the Lutheran faith, Concordia-Chicago equips men and women to serve and lead with integrity, creativity, competence and compassion in a diverse, interconnected and increasingly urbanized world.
Since the dedication of the River Forest campus in 1913, Concordia-Chicago has experienced decades’ worth of growth and expansion, paving the way for not only exceptional teacher education programs, but also an ever-widening curriculum addressing the growing needs of students and society. The college diversified its enrollment with the admission of the first female students in 1936. While teaching remained the focus, additional programs of study were added and by 1957, the first graduate courses were added.
The University was an early adopter of technology and pioneered the digital age for other Concordia University System schools and the entire Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. A rapidly expanding curriculum, including flagship music degrees, warranted name changes to Concordia College, Concordia University River Forest and eventually Concordia University Chicago. CUC continued its expansion with its first doctoral degree in 2000 and later with the addition of the College of Business, the College of Graduate Studies and the College of Innovation and Professional Programs.
CUC students explore a variety of academic disciplines—including several LCMS church professions—grow in their faith development, and gain 21st-century knowledge and skills. They learn by doing through service activities, internships, applied research, leadership experiences and opportunities throughout the world. In 2019, in recognition of its freshman experience and retention, alumni success, student satisfaction and more, the University was named one of the nation’s Colleges of Distinction for the tenth year in a row.
Professors at Concordia-Chicago provide personalized mentoring and support. Faculty and staff are committed to helping students identify their career interests, master the requirements to enter or advance in their desired professional field, and establish connections to launch them on their way. With seven Fulbright Scholars among them, CUC faculty bring their experience in international exchange to broaden students’ understanding of a dynamic and interconnected world.
As they learn with students of various backgrounds and cultures from across the globe, Concordia-Chicago students are inspired to make a difference in the lives of others and meet the needs of the world in which they live, serve and work. The result is an education with far-reaching impact for the entirety of their fulfilling careers and vocations, and throughout their lives.
Throughout the school’s rich history, the mission of nurturing servant leaders has remained constant. From the support of the allied forces during World Wars I and II, to national catastrophes, and local flooding, the CUC family has held an active presence in its community and continues the mission of servant leadership to this day.
Today, CUC is a richly diverse campus comprising more than 6,000 undergraduate, master’s and doctoral students. In 2018, the University admitted its largest ever freshman class and its expanding centers for excellence are establishing the University as a global leader in learning.
Learn how to open up your world today at CUChicago.edu/YourWorld.