Associate of Arts in Theological Studies

A foundation for church work

Why an Associate Degree in Theological Studies? This program gives you options. If you simply want to study God’s Word for the sake of your personal growth, you’ll receive a solid foundation in doctrine. However, there is much more you will benefit from with a theology degree.

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Program Overview

God reveals himself through his Word through Jesus Christ. Concordia’s associate in theology program examines the Bible, God’s revealed Word, in broad introductory overviews of the Holy Scriptures and in close reading of a particular biblical book. The associate in theology program also studies God’s providence in history. You will receive practical training in the application of their studies in ministry to others.

Hear from our faculty:

What to Expect

In Concordia’s theological studies program, you will benefit from a well-rounded study of biblical and systematic theology along with the application of theology in your life within the Christian Church.

Students delve into the Old and New Testaments, systematic doctrine, and practical theology (teaching and worship). We offer a lot (seriously, a LOT) of theology electives, so you can explore and grow in the particular areas that interest you as you earn your degree in theology.

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Admission Steps

Entrance Requirements

Official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended
Cumulative Undergraduate GPA of 2.0 is required
If Undergraduate GPA is less than 2.0, an essay is required
If less than 60 transferrable Undergraduate credits, an official high school transcript or proof of GED must also be submitted
If high school GPA is less than 2.0, an essay is required

Admission Process

Application form available at: www.cuw.edu/apply
- Select the "Online Undergraduate" option

When your application is complete, the file is forwarded to the Admission Committee for review.

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Acceptance into the program

An official acceptance letter will be emailed to you that will include your Student ID number
An email from your Admissions Counselor will be sent to you with Next-Step details
Password information will be sent separately from the Information Technology office which will provide you access to Canvas, Concordia Email and your student portal
Academic Advising Appointment: Once admitted, you may schedule to meet with your Academic & Career Advisor who will review your degree plan, discuss orientation steps, the CUW student portal, and assist with registering for classes

Please Note:

ACT and SAT scores are not required.

Non-Degree seeking students

Students seeking a Certification/Individual Course

Complete the Non-Degree Application at www.cuw.edu/apply
Non-degree applicants only need to submit an application to begin admission review; however, academic transcripts may be requested to complete our review

Contact us

For additional information, please contact admission@cuw.edu or call 262-243-4300

Curriculum - Associate Degree

Course List
Code	Title	Hours
Required Core Courses		24
Required Courses		33
Electives		6
Total Hours		63

Course List
Code	Title	Hours
Required Core Courses
CCE 1020	Western Culture & Worldview This course explores the underpinnings of Western Culture by focusing on crucial historical/cultural moments and the artifacts these civilizations produced. The Classical heritage and Christianity (at least as practiced in Europe and America) have both competed and cooperated for 2000 years, and the work in this class will highlight their interactions that define a Western Christian worldview in the present moment. Through a study of these developments, students will be able to situate themselves culturally and better engage worldviews and cultures other than their own.
CCE 1040	Science & Humanity This interdisciplinary course promotes scientific literacy by developing student understanding of how the natural sciences, social sciences, and technology are practiced, while at the same time providing the foundation for the required lab sciences and social sciences courses. By focusing on both the natural and social sciences, students will learn the types of questions asked by each, the ways knowledge is acquired in each, and how to evaluate the claims made by each. The increased impact of computer science (modelling, algorithms, big data) on science and society will also be covered. Ethical considerations of the uses of scientific knowledge form a key part of this course.
ENG 2100	College Writing This course is a beginning college-level composition course designed to provide a variety of challenging writing tasks addressing a number of vital ideas and issues. Through critical reading and discussion of essays written by influential thinkers such as Niccolo Machiavelli, Martin Luther King, Jr., and Virginia Woolf, students learn to write thoughtful, logical, creative essays incorporating research when appropriate.
HIST 3400	Classical Greece and Rome This course is an interdisciplinary study of the civilization of the Ancient Greeks and Romans - their culture, philosophy, and arts - and the continuing heritage of classical thought.
REL 1590	Heritage of Faith This course examines the faith stance of various biblical personalities as well as various literary forms used by biblical authors to enable the student to read the Bible with a more profound grasp of its message as well as a deeper appreciation for its role in the literature of the Western world.
REL 2030	Biblical Theology This course is a systematic study of major areas of Christian doctrine with an emphasis on what Scripture says, as well as how Lutheran doctrine reflects what Scripture teaches. This introductory course satisfies the core curriculum requirement for Christian doctrine, and is required for students in a church-work program. Note: For registration, enrollment in a church-work program or permission of the instructor is required.
REL 3510	Christ's People through the Ages Christ’s People through the Ages surveys Christian history from Pentecost to the present. Distinctive eras in Christian history will be discussed, with attention given to their main contours and the principal dynamic forces at work within them. Special attention is given to the development of world Christianity within the history of the church. Prerequisites: (REL 100, 1000, 201, 2010, 203 or 2020) and (REL 110, 204, 1100 or 2030).
Natural World - Mathematics
Required Courses
LA 1020	Student Success Strategies This course engages students in cultivating the abilities necessary for academic and professional success, including study and research skills, learning styles, use of technology, and critical thinking skills.	3
REL 2010	Old Testament This course is an overview of the Old Testament intended to acquaint the student with its background, content, and messages. This introductory course satisfies the core curriculum requirement for Bible content, but students who take it must also take REL 2020 New Testament elsewhere in their programs. It is required for students in a church-work program.	3
REL 2020	New Testament This course presents an overview of the New Testament intended to acquaint the student with its background, content, and messages. The New Testament is read with a focus on the life of Jesus, his teaching and miracles, death and resurrection. The other major people of New Testament are also studied through their writings, especially the apostles Paul, Peter, and John.	3
REL 2590	Religious Education of Youth and Adults This course equips the student with practical methods, skills, and resources to teach religion to youth and adults in a parish setting. Provides students with opportunities to strengthen their ability to communicate the Gospel effectively. Religious education elective. Religion elective. Prerequisites: (REL 100, 1000, 201, 2010, 203 or 2020) and (REL 110, 204, 1100 or 2030).	3
REL 2630	Communicating Bible Messages This course examines the preparation and delivery of devotional messages based on a careful study of the biblical text. Classroom discussions center on the proper distinction between Law and Gospel, the correct interpretation of biblical texts, the structure of effective devotional messages, and the techniques of delivering these messages. Religious education elective. Prerequisites: (REL 100, 1000, 201, 2010, 203 or 2020) and (REL 110, 204, 1100 or 2030).	3
REL 2870	Christian Care Giving This course offers the student the opportunity to understand and apply the theology of the cross and the practice of the church in Christian care giving. Prerequisites: (REL 100, 1000, 201, 2010, 203 or 2020) and (REL 110, 204, 1100 or 2030).	3
REL 3100	Religion in America Today This course gives the student an overview of the religious life of people in the United States. It begins with a discussion of the relationship between church and state in this country. The majority of the class will examine the beliefs, organization, and worship of the most prominent and practiced religious systems in America. Prerequisites: (REL 100, 1000, 201, 2010, 203 or 2020) and (REL 110, 204, 1100 or 2030).	3
REL 3120	Office of the Professional Church Worker This course studies the role of auxiliary ministries in light of the New Testament and the Lutheran Confessions. It pays particular attention to church administration and conflict resolution in congregations. Prerequisites: (REL 100, 1000, 201, 2010, 203 or 2020) and (REL 110, 204, 1100 or 2030).	3
REL 3140	Christian Ethics This course explores the distinct nature of Christian ethics in dialogue with other forms of ethical inquiries. Contemporary Christian responses to timely ethical issues (including medical topics) will also be explored. Prerequisites: (REL 100, 159, 1000, 1590, 201, 2010, 203 or 2020) and (REL 110, 204, 1100 or 2030).	3
REL 3350	Life of Christ Life of Christ studies the religious and social conditions of the world into which Christ came, His life and teachings as found in the four Gospels, with an overview of the opinions expressed in the apocryphal Gospels, the ancient Church, and modern historical criticism. Bible elective (NT). Prerequisites: (REL 100, 1000, 201, 2010, 203 or 2020) and (REL 110, 204, 1100 or 2030).	3
REL 3380	Gospel of Luke This course surveys foundational principles and techniques in biblical interpretation using the Gospel of Luke. The life and ministry of Jesus is studies through the distinctive parables, songs, characters, and events of Luke. Bible elective (NT). Prerequisites: (REL 100, 1000, 201, 2010, 203 or 2020) and (REL 110, 204, 1100 or 2030).	3
Total Hours		33

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