Bachelor of Arts in Theological Studies

Church Work

Seeking to serve the Lord through a career in church work?

Seminary Prep

Graduate prepared to follow God's calling and enter the seminary

Cost Per Credit

$450

A foundation for answering God's call

Gain a deeper understanding of the main branches of theology and develop a solid Lutheran foundation with Concordia's Bachelor of Arts in Theological Studies. Graduate prepared to enter a wide range of career fields and follow God's calling no matter where it takes you.

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Program Overview

Develop a solid foundation in doctrine with an in-depth study of the four main areas of theology: biblical studies, doctrine, church history, and practical application. Taught by our expert faculty within the Lutheran church, you will receive your Theological Studies degree from a robustly Lutheran standpoint. Take a deep dive into both the Old and New Testaments and the lessons God instills in us by his Word.

Concordia's Bachelor's in Theological Studies was created with the student's interests in mind. With eight-week online courses offered over six terms each calendar year, students can progress through the program at whatever pace they choose.

Our program offers real-life application with the opportunities to talk one-on-one with faculty about circumstances happening in your life and what God might be trying to show you through it all. Our faculty will help you apply the Gospel and God's forgiveness to your life that will help you with your walk with him. Students will have the chance to receive practical training as they apply what they are learning in service to others.

Hear from our faculty:

What to Expect

Through the Word of Jesus Christ, God reveals himself to us and the directions he has for our lives. Our faculty will delve into the promises that God has given us about hope, forgiveness, and eternal life. You will learn how to use those promises given by him to lead Godly lives and spread the word of his love to those around you.

Wondering where this degree can take you?

Our Theological Studies degree will prepare you to enter a range of opportunities after graduation. Whether that means going into church work, teaching future generations, or wanting to go on to do seminary studies, we have a path for you to take.

From online student to seminary: Hear Dalton's story of completing his degree online at CUW.

Seminary

By the end of your time in our Theological Studies program, you will be prepared to apply for seminary studies if you believe you are being called by God to enter the ministry.

Church work

If you feel called to enter into church work after graduation, here are just some of the options you could take.

Youth group leader
Bible study leader
Director of Church Ministries (additional education needed)

Teaching future generations

If you believe your calling is to teach future generations, we have many paths here at Concordia to accomplish that goal. The first thing you will need to begin this journey is your teaching license. If that is something you do not have, we have a wide range of programs to help you take that next step.

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Your journey to achievement

Apply Free of Charge: complete our no-cost online application.
Maximize Transfer Credits (up to 84): transfer relevant coursework, professional experience, or military training to help you complete your degree sooner.
Choose Your Flexible Courses: online 8-week courses tailored to fit your life and learning style.
Graduate at Your Own Pace: gain the skills to excel in emerging career fields.

Apply Now Request Information

Application steps

Entrance requirements

Provide an official transcript from all post-secondary institutions you attended
If your undergraduate GPA is less than 2.0, an essay is required
Brief video introduction recorded and submitted through your Future Falcon application
Provide a copy of your government-issued identification
If you have less than 60 transferable undergraduate credits, an official high school transcript or proof of GED must also be submitted
- If your high school GPA is less than 2.0, an essay is required

Admissions process

Complete an online application here: www.cuw.edu/apply (select the "Online Undergraduate" option).

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

Apply Now

After acceptance

An official acceptance letter will be emailed to you that will include your Student ID (F00) number
An email from your Admission 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, your Concordia email account, and the student portal
Schedule to meet with your Academic & Career Advisor who will review your degree plan, discuss orientation steps, the student portal, and assist with registering for classes

Please note: ACT and SAT scores are not required.

Non-Degree Students

This is for students seeking a certification or an individual course.

Complete an application here: www.cuw.edu/apply (select the “Non-Degree” option).

Non-degree applicants only need to submit an application to begin their admission review. Academic transcripts may be requested from admissions to complete our review.

For additional information contact Admissions at admission@cuw.edu or 262-243-4300.

Curriculum

Online Core Students

Course List
Code	Title	Hours
Online Core Requirements		44
Major Requirements (listed below)		33
Electives		43
Total Hours		120

Online Intermediate Core Students

Course List
Code	Title	Hours
Online Intermediate Core Requirements		38
Major Requirements (listed below)		33
Electives		49
Total Hours		120

Major Requirements

Course List
Code	Title	Hours
Required Core Courses
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).
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
or REL 3175	World Religions
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

Curriculum

Online Transfer Core Students

Course List
Code	Title	Hours
Online Transfer Core Requirements		30
Major Requirements (listed below)		36
Electives		54
Total Hours		120

Major Requirements

Course List
Code	Title	Hours
Required Core Courses
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.
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
or REL 3175	World Religions
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
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).	3
Total Hours		36

Questions? We’re here to help!

Get answers to your questions

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Church Work

Seminary Prep

Cost Per Credit

A foundation for answering God's call

Hear from our faculty:

Wondering where this degree can take you?

Seminary

Church work

Teaching future generations

Latest News

Concordia University Wisconsin announces new School of Theology

Related Programs

Bachelor of Arts in Director of Church Ministries

Bachelor of Arts in Theological Languages

Master of Science in Family Life

Questions? We’re here to help!

Get answers to your questions