History

Concordia was founded in 1893 to provide a Christian learning environment for high school students preparing to enter the professional ministries of The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, with which the institution is affiliated. The first two years of college were added shortly after the turn of the century and in 1950 Concordia became coeducational.

In 1962 curricular expansion led to the establishment of the Bachelor of Arts degree with a specialization in elementary teacher education. By this time, Concordia had also added two-year pre-professional programs for future deaconesses and social welfare workers.

Since 1969 the university has been offering a baccalaureate program for directors of Christian education. Programs for pre-pastoral studies, Director of Christian Outreach, Director of Parish Music, business administration, early childhood education licensure, secondary education licensure and middle school licensure have been developed and approved. Concordia also awards the Bachelor of Arts degree in major subject fields of the liberal arts and school-age care, and a Bachelor of Business Administration degree.

The most recent accreditation for the Bachelor of Business Administration was granted in April 2005.

In the College of Graduate and Continuing Studies, program in organizational management and communication, marketing management, information technology, and human resources as well as certificates in finance, nonprofit management, and applied creativity and innovation, are offered through a degree completion program for the adult learner. Master of Arts degrees are offered in Organizational Management, Education, Christian Outreach, and Human Services in several program areas. The associate in arts degree program is available to meet a variety of needs. Curricular expansion and adjustment continue as Concordia responds to new opportunities and challenges.