Concordia University-Chicago

What is the history of Concordia University-Chicago?

Concordia University Chicago is a private university in River Forest, Illinois, with roots in Lutheran teacher education. Founded in 1864 in Addison, Illinois, it later moved to River Forest and broadened beyond its original purpose of preparing teachers for Lutheran schools.

For much of its history, the institution used the Concordia Teachers College name. Subsequent name changes reflected its expansion into a wider range of undergraduate and graduate programs; it adopted the Concordia University Chicago name in 2006. Its education programs and affiliation with the Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod remain important parts of its identity, even as it enrolls students pursuing business, health-related, arts and sciences, and other fields.

What are the faculties and departments at Concordia University-Chicago?

Concordia University Chicago offers undergraduate and graduate study across education, business, the arts and sciences, and health-related fields. Its academic offerings extend well beyond its historical focus on teacher preparation.

Prospective undergraduates can explore subjects such as elementary and secondary education, psychology, social work, business, biology, music, and theology or religious studies. Graduate offerings include education and business-related programs. The appropriate degree and course format can differ substantially by program: some paths are designed around campus study, while others serve working adults through online or other flexible formats.

Students considering teaching, nursing, counseling, or another regulated occupation should check the current academic catalog for their specific program, its clinical or fieldwork requirements, and the states in which it meets licensure requirements. University admission alone does not establish eligibility for a particular professional credential.

What is the location of Concordia University-Chicago?

Concordia University Chicago's main campus is in River Forest, a suburb immediately west of Chicago. The setting offers a residential campus environment while keeping the city's employers, cultural institutions, and transit network within reach.

River Forest is served by regional public transportation, but the convenience of a particular route depends on where a student lives and when classes meet. Commuters should test the trip they would actually make, especially for evening courses, internships, or campus events. First-year students are permitted to register or park a car on campus, though parking rules and costs should be checked separately.

Chicago O'Hare International Airport is a useful regional option for students traveling longer distances. Students comparing campus, online, and other program formats should confirm where their required classes and practical experiences take place rather than assume that every course meets in River Forest.

What is the mission and vision of Concordia University-Chicago?

Concordia University Chicago describes its educational mission in explicitly Christian terms. It is affiliated with the Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod and connects academic study with faith, service, and preparation for work and civic life.

That affiliation is visible in the university's history, campus ministry, and theology offerings. It is relevant to applicants who want to understand the campus's stated values, but it should not be mistaken for a requirement that every student share the institution's religious beliefs. Applicants considering a particular degree can look at its actual curriculum and participation requirements to see how the university's religious identity affects their course of study.