Find out more about Concordia University - Chicago

The Bachelor of Arts in Organizational Management from Concordia University - Chicago teaches you what you need to succeed in management and leadership, whether you want to rise through the ranks of a large corporation or start and run your own successful business.

Coursework prepares you to lead effectively in any situation and environment. In this organizational leadership degree online, you will learn techniques to manage and motivate teams. Classes also explore core business areas including human resources, operations, marketing, education, and technology.

The curriculum covers topics related to:

• Group and organizational dynamics
• Systems approach to organizational change
• Principles of management
• Organizational communication
• Business technology

Learn how to combine your love of sport with the business skills necessary for a successful career with the Bachelor of Arts in Sports & Recreation Management. This online degree from Concordia University - Chicago focuses on the administration, marketing, and promotion of sports and fitness organizations.

In this online sports management degree program, you will gain skills in event and facility management along with management of resources within for-profit and not-for-profit organizations. Classes also cover essential topics in sports law and ethics, finance, accounting, and more.

Graduates can choose to pursue careers such as:

• Athletic director
• General manager
• Sports agent
• Recreation center director
• Youth sports director
• Coach
• Scout
• Strength and conditioning director

Learn how to attract the best talent and motivate employees to perform at their highest level with the Bachelor of Science in Human Resource Management from Concordia University - Chicago. In this online HR Management degree program, you will gain skills fundamental to the workplace and an understanding of the evolving landscape of corporate culture.

Courses examine government regulations, labor negotiations, and competitive employee benefits packages. Students also learn how to create training programs to maintain a productive workplace. Graduates can find themselves working in nearly any business setting, from small businesses to nonprofit organizations to private corporations or global enterprises.

The curriculum includes studies of:

• Diversity in the workplace
• Workforce planning
• Human resource analytics for business decisions
• Group and organizational dynamics
• Systems approach to organizational change

Sports industry employees of all levels can elevate their game with an online EdD in Leadership degree specializing in Sports Leadership. With convenient online coursework, working professionals can continue their day jobs while working towards the future.

Coursework in this sports management degree online emphasizes research, data analysis, and critical thinking to make informed business decisions. Graduates will be valuable assets to their organizations, with the qualifications necessary to lead and manage teams in the complex sports business world. 

Some of the roles you can fulfill in the sports industry include:

• Business operations
• Community relations
• Media, PR, and communications
• Sports information
• Front office management
• Player personnel
• Fundraising and development

The PhD in Leadership with a specialization in Organizational Leadership is an online organizational leadership degree from Concordia University – Chicago that prepares students to identify and achieve personal learning objectives and professional goals while also making contributions to their organizations.  The curriculum aligns contemporary leadership theories with best leadership practices in a strategically focused and innovative program.  This program is designed to teach students how to grow their organizations.  You will learn to incorporate:

• Strategic planning and forecasting
• Innovative change initiatives
• Organizational diagnostic strategies
• Purposeful reform interventions

Courses cover a variety of topics, including leadership history and implementation, an ethical framework for effective decision making and organizational forecasting, and the ability to analyze tends, regression, growth management, and systemic change agenda.  Students learn to apply and analyze social and political contexts of organizational culture and decision-making to enhance high-performing organizations.  You will learn to use research to strengthen competitive advantage and to use creativity and adaptability to ensure effective organizational performance.

The online PhD in Leadership with a concentration in Sports Leadership is ideal for aspiring sports administration and business professionals wanting to learn the skills necessary to improve the structure and capabilities of sports organizations. The curriculum prepares students for leadership positions within athletics and recreational institutions through theoretical and practical studies.

Coursework helps students become adept at solving problems, managing and leading teams, advancing the goals of an organization, and improving the bottom line. Leadership classes focus on skills in knowledge management, decision making, conflict and change management, and communication. 

Students can anticipate studying topics such as:

• Dynamics of coaching
• Trends in recreation and leisure
• Sports promotion
• Diversity in sports
• Facilities and events management
• The essentials of the law in sport

The Doctorate in Business Administration (DBA) / Strategic Leadership and Innovation is an online business administration degree program from Concordia University – Chicago for those seeking leadership and management preparation beyond the master’s degree. This is a professional doctorate, focusing more on theoretical knowledge and its practical application in managerial settings than in preparation for academic careers.  

The program emphasizes scholarly business research, preparing students to use these research skills to advance their careers while also positively impacting organizational goals. At Concordia University – Chicago, you will begin the dissertation process immediately, allowing you to work on this along with other independent, ethical, innovative, and rigorous business research. Courses synthesize global trends, business knowledge, and leadership theory as students learn to design and implement innovative business solutions. 

Coursework in this degree specialization covers topics such as:

• Strategic leadership thought
• Strategic leadership practice
• Disruptive innovation execution

The MA in Leadership Studies with a specialization in Organizational Leadership from Concordia University – Chicago is an online organizational leadership degree.  The organizational leadership curriculum develops scholar practitioners who are ready to grow organizations through:

• Strategic planning and forecasting
• Change initiatives
• Organizational diagnostic strategies
• Reform interventions

The core curriculum for this online master’s in organizational leadership focuses on leadership theory, linking theory to leadership best practices.  While learning how to lead organizational change and innovation through change and global competition challenges, you will also gain skills in communication, problem-solving, critical thinking, research and analysis, and working with people.  Concordia Chicago’s goal is to create leaders who are effective, ethical, and efficient when handling a diverse population and dealing with a changing economy and rapidly developing technologies.

Uncover your leadership potential and help shape the future of sports with the Master of Arts in Sports Leadership. Coursework in this online degree program prepares you for leadership roles in professional, collegiate, and amateur sports organizations.

Strong leadership can help propel any organization forward. This online sports administration degree program teaches the key skills necessary to develop an organization and lead it to success. Elective coursework allows you to focus your studies on topics including sports finance, sports promotion, sports facility and event management, sports law, and more.

This degree can be beneficial to those looking to work in:

• Player personnel
• Sports analytics
• Operations
• Media, PR, and communications
• Athletic administration
• Sports marketing
• Fundraising and development
• Coaching

The online MBA from Concordia University – Chicago is grounded in principles that evolve from a Christian foundation. You will advance your career within this program by thinking critically, acting ethically, being of an entrepreneurial mindset, and communicating – all within an international mindset.

CUC’s Master of Business Administration online degree is offered in two formats: an accelerated, one-year pace and a two-year pace that you can set based upon your outside obligations. Coursework incorporates skills in managing and leading effective organizations, global digital marketing, innovation, accounting, and managing human capital. 

Students can choose to specialize in one of the following areas:

• Accounting
• Chief School Business Official
• Digital Marketing
• Finance
• Health Care Management
• Leadership and Change Management
• Project Management
• Sports Management

If you see yourself as a specialist in managerial accounting, auditing, or tax strategy, consider the online MBA in Accounting from Concordia University – Chicago. This graduate degree, founded on Christian principles, will enable you to choose your industry, as qualified accounting professionals are sought after in every corner of the globe.

CUC’s Master of Business Administration online degree in Accounting also prepares you for the CPA exam, should you decide you want to work for yourself as a consultant. In this program, you will use various reporting methods and related technology to analyze an organization’s financial health and the impact that has on business strategy and decisions.

Students in this online Accounting degree concentration will study topics including:

• Intermediate financial accounting
• Financial management of nonprofit organizations
• Auditing theory and practice
• Federal taxation
• Corporate taxation

Marketing professionals today need to be able to adapt to constantly-advancing technologies that are transforming the business world. With an online MBA in Digital Marketing from Concordia University – Chicago, you will be well prepared for this dynamic market. 

CUC’s Master of Business Administration degree online covers mobile, social media, and video aspects of marketing. Courses teach you how to strategically utilize the plethora of data that is available concerning customers, products, and preferences. Core business administration classes cover skills in managing and leading effective organizations, global digital marketing, innovation, accounting, and managing human capital. 

Some of the subjects included in this Digital Marketing online degree include:

• Digital strategy and planning
• Digital marketing analytics
• Mobile marketing

With recessions and financial crises interlinked on a global scale, organizations need financial leaders who can make strong strategic decisions and maintain positive growth. With an online MBA from Concordia University – Chicago, you will gain the insight and knowledge to become a manager who can analyze financial statements, capital investments, corporate finance and use the information to reach organizational goals.

CUC’s Master of Business Administration online degree in Finance is propelled by its Chicago affiliation – one of the top 10 global financial centers. Students gain lifelong skills to differentiate themselves from their peers and impact the world in a socially responsible way. 

Within this program, you will study:

• Fundamentals of money and banking
• International finance
• Advanced financial statement analysis
• Corporate finance

There is a constant need for managers who can lead an organization through the uncertainties of change. Concordia University – Chicago offers an online MBA degree in Leadership and Change Management for times of transition and innovation. Graduates will be well positioned for roles including executive leadership, entrepreneurship, human resource management, global management, and consulting.

Not only does this program focus on leadership, but it also works to strengthen interpersonal skills and your ability to influence others. Students will learn a wide range of leadership practices, as well as intercultural impacts and the intricate details of facilitating strategic change.

Coursework in this online organizational leadership degree concentration focuses on topics including:

• Leader as trainer, mentor, and coach
• Leader development
• Leadership communication and decision making
• Agents of change

Concordia University -- Chicago offers an online MBA in Project Management that combines broad-based business skills with the knowledge necessary to achieve valuable industry-recognized certifications in Project Management. As you progress through the program, you will receive preparation for the Project Management Professional (PMP) and Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) examinations.

Students in this online Project Management degree concentration learn the quantitative and qualitative skills, tools, and techniques that go into successful project management. You will learn about the planning process, risk management, high-level decision making, and management strategies. Core business administration courses cover skills in managing and leading effective organizations, as well as accounting, managing human capital, and incorporating innovation. 

Some of the many job titles available to graduates of this degree include:

• Project coordinator
• Senior project manager
• Project scheduler
• Director of operations
• Project portfolio manager
• IT or software project manager

Whether your interest is in the baseball diamond or skiing black diamonds, Concordia University – Chicago offers an online MBA in Sports Management designed to prepare you for the business side of the sports industry. Everyone knows that sports can involve multi-million dollar facilities, contracts, and endorsements. However, managing the business side of sports is often overlooked, with the industry growing at an extraordinary pace.

With CUC’s Master of Business Administration degree online, you will learn the financial and legal side of sports as well. Upon completion, you can work in almost any facet of sports including marketing, media, hospitality, talent agencies, colleges and universities, major and minor league teams, and sporting venues.  

Sample classes from the Sports Management concentration include:

• Essentials in law of sports
• Diversity in sports
• Sport finance
• Economics of sports

The EdD in Leadership focused on Curriculum and Instruction is perfect for teachers who want to take on a leadership role in their school or district. With the skills and knowledge you gain from this program, you will be able to design, implement, evaluate, and manage K-12 curriculum and instruction programs.

This online degree in curriculum and instruction prepares you for leadership roles in both public and private school systems. Courses examine the processes of teaching and learning to deepen your understanding of curriculum needs. Graduates will be able to help support and lead reform efforts related to teacher development within their organizations.

You can dedicate your career to helping young children access quality education with an EdD in Leadership / Early Childhood Education. This major allows you to take on high-level leadership roles to ensure equitable and appropriate care and learning opportunities for our youngest students.

You will call on your previous education and experience to conduct original research on a topic of your choice. Students will learn about current and potential future issues in early childhood education. Graduates of this online early childhood education degree will be prepared to pursue careers in higher education, organizational leadership and administration, policy, advocacy, and politics.

Practicing educators can up their game with an EdD in Leadership / Educational Leadership. In this online program, teachers will learn key facets of leadership in school settings. Graduates can put their skills to work in roles such as teacher leaders and administrators for public and private schools.

An emphasis is placed on original research and an understanding of qualitative and quantitative data and various research methods. Graduates will be able to use this knowledge to help develop long-term plans and goals for improvement within their organizations. Coursework additionally incorporates the use of educational technology for monitoring and enriching curriculum and instructional practices.

With an EdD in Leadership / Educational Technology, you will develop your critical thinking and research skills to the highest level. These abilities will enable you to lead effective change efforts regarding technology in school settings.

Students will learn how to develop, implement, and evaluate technology programs. Courses also examine the relationship between technology and the teaching and learning process. An online program is an ideal way to fully integrate class studies with real-world applications; You will be experiencing the challenges and opportunities related to educational technology in real time.

The Leadership Doctorate program with a specialization in higher education from Concordia University – Chicago is an online higher education degree for those seeking expertise in higher education leadership, administration, and education.  While the focus is on higher education systems in the United States, students also analyze the globalization of higher education.  You will examine the policies, practices, and issues facing public and private post-secondary institutions, gaining an understanding of their complexities and business practices and principles.  Courses also teach students to apply and analyze learning solutions that support higher education and student retention and success, to identify and integrate leadership orientations that align with the institution’s mission, and to practice professional ethical behavior.  With this online higher education degree students learn the importance of remaining cognizant of current and emerging trends in the field and understand that they need to integrate current theory and best institutional practices into their personal and professional performance to promote the institution’s health and sustainability.  

Along with these higher education goals and coursework, students will also cover the overarching leadership curriculum.  You will learn to appreciate diverse leadership perspectives while studying:

• Knowledge management
• Decision making
• Conflict and change management
• Communication
• Unique approaches to leadership

The EdD in Leadership / Organizational Leadership degree focuses on strategy and innovation to drive your organization forward. Students in this online doctorate in education leadership will learn the most effective leadership practices alongside studies of contemporary leadership theories.

In this doctorate in organizational leadership online, coursework covers strategic planning and forecasting and innovative change initiatives. You will also explore organizational diagnostic strategies and interventions for purposeful reform. Each student will develop and implement a research project on a topic of their interest for a culminating capstone experience. Graduates of this program will be prepared to analyze trends, growth, regression, and systemic change.

Become a reading specialist or literacy coach with an online EdD in Leadership focused on Reading, Language, and Literacy. Coursework in this degree program provides both theory and practical applications for literacy instruction and assessment.

Students in this online literacy program will conduct research on an aspect of reading, writing, and multiliteracy programs. Graduates will be well positioned to create and implement research-based literacy programs. Potential work settings include public and private schools, colleges and universities, community and adult outreach programs, nonprofit organizations, and corporate training.

Take on leadership roles in Special Education with this concentration of the online EdD in Leadership degree. Coursework emphasizes the role of research and critical thinking in leading special education programs. 

Students in this online special education degree will learn how to evaluate programs and implement curriculum modifications. Courses also prepare you to communicate and coordinate efforts with families and advocate with key stakeholders. Graduates will also be prepared to assist special education teachers with their professional development. 

Take the next step in your career in education with an EdD in Leadership / Teacher Leadership. Graduates will be able to fulfill roles as instructional coaches, district initiative coordinators, teacher trainers, and building- and district-level teacher leaders.

The curriculum of this educational leadership degree online emphasizes facilitating increased student achievement through instructional improvements. You will also study ways to promote teacher and staff growth and professional development. Students will build on their previous education and experience while incorporating research and critical thinking skills to improve educational outcomes. 

If you are an experienced teacher who wants to take on a leadership role, consider a PhD in Leadership focusing on Curriculum and Instruction. This online degree program develops experts in the areas of curriculum design, implementation, evaluation, and management.

In your coursework, you will explore and discuss the challenges and opportunities in teacher education. Theoretical coursework provides insight into the teaching and learning process for better-informed curriculum development. Your doctoral program will include components of research, a dissertation, and a comprehensive examination in addition to concentration coursework.

In this online degree in curriculum and instruction, you will study topics including:

• School and district improvement using data analysis
• Multicultural education
• Instructional coaching for effective teaching
• Research-based instructional practices

Dedicated leaders can set the tone for a young child’s entire educational journey. With a PhD in Leadership focused on Early Childhood Education, you will build on your experience in the field to gain leadership skills and an advanced understanding of research in early childhood education.

Students in this program will learn how to provide quality, age-appropriate, and equitable care and learning experiences for children of all ages. Courses examine current topics and issues in early childhood studies for a relevant and practical education. Graduates may take positions in early childhood administration, education, research, policy, advocacy, and more.

Your studies will cover topics including:

• Cultural and socioeconomic influences affecting diverse learners
• Child development and the educational process
• Leadership and supervision of early childhood centers and programs
• Family and community relationships and advocacy
• Language, literacy, and reading instruction in early childhood education

Take your career in education to the next level with a PhD in Leadership focused on Education Leadership. This online degree prepares educators for administrative roles in public and private schools.

Program participants will analyze instructional programs and data on student achievement to determine areas of improvement. Courses explore uses for technology to enrich instruction, best practices for student learning, and budgetary considerations when allocating resources. Graduates will have an understanding of diversity, human development, and strategies of learning and motivation.

Some of the course topics covered in this online doctorate in education leadership include:

• Leading school-based professional learning communities
• Educational finance
• Legal issues for school districts
• Supervisory theory and practice
• School and district improvement using data analysis

The PhD in Leadership for Educational Technology focuses on effective leadership practices and innovative technology. Students will develop their research and critical thinking skills to thrive in their careers.

Courses increase your knowledge of technology program development, implementation, and evaluation. As a student, you will learn how to connect technology with the teaching and learning process. Graduates will have a solid understanding of the challenges and opportunities surrounding educational technology in a number of academic settings.

Some of the topics covered in this program include:

• Issues in data management
• Design of learning environments
• Technology department management

The PhD in Leadership with a specialization in Higher Education from Concordia University – Chicago is an online higher education degree program designed for professionals in higher education seeking to become experts in higher education leadership, administration, and education.  The curriculum focuses on the policies, practices, and issues facing post-secondary institutions in the United States but also analyzes the globalization of higher education.  The program provides skills in research and evidence-based decision-making while offering knowledge in the organizational and business principles and practices of higher education.  You will learn to analyze learning solutions and integrate leadership orientations that support student retention and success.  Exercising professional ethical behavior is emphasized as students learn how to support institutional missions and achieve institutional objectives.  Upon completion, students will understand the importance of:

• Remaining cognizant of current and emerging trends in higher education
• Appreciating diverse leadership perspectives
• Integrating current theory into their personal and professional performance
• Integrating best institutional practices to promote institutional health and sustainability

Help students of all ages improve their literacy skills with a PhD in Leadership focused on Reading, Language, and Literacy. Graduates of this online literacy program can find employment in educational settings such as public and private schools, colleges and universities, adult outreach programs, nonprofit initiatives, and corporate training.

Students will learn the primary theories, concepts, and foundations of literacy and language. Coursework prepares you to design literacy programs to meet the needs of diverse learners. In addition, you will learn how to screen, diagnose, and implement interventions for reading difficulties.

Courses cover topics such as:

• Cultural and socioeconomic perspectives of literature and literacy
• Policy and politics of reading, language, and literacy
• Literacy supervision, leadership, and coaching
• Trends and issues in literacy research

Learn how to lead and improve special education programs with a Doctor of Philosophy degree in Leadership dedicated to Special Education. This online doctoral program helps you develop research and critical thinking abilities to lead reform and efforts for positive change.

Students will further develop skills in special education leadership, program evaluation, and curriculum development. Courses also address the needs and considerations of families with special needs students. In addition to online coursework, students will complete a dissertation and comprehensive examination.

Classes cover topics including:

• Assistive technology for students with disabilities
• Principles of applied behavior analysis
• Special education law and policy
• International perspectives in special education

Advance your career to help guide other teachers with a PhD in Leadership focusing on Teacher Leadership. With this degree, you will gain the advanced skills necessary to work as an instructional coach, curriculum specialist, district initiative coordinator, educational trainer, and more.

In this career, you will be able to lead instructional improvements to help increase student achievement. Coursework delves into ways to promote teacher and staff development and positive outreach to families and the community. Students can draw upon their professional experiences while undertaking educational research and data analysis.

Your classes will cover topics such as:

• Strategies of educational leadership
• Leading school-based professional learning communities
• Organizational and community partnerships
• Instructional coaching for effective teaching
• Curriculum theory and design

The online Master of Arts in Curriculum and Instruction is a great preparation for current educators to become master classroom teachers. Multiple instructional models are used in the program to engage students and provide real-world applications. 

Coursework emphasizes the importance of competence, integrity, and servant leadership. Students will learn about the underpinnings of teaching and learning in order to create more effective curricula. Graduates of this online masters in curriculum and instruction will be knowledgeable about contemporary issues in US education.

Some of the courses in this program include:

• Curriculum Construction
• Assessment, Evaluation, and Data-Driven Decision Making
• Teacher as Practitioner
• Teacher as Leader

Develop the special skill set you need to help culturally and linguistically diverse students with a Master of Arts in Curriculum and Instruction with ESL and Bilingual Endorsements. Educators with an Illinois teaching license are eligible to receive these endorsements. Candidates outside of the state should determine eligibility with their state board of education.

The program strikes a balance between everyday classroom instruction skills and theory related to leadership and cultural competency. Graduates will be able to work with students in a variety of PreK-12 educational settings.

Upon completion of this online ESL program, you will be able to:

• Embody a multicultural and inclusive perspective
• Explain the effects of culture, linguistics, and sociopolitical influences on education
• Understand the processes for language acquisition
• Utilize leadership skills, knowledge, and self-reflection in your career to advocate for English-learning students

Learn how to create lesson plans for teaching language and culture with a master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction focused on ESL endorsement. This online degree program equips teachers to work with new language learners from diverse backgrounds in a variety of PreK-12 settings. 

The program specifically prepares students with an Illinois teaching license to receive ESL endorsement. Students from other areas should check their state board of education for reciprocity standards.

Coursework combines theory with research and practical applications. Students will learn how to create educational content that is inclusive, multicultural, and linguistically sound. Graduates will have a solid understanding of how to apply educational objectives and learning standards to ESL curriculum.

In the Master of Arts in Curriculum and Instruction / Trauma and Resiliency degree, you will take traditional curriculum and instruction coursework with additional electives focused on helping students dealing with traumatic situations. This program is designed to further develop master classroom teachers.

Primary coursework covers curriculum theory and prepares you to design, implement, and evaluate instructional programming. Another important aspect of this program is teacher leadership and effective advocacy. With concentration coursework in this educational psychology degree online, you will learn how to meet the needs of students experiencing trauma and help all students build resilience.

The Master of Arts in Early Childhood Education prepares students for a variety of leadership opportunities in early education settings. Program participants will receive a thorough and advanced understanding of all aspects of care and education for children from birth through age eight.

Courses in this early childhood education degree online detail topics in child and language development, assessment, family and community partnership, research, and more. With the proper education and licensure required by your state, graduates can take on roles including early childhood teachers, administrators, scholars, and specialists in public policy and advocacy. 

Some of the classes included in this program are:

• Developmentally Effective Instruction for Diverse Learners
• Child, Family, and Multicultural Community
• Professional Leadership and Advocacy in Early Childhood Education
• Trends and Methods in ECE in Literacy

Learn the key skills necessary to lead educational programs with a Master of Arts in Educational Administration. This online degree program does not lead to state licensure, but is designed to prepare students for supervisory and leadership roles in a variety of educational settings.

Courses focus on program development, managerial skills, and ethical decision-making. Program participants will learn methods to effectively communicate and collaborate with staff, students, families, board members, and community members. In addition to day-to-day skills, classes provide an understanding of the larger social, cultural, political, and legal considerations in education.

Enhance your classroom experience by learning how to integrate technology into learning with a Master of Arts in Educational Technology. Adding technology to your teaching practice can help improve student achievement. 

In this online master’s in instructional design, you will learn how to create differentiated instruction, use adaptive technology, and build learning communities using technology. Studies also cover safe and effective social media usage and current research on learning and technology. Students will learn about uses of technology for curriculum development, instruction, and assessment.

Increase your understanding of teaching high-achieving, gifted, and talented students with a Master of Arts in Gifted Education. This program will prepare teachers to serve as leaders in creating and implementing programs addressing the needs of exceptional students.

Teachers will learn how to develop curriculum and use instructional strategies to meet the individual needs of each student. Classes also explore current research, issues, and policy regarding gifted and talented programs. In addition to traditional education topics, program participants will learn how to address the social and emotional needs of their students.

Upon graduation, teachers will be prepared to create effective gifted and talented programs that include:

• Identification
• Assessment
• Technology
• Social and emotional learning
• Differentiated instructional practices
• Effective learning environments

The MA in Leadership Studies with a specialization in Higher Education is an online higher education degree program from Concordia University – Chicago that prepares leaders who are ready to become part of a global learning community.  While the core focus of the program is on leadership theory, this specialization explores the internationalization and globalization of higher education.  Students examine the Higher Education systems in the United States as well, developing strong research skills and the ability to use evidence-based decision-making. 

In addition to the online higher education degree courses, you will also complete a leadership curriculum that hones your leadership and managerial skills.  Coursework covers communication, problem-solving, critical thinking, research and analysis, and people skills, linking theory with the best practices of leadership.  Concordia-Chicago aims to prepare leaders who will lead organizational change and innovation that is effective, ethical, and efficient to a diverse population while meeting the challenges of continuous change and global competition.

Develop your skills in literacy instruction and assessment with an online Master of Arts in Reading Education. This program helps teachers become reading specialists and literacy coaches.

The curriculum includes eight courses with embedded field work, practicum experiences at the elementary and intermediate/secondary levels, and a capstone experience. Coursework in this online literacy degree focuses on learning current research in literacy education and applying it to the classroom. 

Illinois-based students with state teaching licensure can pursue the Illinois Reading Specialist credential after successful completion of this program. Out-of-state students should check with their state board of education for requirements.

Licensed teachers can learn specialized topics to increase their job opportunities with a Master of Arts in Special Education. This online program provides the skills and knowledge necessary to help children with a wide range of needs thrive in a school environment. Teachers with an Illinois teaching license can apply for an Illinois LBS1 endorsement after graduation.

Courses explore the methods, technologies, and assessments available for students with disabilities. You will learn about the various types of disabilities including learning, social/emotional, intellectual, physical, autism spectrum, traumatic brain injuries, and more. This online special education degree examines issues related to policies and laws, the continuum of services, inclusion, and least restrictive environments.

Licensed teachers enhance their skills in working with special needs students with a Master of Arts in Special Education Leadership. This program focuses on the administration of special education programs. 

Participants in this online special education degree program will study effective teaching strategies for students with different needs. Coursework also covers financial and legal considerations for special education programs, designing professional development plans for employees, and conducting research to meet the needs of individual learners.

Advance your career in education with a Master of Arts degree in Teacher Leadership. This online degree program allows you to move from classroom instruction to leadership roles within your school or district.

Students will develop leadership skills appropriate for diverse settings and populations. Courses explore effective team building, leadership frameworks, and change management. You will learn how to work with teachers, school administrators, families, and the community to enhance student performance.

Graduates of this educational leadership degree online can serve as:

• Department chairs
• Curriculum coordinators
• Community liaisons
• Instructional coaches
• Mentor teachers

Concordia University of Chicago offers a hard-to-come-by specialization, Chief School Business Official, within its online MBA program. While intended for CSBO certification within the state of Illinois, this MBA is also applicable to other director and leadership positions elsewhere within the education sector.

With this online graduate degree, you can advance your career as a school system superintendent, administrator, chief operations officer, human resource director, or chief financial officer. CUC’s Master of Business Administration online degree with a Chief School Business Official concentration gives you concrete knowledge of business elements within an educational setting.

Coursework in this online education administration degree includes studies of:

• School funding, accounting, and budgeting
• School district financial planning and analytics
• School business management
• School finance law

Learn how to design and implement innovative teaching strategies with a Master of Science in Instructional Design and Technology. This online program focuses on applied research and hands-on design experience.

Those working in instructional design, e-learning development, and corporate training can all benefit from the useful skills taught in this program. Students will learn how to use creativity and innovation to design effective learning experiences. In this instructional design master’s degree, you will study the role of instructional technology as it relates to human performance and the use of analytics to support data-driven decision making.

Some of the courses in this program include:

• Social Computing
• Project Management for Instructional Design
• Systemic and Technological Innovation
• Human-Computer Interaction and Multimedia Design
• Needs Assessment and Task Analysis

You can start or advance your career in the healthcare field with the online Bachelor of Arts in Health Care Management degree. Graduates of this program can put their education to use in fields including government, business, nonprofit, and education.

The curriculum of this online health care administration degree prepares students for management and administrative careers in a wide range of health care facilities while also addressing the unique attributes of a health care organization. Coursework focuses on areas of health care operations including accounting, human resources, law, and organizational leadership. Students will also receive a solid business foundation in areas such as management, finance, and marketing.

The online Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology program provides a fundamental background in health promotion and disease prevention. Students will be prepared to work toward curbing obesity, improve human movement function, and meet the needs of aging individuals.  

The flexible online program allows you to complete coursework according to your schedule, so you can remain committed to your work and personal needs as well. With small class sizes, students receive one-on-one attention from teachers and peers. Graduates will be well prepared to take on a variety of roles in fitness, sports management, and wellness.

Courses in this online Kinesiology degree include:

• Physiological Basis of Exercise
• Applied Kinesiology
• Managing Lifetime Fitness
• Principles of Strength and Conditioning

The EdD in Leadership / Health and Human Performance degree program seeks to develop students’ research skills to discover and distribute new information regarding health promotion, physical activity, and human performance. This is an interdisciplinary program designed to help you reach advanced career opportunities in health education.

Coursework in this kinesiology degree online covers leadership, research and statistics, health, exercise science, and a dissertation. Graduates will be prepared to pursue positions in clinical, academic, research, and leadership positions. 

Some of the careers available with this degree include:

• Exercise science educator
• Physical health policy advocate
• Biomechanics specialist
• Exercise physiology research scientist
• University professor

This online PhD in Leadership concentrates on Health and Human Performance is a multidisciplinary program preparing students for a variety of high-level roles. Graduates will be well suited for clinical, academic, research, and leadership positions related to kinesiology, health promotion, human performance, exercise science, and more.

With a strong research component, students will learn how to create and disperse new findings in their field. Studies in this online kinesiology degree incorporate aspects of leadership, health, research, statistics, and exercise science. Students will complete a dissertation as part of their program requirements.

Your classes will cover topics such as: 

• Cardiovascular and neuromuscular responses to exercise
• Scientific communication
• Program design in physical activity and health
• Health promotion and disease prevention

The Doctorate in Business Administration (DBA) / Innovation in Health Care is an online business administration degree program from Concordia University – Chicago for those seeking leadership and management preparation suitable for health care settings. This is a professional doctorate, focusing more on theoretical knowledge and its practical application in managerial settings than in preparation for academic careers.  

The program emphasizes scholarly health care business research, preparing students to use these research skills to advance their careers while also positively impacting organizational goals. Students begin the dissertation process at the beginning of the program, allowing you to work on this along with other independent, ethical, innovative, and rigorous research. Courses synthesize global trends, business knowledge, and leadership theory as students learn to design and implement innovative solutions. 

Coursework in this online health care administration degree specialization covers topics such as:

• Innovative best practices in health care management
• Health care analytics and financial applications
• Governance of health care systems

The online Master of Arts in Gerontology prepares students to promote and contribute to the wellness of the aging population. Graduates will be ready to work in a variety of aging-related careers.

The curriculum provides an interdisciplinary course of study for individuals interested in meeting the needs of an aging world and improving the lives of older adults. Students in this online Gerontology degree program will develop competencies in educational, research, and applied practice skills to benefit their future professional practice.

Classes cover a range of topics, such as:

• Adult development and aging
• Aging, values, attitudes, and ethics
• Diversity in aging
• Sociology of aging
• Public policies and aging

Concordia University – Chicago’s MBA in Health Care Management will give you the skills and knowledge to strategically make business decisions and lead within a medical setting. Coursework is designed to further develop your critical thinking and fundamental business analysis skills.

In today’s health care environment, ever-changing regulations and policies pose challenges to maintaining and improving patient care. This advanced degree will teach you how to problem solve in the face of operational and financial challenges in health care. You will learn how to use technology and assess various perspectives to make data-driven decisions.

This online health care administration degree concentration prepares you for roles such as:

• Hospital CEO/CFO
• Head of Quality Improvement
• Hospital Administrator
• Health Care Association Director
• Health Care Consultant

The online master’s in Human Services degree program from Concordia University – Chicago is a generalist degree designed to provide a broad-based body of knowledge in related fields, with an emphasis in advocacy, gerontology, and psychology. This combination was chosen to meet the expressed needs of human services personnel in community mental health centers, family service agencies, and similar organizations. Students in this program will complete a capstone experience consisting of a project or research paper and accompanying presentation that focuses on the student’s special interest in human services.

Curriculum topics include:

• Human service systems
• Intervention and direct services
• Information, planning, and evaluation in human services
• Values, attitudes, and ethics
• Administration of human services