Concordia University Irvine
Irvine, California
“Grace Alone. Faith Alone.” Concordia University Irvine (CUI) thrives with a spirit of thoughtful insight and compassionate community. Its nationally recognized general education curriculum, “Enduring Questions & Ideas,” inspires its students to develop a global mindset that stretches far beyond its Southern Californian walls.
CUI’s Lutheran heritage sets a strong, supportive foundation for students to find and develop their passions as they work toward their undergraduate, graduate, or online bachelor’s degree. Students gain not only the knowledge and skills to succeed, but also the motivation and direction for their individual calling.
Established in 1976 and guided by the Great Commission of Christ Jesus and the Lutheran Confessions, Concordia University Irvine empowers students through the liberal arts and professional studies for lives of learning, service, and leadership. CUI is also fully accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC), one of six regional bodies that supervise accreditation for colleges and universities throughout the United States.
Get to know Concordia University Irvine
Benefits
Student Activities
- Campus Ministries
- Choral groups
- Concert band
- Dance
- Drama/theatre
- International Student Organization
- Jazz band
- Literary magazine
- Music ensembles
- Musical theatre
- Student government
- Student newspaper
- Symphony orchestra
- Yearbook
High-Impact Practices
- First-Year Seminars and Experiences
- Common Intellectual Experiences
- Learning Communities
- Writing-Intensive Courses
- Collaborative Assignments and Projects
- Undergraduate Research
- Diversity/Global Learning
- Service-Learning, Community-Based Learning
- Internships/Coops/Practicums
- Capstone Courses and Projects/Senior Experience
College Highlights
ENDURING QUESTIONS & IDEAS
The Enduring Questions & Ideas (Q&I) core curriculum is designed for students to be able to explore and engage through an interdisciplinary approach. Unlike most general education programs, Q&I pairs disciplines together within each course—biology with theology, mathematics with philosophy, etc. Additionally, CUI’s small class sizes help students make important, lasting connections while building a foundation of impactful learning. The core curriculum starts as early as freshman year and continues through junior year.
PRESIDENT’S ACADEMIC SHOWCASE
CUI’s annual President’s Academic Showcase for Undergraduate Research is a culminating event that celebrates scholarship in recognition of students’ creativity and innovation. With the help of a highly invested faculty mentor, driven students are able to delve into a topic that excites them and construct an interdisciplinary project to be judged by a panel of faculty. Not only is the showcase a true example of CUI’s student-centered values, but it also gives participants a chance to compete for awards as they learn from one another.
AROUND-THE-WORLD SEMESTER PROGRAM
While it’s easy to imagine the exciting, life-changing appeal of studying abroad, it can be difficult to decide exactly where in the world to go. Thanks to CUI’s Around-The-World (ATW), however, students get the chance to travel throughout ten countries in the span of one semester. Led by two faculty members, ATW takes twenty students across multiple borders for credit-bearing courses that focus on cultural study, service-learning, and travel writing. After just a few months of exploration, students return home with a minor in cultural studies as well as a new perspective on the world around them.
ENROLLMENT BY ETHNICITY
Non-U.S. Citizen: 2%
Hispanic/Latine: 28%
Black or African American, non-Hispanic: 6%
White, non-Hispanic: 49%
Native/Indigenous American or Alaska Native, non-Hispanic: 0%
Asian, non-Hispanic: 8%
Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander, non-Hispanic: 0%
Two or more races, non-Hispanic: 5%
Race and/or ethnicity unknown: 1%
INT 100: FOUNDATIONS
The Office of First-Year Experience Programs & Initiatives works to make the most of freshman year far beyond summer orientation. CUI recognizes that freshmen need more than a campus tour to feel welcome—it gives all students easy access to support services for academic, emotional, and physical well-being all throughout the first-year transition from high school to college. INT 100: Foundations prepares students for lifelong learning while providing an extended “orientation” experience for new students. The course sets freshmen up for success, all while strengthening friendships, academic skills, and a reverence for the Christian liberal arts education.
ACADEMIC PROGRAMS
Over 1,500 undergraduate students can choose from over 90 programs and majors—from acting or psychology to youth ministry or business. CUI knows that students have a wide range of interests, so coursework spans across many areas of study to engage students as they reach their educational goals.
SPECIAL STUDY OPTIONS
Programs available at this institution.
Accelerated program
Distance learning
Double major
English as a Second Language (ESL)
Exchange student program (domestic)
Honors Program
Independent study
Internships
Study abroad
Teacher certification program
CONCORDIA CARES
Concordia University Irvine’s value lies far beyond its outstanding academics; it also stands tall as a beacon of service and community engagement. The Concordia Cares program partners with surrounding community organizations to connect CUI with life-changing volunteer opportunities. This program encourages students to grasp issues of social justice in their own neighborhood while connecting them to other students and people in need.
LIVING-LEARNING COMMUNITIES
CUI offers six different living-learning communities (LLCs) in which students can reside and grow. Each LLC is built around its own specific theme, hosting topical events and bringing like-minded students in touch with one another. Students who choose to part part in an LLC are instantly connected to others who have similar academic or social ideals, expanding their learning beyond the classroom and enjoying strong friendships along the way.
SCHOOL LOCATION
CUI students have the benefit of living in one of the safest cities in the U.S. Irvine’s diverse population and thriving economy allows for the chance to explore many opportunities outside of the classroom.
Apart from the neighborhood’s vast resources for work and study, students have easy access to the beach, the mountains, the city (San Diego or Los Angeles), and Disneyland. There are many restaurants, events, outdoor activities, churches, and shopping conveniently located near campus.
ATHLETICS
The CUI Eagles are a member of NCAA Division II and the Pacific West Conference. Student athletes can explore a variety of men’s and women’s sports—and club sports—at cuieagles.com.
CAREER SERVICES
While the Career Services center is introduced to freshmen in INT 100, it is available to CUI students and alumni throughout college and beyond. Once an Eagle, always an Eagle, so the Career Services center is always ready to set students up for success. While in college, students can work with their advisors on a Four-Year Career Development Plan to ensure the courses they are taking are setting them up for success come graduation. What’s more, the center provides support for graduate school planning and applications, résumé and cover letter assistance, networking and interview preparation, and all the ins and out of the job and internship search.
Admission
TEST SCORES
Optional
Tuition & Cost
Tuition: $43,500
Fees: $1,275
Room Only: $8,390
Board Only: $5,326 – $6,164
What Others are Saying
Contact Concordia University Irvine
Contact Admissions
www.cui.edu/admissions
(949) 214-3010
admissions@cui.edu
Campus Location
1530 Concordia West
Irvine, CA 92612
(949) 214-3010