Definition of Academic Terms

This is an archived copy of the 2021-2022 catalog. To access the most recent version of the catalog, please visit http://catalog.csp.edu.

There are three 16-week semesters offered at Concordia University. The traditional academic year consists of fall and spring semesters.

Bachelor of Arts degree consists of a major of typically 32 to 44 credits or two minors, general education courses, and elective courses totaling a minimum of 120 credits.

Bachelor of Business Administration degree consists of a major in Accounting, general education courses, and electives courses totaling a minimum of 120 credits.

Bachelor of Fine Arts degree consists of an intensive major in the visual or performing arts of typically 77 to 80 credits, general education courses, and elective courses totaling a minimum of 120 credits.

Bachelor of Science degree consists of a major of typically 45 to 60 credits, general education courses, and elective courses totaling a minimum of 120 credits.

Certification for Church work is the process by which the faculty approves candidates for placement in the public ministry of The Lutheran Church Missouri Synod (LCMS); including teacher, Director of Christian Education, Director of Christian Outreach, and Director of Parish Music.

A credit means a semester hour credit. One semester hour credit represents  a minimum of 35 hours of engaged time.

An elective course is a course chosen in addition to major, minor, or emphasis requirements.

An emphasis consists of 12 to 19 credits taken in courses in one area or related areas of study.

An integrative course is comprised of two or more disciplines, is team-taught, and makes connections to life beyond academic material.

A teaching licensure is recommended by the university after completion of requirements for the desired license and is granted by the state of Minnesota.

An academic major normally consists of 32 to 80 credits taken in courses in one area or related areas of study prescribed by the faculty.

An academic minor normally consists of 18 to 24 credits taken in courses in one area or related areas of study prescribed by the faculty.

A prerequisite is a course which students are required to take before being eligible to enroll in an advanced course.

Summer school consists of two eight -week sessions May - August.

A track is one of two or more alternative sets of courses prescribed by the faculty within a major. The purpose of a track is to provide direction to a student in meeting interest, vocational, or other needs while fulfilling the requirements of a major.

A transcript of credits is a certified record of all grades earned and all courses attempted at a given school, college or university.