Master's Programs

Welcome to Concordia University Chicago and thank you for your interest in applying to one of our master's programs. Admission may be granted for fall, spring or summer semesters, with the exception of the Master of Arts in Religion, which begins annually each fall semester. All documents relating to admission should be submitted to Concordia University’s Office of Graduate Admission and Student Services prior to the deadline for your anticipated term of enrollment. See your degree of interest on this Web site for application and file completion deadlines.

Admission requirements for the MBA programs are distinct from those for the master's programs. For MBA admission requirements, click here.

Admission Requirements

To be considered for admission to a master's program, applicants must have earned a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution and submit the following:

  • Application for admission: Apply online.
  • Objective Statement: Provide information on your future educational goals and/or objectives and their relationship to pursuing graduate work at Concordia University Chicago. 
  • Transcripts: Provide one official, sealed transcript from each institution through which a degree was earned. 
  • International Transcripts: Any foreign transcripts must be evaluated by a Concordia-approved international credentialing service, such as WES (World Education Services) or ECE (Educational Credential Evaluators). 
  • Two letters of recommendation. Letters should be from individuals able to comment on the applicant's academic proficiency, personal character and competence and effectiveness in professional work. 
  • Prerequisite credit: Prerequisite credit requirements vary by degree program. The Clinical Mental Health Counseling program and the School Counseling program require 12 earned credit hours at the undergraduate level in a discipline appropriate to each respective program, with a grade of C or above. Most other master’s degree programs do not have a prerequisite credit requirement.
  • Program specific requirements: For the Master of Arts in Teaching and the School Counseling programs, students will be required to take the Test of Academic Proficiency (TAP) and submit passing scores. A writing sample and essay are required for a student to qualify for these programs. 

All documents should be submitted to the Office of Graduate Admission and Student Services, Concordia University Chicago, 7400 Augusta Street, River Forest, IL 60305. The office fax number is (708) 209-3454.

GPA Requirements

Applicant's must show evidence of ability to achieve success in a graduate program through the following:

  • Full Admission: To be considered for Full Admission, candidates will present a cumulative grade point average above 2.85 or will have earned a master’s degree with a 3.0 GPA or higher. 
  • Provisional Admission (available only to US residents and citizens): To be considered for Provisional Admission candidates will present credentials that generally satisfy full admission requirements, but need to satisfy additional admission requirements such as special program prerequisites. All admission requirements must be satisfied by the end of the candidate’s first semester of enrollment to continue in the program. 
  • Probationary Admission: To be considered for Probationary Admission, one or more of the following special conditions may exist: 1) a cumulative GPA between 2.25 and 2.84 (on a 4.0 scale); 2) holding a master’s degree with a cumulative GPA below 3.0; and/or 3) credentials/documents that raise cause for reservation for admission. Students admitted on probationary status must earn a 3.0 GPA in graduate course work within their first semester of enrollment to continue in the program. 

Superintendent endorsement and doctoral programs have higher GPA requirements. See requirements in their respective sections.

Additional Testing

Depending on program of study, students may be required to take additional tests such as the Graduate Record Exam, Miller Analogies Test and/or the Illinois Basic Skills Test. A writing sample, essay, FBI fingerprint criminal background check, valid teaching certificate and/or interview may also be required to determine what may be necessary for a student to qualify for a graduate program.

Pending Status

Students applying for admission to a master’s, post-master’s, post baccalaureate, or for a Certificate of Advanced Studies may enroll in an eligible program with Pending Status if all the required documentation has not been received at the time the student wishes to register for the course. Students admitted under Pending Status may register for courses in their initial term of admission only. To register for subsequent terms, pending students must be unconditionally admitted to the graduate program for which they have applied. Students entering with Pending Status are not eligible for any form of financial assistance from the university.

Doctoral and international students are not eligible to enroll with Pending Status.

International Students

Applicants who are not U.S. citizens are required to meet all admission standards listed for the program they wish to enter. In addition, the following are required to be considered for admission:

  • TOEFL: A score of at least 550 (paper-based), 213 (computer-based), 60 (internet-based) on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), or successful completion of Level 112 at an ELS Language Center and a qualified recommendation of the program director of the chosen language program; or a Michigan test score of 85; or an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) score of at least 5.5-6.0; a King George International College (KGIC) English for Post-Secondary Education (EPE) final proficiency test score of 75% with a passing class score of 80; or a Pearson Test of English score of at least 61.
  • Transcripts: Official transcripts from each college/university attended showing all college/university course work with certified English translations of all transcripts originally prepared in any other language. Also, any international transcripts must be evaluated by a Concordia-approved international credentialing service such as WES (World Education Services) or ECE (Educational Credential Evaluators). 
  • Financial Support: A certified document guaranteeing adequate financial support for at least the student's first year of study and, barring any unforeseen circumstances, adequate funding from the same or an equally dependable source, for subsequent years. 
  • Medical: A physical exam, adequate medical insurance, and proof of immunization are required prior to enrollment. 
  • Regular Admission Requirements: International students must qualify for regular admission to a degree program in order to enroll. 

All documents must be received by the Office of Graduate Admission and Enrollment Services at least three months prior to the expected date of entry. I-20 forms may be issued only after University acceptance is granted and will remain in effect only for students who continue to make satisfactory progress as full-time students in an accepted university program. The program length may vary for each student.