Concordia University Irvine: Top Christian University in California | Programs, Campus Life and Rankings

Concordia University Irvine (CUI), a private Christian university in California affiliated with the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, offers a mission-driven education grounded in faith, service, and academic excellence.

Founded in 1976, CUI has grown to serve around 3,500 students across multiple Southern California campuses, offering over 60 undergraduate majors and diverse graduate programs, including a Ph.D. in Counseling and an Ed.D. in Educational Leadership. With a focus on holistic development, the university emphasizes a Christ-centered community, rigorous academics, vibrant campus life, and servant leadership.

It consistently ranks among top regional universities and boasts a strong alumni network, including Olympians, public figures, and professionals across industries.

Concordia University Irvine: A Comprehensive Look at a Leading Christian University

Concordia University Irvine (CUI) is a private, non-profit Christian university located in Irvine, California. As part of the Concordia University System, it is guided by the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) and committed to preparing students for their vocations—their calling in life.

History and Mission

Established in 1976 as Christ College Irvine, CUI has grown significantly over its nearly 50-year history. Its mission statement emphasizes developing “wise, honorable, and cultivated citizens to serve society and the church,” guided by Christ’s Great Commission. The university embraces a “middle-way” approach, balancing its strong Lutheran intellectual tradition with an open and hospitable environment for all qualified students.

CUI’s core convictions are:

• Gospel-Centered: Welcoming all students and proclaiming God’s grace in Christ.
• Faithfully Relevant: Offering rigorous and sought-after programs that prepare servant leaders.
• Sustainably Excellent: Investing resources wisely to support ongoing excellence.
• Courageously Loving: Fostering a community of humility, responsibility, and growth.
• Relentlessly Hopeful: Carrying out its mission with hope rooted in Christ.

The university has expanded to three Southern California locations: the main Turtle Rock campus overlooking Irvine, the Spectrum Campus in the heart of Irvine’s health and biotech region, and a campus in Rancho Cucamonga for its Nursing Program.

Academics and Programs

Concordia University Irvine offers a wide array of academic programs at the undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels, along with online and adult degree options. It serves approximately 3,500 students, with roughly 1,500 undergraduates on the Turtle Rock campus and around 2,000 adult learners or graduate students online or in regional cohorts.

Key Academic Highlights:

• Undergraduate Programs: CUI offers over 60 undergraduate majors and specializations, enhanced by honors programs and study abroad opportunities. A cornerstone of the undergraduate experience is the innovative and engaging Enduring Questions & Ideas (EQI) Core Curriculum. Majors span diverse fields including:
  • Arts: Traditional Design, Graphic Design, CGI, Studio Art, Art History, Music, Theatre.
  • Business and Economics: Business Administration (with concentrations in Accounting, Business Data Analytics, Finance, Healthcare Management, International Business, Management, Marketing), Economics, Sports Business.
  • Health and Human Sciences: Biology (BA + BS), Chemistry (Pre-Medical), Healthcare Management, Kinesiology, Pre-Nursing, Pre-Athletic Training, Pre-Physical Therapy. Notably, the Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) is available for those with a prior bachelor’s degree.
  • Humanities and Social Sciences: Theology, Psychology, History, Philosophy, Creative Writing, Sociology, Communication Studies.
• Graduate Programs: CUI offers over a dozen master’s programs and a Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Educational Leadership, as well as a new Ph.D. in Counseling. Popular graduate programs include:
  • Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) with tracks in Nursing Education and Nursing Leadership (Family Nurse Practitioner option available).
  • Master of Arts (MA) in Counseling.
  • Master of Business Administration (MBA) with various electives.
  • Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA).
  • Executive Coaching, School Counseling, Organizational Leadership, Coaching and Athletics Administration, and Curriculum and Instruction.
• Online Programs: Five online bachelor’s degree programs are available, including a major in Leadership Studies and Christian Education Leadership.
• Accreditation: All nursing programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). The university holds regional accreditation from the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). Other accreditations include CAATE, CTC, CAHME, CACREP, IACBE, and ICF.

Campus Life and Student Experience

CUI fosters a close-knit and caring community, committed to personal, professional, and spiritual growth. The campus in Irvine is safely located within a gated community, offering access to bike paths, walking trails, entertainment, beaches, and shopping in Southern California.

Aspects of Campus Life:

Residential Life: Campus housing includes Living Learning Communities (LLCs), where students can connect with peers and faculty/staff in residence based on shared interests.

Dining: Award-winning food service by Bon Appétit focuses on sustainable and healthy options.

Student Organizations: A wide range of student clubs and organizations cater to diverse interests, from the Heritage Garden Club and E-Sports Club to Delta Sigma Pi. Students are also encouraged to start new clubs.

Athletics: As the only NCAA Division II university in Orange County, CUI is home to the Golden Eagles Athletics, offering competitive sports and events. Intramural and club sports, including a disc golf course and surf club, are also popular.

Arts: Students have opportunities to participate in music, theatre, and visual arts, with various ensembles and performance venues. Student publications include the newspaper “The Concordia Courier,” the yearbook “The Clearlight,” and the annual creative writing and art journal “The Aerie.”

Spiritual Life: Faithful to its Lutheran tradition, CUI offers daily contemporary and traditional chapel services, Bible studies, and global and local mission projects.

First-Year Experience: Programs like Week of Welcome (WOW) and Peer Advising Leaders (PALs) help new students transition to college life.

Service and Outreach: Concordia emphasizes service through experiential learning, with opportunities for global and local missions. The annual “CONCORDIA serves” event engages alumni, students, faculty, and staff in community service.

Rankings and Recognition

Concordia University Irvine consistently receives recognition in various rankings:

• U.S. News & World Report: CUI has been named a “Top Tier” Regional University in the West. In recent years, it has ranked highly in categories such as:
  • Best Regional Universities West (e.g., #49 in 2021, #34 in 2020).
  • Best Value Schools (e.g., #24 in the West in 2021, #27 in 2020).
  • Best Colleges for Veterans (e.g., #29 in 2021, #19 in 2020).
  • Top Performers for Social Mobility (e.g., #93 in 2021).
  • A-Plus Schools for B Students.
• Forbes: CUI has been listed among “Top Colleges,” “Private Colleges,” and “The West” in Forbes’ rankings.
• The Chronicle of Higher Education: Named as one of the fastest-growing private non-profit master’s institutions.

Notable Alumni

Concordia University Irvine boasts a growing network of over 25,000 alumni worldwide, including individuals who have achieved success in various fields. Some notable alumni include:

• Tayshia Adams: Phlebotomist, replacement lead in The Bachelorette (16th season).
• Misty May-Treanor: Three-time Olympic gold medalist, beach volleyball champion.
• André Murillo: Professional basketball player.
• Jonathan Cronstedt: Business executive.
• John Shimkus: Former U.S. Congressman from Illinois.
• Mike Wing: Musician and composer.
• Cameron Gliddon: Professional basketball player in Australia.
• Christian Ramirez: Professional soccer player.
• Larry Tieu: ASEAN Basketball League player.

Concordia University Irvine stands as a thriving Christian university dedicated to providing a holistic educational experience that prepares students for meaningful lives of service and leadership in a complex world.

FAQs about Concordia University Irvine

What is Concordia University Irvine known for?
Concordia University Irvine is known for its Christ-centered education, strong academic programs, close-knit campus community, and commitment to service and leadership.

Where is Concordia University Irvine located?
It is located in Irvine, California, with its main campus in the Turtle Rock neighborhood and additional locations in Spectrum (Irvine) and Rancho Cucamonga.

Is Concordia University Irvine a public or private university?
It is a private, non-profit Christian university affiliated with the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS).

When was Concordia University Irvine founded?
The university was founded in 1976 as Christ College Irvine.

What religious affiliation does Concordia University Irvine have?
It is affiliated with the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod and is part of the Concordia University System.

How many students attend Concordia University Irvine?
Approximately 3,500 students are enrolled, including around 1,500 traditional undergraduates and 2,000 graduate or adult learners.

What undergraduate programs does CUI offer?
CUI offers over 60 undergraduate majors in fields like business, health sciences, humanities, theology, arts, and more.

Does Concordia University Irvine offer graduate programs?
Yes, it offers master’s degrees, an Ed.D. in Educational Leadership, and a Ph.D. in Counseling.

Are there online degree programs available?
Yes, CUI provides several fully online bachelor’s and graduate degree programs for adult learners.

What is the Enduring Questions & Ideas (EQI) Core Curriculum?
EQI is a distinctive core curriculum focused on great texts and timeless questions, promoting critical thinking and a liberal arts foundation.

Is Concordia University Irvine accredited?
Yes, it holds regional accreditation from WASC and program-specific accreditations like CCNE, CAATE, CACREP, and others.

What is campus life like at Concordia University Irvine?
CUI offers a supportive and vibrant campus life with Living Learning Communities, student organizations, athletics, arts, and spiritual life.

What athletics programs does Concordia University Irvine have?
CUI competes in NCAA Division II and offers sports such as basketball, volleyball, soccer, baseball, and more, under the Golden Eagles banner.

What student organizations are available?
There are numerous student clubs, including academic, cultural, spiritual, service, and interest-based groups. Students can also create new clubs.

What spiritual opportunities are available on campus?
CUI offers daily chapel services (traditional and contemporary), Bible studies, and local/global mission projects.

Is on-campus housing available?
Yes, students can live in residential halls and Living Learning Communities designed around shared academic or social interests.

What dining options are offered?
Bon Appétit provides award-winning dining services focused on sustainability and healthy, delicious meals.

Are there study abroad opportunities?
Yes, CUI offers various study abroad and travel study programs for undergraduate students.

What is the Week of Welcome (WOW)?
WOW is a first-year experience program that helps new students transition into college life with social events, mentoring, and orientation activities.

Does CUI support service and outreach?
Yes, the university integrates service learning into academics and hosts events like “CONCORDIA serves,” involving students, alumni, and faculty in community service.

What notable alumni have graduated from Concordia University Irvine?
Notable alumni include Olympic gold medalist Misty May-Treanor, Bachelorette star Tayshia Adams, and professional athletes like Christian Ramirez and Cameron Gliddon.

How does CUI rank nationally?
It is consistently recognized by U.S. News & World Report and Forbes as a top regional university in the West and a best value school.

Is CUI a good option for veterans?
Yes, it has been ranked among the Best Colleges for Veterans and offers veteran-friendly services and support.

What is the university’s mission?
CUI aims to develop wise, honorable, and cultivated citizens to serve society and the church, rooted in Christ’s Great Commission.

What kind of student is a good fit for Concordia University Irvine?
Students seeking a Christ-centered education, small class sizes, a strong sense of community, and opportunities for service and leadership thrive at CUI.

Can non-Lutheran or non-Christian students attend CUI?
Yes, CUI welcomes students of all faith backgrounds while maintaining its Lutheran identity and values.

Does Concordia University Irvine offer financial aid?
Yes, financial aid is available through scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study programs.

How do I apply to Concordia University Irvine?
You can apply online through the university’s admissions portal. Both undergraduate and graduate applications are available.

Are campus visits available?
Yes, prospective students can schedule campus tours and attend preview days to experience life at CUI.