Academic Programs - Undergraduate

System of Course Descriptions

Courses of study and descriptions are arranged according to course numbers within the departments. All courses are listed in this catalog. The course value in semester credits is indicated within parentheses after the course title.

Course Numbering System

Courses numbered 300-499 are upper division undergraduate level courses normally taken by juniors and seniors; however, approved courses in the 400-level may count as graduate credit if completed after admission to the graduate program.

Courses numbered 500-599 599 are graduate level. Not every university department offers a graduate program; however, all departments may offer the following graduate courses: 582 Selected Topics (1-4), 590 Independent Study (1-4).

Courses numbered 600-799 are doctoral level.

Courses numbered 800-899 are professional development courses designed to meet professional needs and to update and expand professional knowledge and skills. This upper division credit is available only to those who have at least a bachelor’s degree. Credit is not applicable toward a degree and is based on 15 hours of satisfactory participation in an organized continuing education program. With prior approval from the Dean of the School for Professional and Continuing Studies, credit may be applied toward a credential. Courses are normally graded on a Pass/No Credit basis.

Courses numbered 900-999 are Continuing Education Units (CEU). The CEU is a means for measuring and recording noncredit, postsecondary level study. A CEU is based on 10 contact hours of satisfactory participation in an organized continuing education program. These courses are not designed for application to a degree or credential, but rather for recording of noncredit course work.

Courses numbered 1000-8999 are graduate level seminary courses.

Previous Numbering

Prior to fall semester 2001, 600–699 numbered courses were offered for noncredit only and were ungraded. Prior to fall semester 2009, 700-799 numbered courses were offered for noncredit only and were ungraded. Participants in these courses were not able to claim credit or challenge the course for credit at a later date.

Prior to the fall semester 1975, all continuing education courses were numbered with upper division numbers (300 and 400 series) and a prefix of “C.” These courses were applicable to credentials for persons eligible for Fisher credentials and were applicable to a degree at Cal Lutheran when indicated on the transcript record.

From fall 1975 through summer 1977, continuing education courses were numbered in an 800 level series. These courses were upper division level and normally enrolled students had baccalaureate degrees. Although the courses were designed primarily for professional improvement or advancement and not applicable to a degree or credential, persons could apply them to a credential where appropriate and with approval of the Chair of the Education Department. Application of the courses to a degree was at the discretion of the department involved.

Cal Lutheran offers major and minor programs of study within the university’s six schools:

• School of Management

• Graduate School of Education

• Graduate School of Psychology

• Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary

• School for Professional and Continuing Studies

• College of Arts and Sciences

College of Arts and Sciences in comprised of four divisions and 21 departments.

The divisions and departments are listed below:

Humanities Division

• English Department

• History Department

• Languages & Cultures Department

• Philosophy Department

• Religion Department

Creative Arts Division

• Film and Television Department

• Music Department

• Theater Arts and Dance Department

• Visual Arts Department

Natural Sciences Division

• Biology Department

• Chemistry Department

• Computer Science Department

• Earth and Environmental Science Department

• Exercise Science Department

• Mathematics Department

• Physics Department

Social Sciences Division

• Communication Department

• Criminology and Criminal Justice Department

• Political Science Department

• Psychology Department

• Sociology Department

Undergraduate Majors and Minors

 * Major only offered
**Minor only offered

• Accounting

• Accounting and Financial Analysis (Bachelor's Degree for Professionals)*

• Advertising and Public Relations

• American Studies **

• Art

• Asian Studies **

• Biochemistry and Molecular Biology*

• Biological Science

• Business Administration (Traditional)

• Business Management (Bachelor's Degree for Professionals)*

• Chemistry

• Communication

• Community Leadership and Civic Engagement

• Computer Information Systems

• Computer Science

• Creative Writing **

• Criminology and Criminal Justice*

• Criminology and Justice Studies (Bachelor's Degree for Professionals)*

• Data Science

• Digital Media and Design

• Economics

• English

• Entrepreneurship **

• Environmental Science*

• Environmental Studies **

• Ethnic Studies **

• Exercise Science*

• Film and Television

• Film and TV Business*

• Financial Planning **

• French

• Gender and Women's Studies **

• Geosciences

• Global Studies

• History

• History Pedagogy*

• Interdisciplinary*

• Journalism

• Legal Studies**

• Liberal Studies in Education*

• Marketing Communication*

• Mathematics

• Museum Studies*

• Music

• Music Production*

• Organizational Leadership (Bachelor's Degree for Professionals)*

• Philosophy

• Physics

• Podcasting and Radio Production**

• Political Science

• Pre-law **

• Psychology

• Psychology and Behavioral Science (Bachelor's Degree for Professionals)*

• Public Health **

• Religion*

• Science ** (Applied Scientific Computing)

• Sociology

• Spanish

• Spanish Media**

• Sports Management

• Sports Communication

• Strategic Communication (Bachelor's Degree for Professionals)*

• TESOL **

• Theater Arts

• Theology and Christian Leadership*

Preprofessional Programs

Preprofessional programs are also offered in selected areas of study.

Church Vocations

Cal Lutheran offers courses that prepare students for ordained and non-ordained ministries in the various denominations of the Christian church. Students may study to become church educators, musicians, youth directors, administrators and ordained ministers. Students could major in Theology and Christian Leadership and choose the emphasis area relevant to their vocational goals or they could choose a major in an area appropriate to their specific vocational choice and minor in Religion with a Church Vocations emphasis. For example, a student interested in becoming a church organist could major in Music and minor in Religion with a Church Vocations emphasis or major in Theology and Christian Leadership with a specialization in Worship and Music and perhaps also add a Music major with emphasis in organ performance. Advisers can help students choose the option which best suits their particular needs.

Preseminary

Cal Lutheran has several program options that are appropriate for students preparing to go to seminary, including two Religion majors and three Religion minors, designed to give students a solid grounding in religion and other cognate disciplines that will prepare them for whatever seminary they might later choose to enter. Students considering study at a theological seminary – even if that seems only a remote possibility at present – are encouraged to consult with members of the Religion Department and/or one of our campus pastors.

Associate in Ministry

An Associate in Ministry (AiM) is a rostered lay person who is certified by the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and appointed to specific ministries. Certified ELCA AiMs must meet the following basic criteria related to their area of specialty:

• a bachelor’s or master’s degree in a field appropriate to the position;

• at least 20 credits in studies focusing on the Christian/Lutheran tradition, including Bible, theology, confessions and church history;*

• at least one year of successful, supervised field experience in the area of specialty;*

• professional certification where appropriate.

Prelaw

Law schools ordinarily require a bachelor’s degree for admission. Students considering attending law school may major in any subject but should consult a prelaw adviser for information about preparing for the Law School Aptitude Test (LSAT). For further information, contact the Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences who will refer you to an adviser.

Premedicine/Health Related Fields

Medical, dental, physical therapy, optometry and other health-related professional schools ordinarily require a bachelor’s degree as a prerequisite for admission. Although most schools do not require a specific undergraduate major, they do require a set of core science courses (one to two years of biology, two years of chemistry, one year of physics and one year of math/statistics). Many students find that an interdisciplinary major is more appropriate for their interests.

In addition to an adviser for their major, students should contact the chairperson of either the Biology Department or the Chemistry Department who will recommend an adviser for their specific interest. The program of study undertaken by a preprofessional student should satisfy both Cal Lutheran's graduation requirements and the specific requirements of the health-related program.

Students interested in attending graduate school in physical therapy may also major in Exercise Science with a Health Professions concentration. For more information, see Steven Hawkins in the Exercise Science Department.

Bachelor's Degree for Professionals

The Bachelor's Degree for Professionals is a bachelor’s degree completion program designed to meet the needs of transfer students who wish to complete their degree while juggling the time demands of work, family and other commitments. Classes are online with two majors also meeting in-person in the evening to accommodate the working adult student. The flexible online courses have a weekly, one-hour synchronous virtual meeting session in the evening for those students who desire to interact with their peers and faculty, or they can be attended fully asynchronously.   

The intensive program calendar consists of five 8-week terms per year making it possible to earn the degree at an accelerated pace. Bachelor's Degree for Professionals candidates must have a minimum of 24 transferable credits and a 2.25 minimum GPA upon entrance. 

Degrees are offered in Accounting & Financial Analysis, Business Management, Criminology & Justice Studies, Organizational Leadership, Psychological and Behavioral Science, and Strategic Communication. For more information visit www.CalLutheran.edu/professionals and learn more about which majors are offered at the main campus or online.

For admission details, check our website at www.CalLutheran.edu/professionals/admission or call 805-493-3325.

Graduate Programs

Graduate degrees and credential programs are offered both on campus and at off-campus centers. Programs are designed to accommodate adult students who are employed full time and are pursuing course work on a part-time basis. Classes are scheduled at times and locations convenient to the working adult. Complete program descriptions and university policies are included in the Graduate Studies catalog.

Doctorate in Educational Leadership

Doctorate in Higher Education Leadership

Doctorate in Clinical Psychology

Master of Arts

Educational Leadership

Master of Education in Teacher Leadership

Master of Science

Clinical Psychology

Counseling and Guidance (with specializations in):

• Pupil Personnel Services

• College Student Personnel

Counseling and Pupil Personnel Services with College Counseling

Counseling and College Student Personnel

Counseling Psychology (with an emphasis in):

• Marital and Family Therapy

Education of the Deaf

Information Technology

Management

Quantitative Economics and Predictive Analytics

Special Education

Sport Management

Master of Business Administration (with majors in):

Enterprise Innovation and Entrepreneurship

Finance

Human Capital Management

International Business

Marketing

Sport Management

Technology Management

Master of Business Administration for Executives

Master of Business Administration for Financial Planning Professionals

Master of Public Policy and Administration

Credentials

Dual

• Multiple Subjects & Mild to Moderate Support Needs

Teaching

• Preliminary Multiple or Single Subject

• Clear Multiple or Single Subject

Administrative Services

• Preliminary

• Clear

Pupil Personnel Services

• Clear (School Counseling and Child Welfare and Attendance* Authorizations)

Education Specialist

• Preliminary (Deaf and Hard of Hearing Specialty)

• Clear (Deaf and Hard of Hearing Specialty)

• Preliminary (Mild to Moderate, Moderate to Severe Specialties)

• Clear (Mild to Moderate, Moderate to Severe Specialties)

• Level II (Mild to Moderate, Moderate to Severe Specialties)

Certificates

• Global Supply Chain Management

• Post MBA Certificate Program Series

Authorizations

• Autism

• Computer Concepts

• Reading

Graduate Catalog

A catalog of graduate programs and class offerings may be obtained by contacting:

California Lutheran University
Graduate and Adult Programs
60 West Olsen Road #2300
Thousand Oaks, CA 91360-2787
805-493-3127
clugrad@CalLutheran.edu
www.CalLutheran.edu

Special Academic Opportunities

Honors

The University Honors Program (UHP) provides enhanced educational opportunities for Cal Lutheran’s most academically motivated students. The mission of the UHP is to challenge students at a higher level as they grapple with deeper questions of life, identity, and purpose within a global community. It encourages intellectual exploration and experimentation by involving students in an intensive study of works that bridge diverse historical contexts, cultural settings and fields of knowledge. By balancing tradition and innovation and discovering or creating links between areas of knowledge currently separated by disciplines and departments, the UHP encourages students to think holistically and critically about these works and the global issues they illuminate.

The UHP is open to students by invitation upon admission to Cal Lutheran, although other admitted students may submit an appeal to the Director of the University Honors Program to be considered for admission to the program. In addition, up to five transfers a year may petition to enter the Honors Program either during their sophomore or the beginning of their junior year.

First-year UHP students must complete one of two year-long foundational seminar series. One of these courses is Humanities Tutorial, a course that explores a wide array of themes in literature and philosophy. From the origins of Western thought in Greek philosophy and literature to an extensive survey of contemporary themes (both Western and non-Western) in more recent writings, the Humanities Tutorial foundational seminar provides a stimulating atmosphere in which to explore important ideas in the humanities.

The second foundational seminar series is Social and Natural Sciences. Two interdisciplinary courses introduce students to academic disciplines within the social sciences and the natural sciences. In HNRS 120, students will explore research and apply analytical perspectives from related fields of study to examine social issues, public policies, and institutions. As the course progresses, students will focus more in-depth on contemporary issues, drawing on readings and lectures from experts who will bring to bear relevant theories and methods from their respective academic disciplines. HNRS 130 places the natural sciences in larger social and cultural contexts. The course includes experiential learning labs in which students learn about California natural history and natural history field practices. It aims to providing them with an amateur’s set of tools and skills to increase their knowledge of the natural world, as well as to help students understand the role of nature study in the context of conservation issues and practices relevant to California.

Requirements for completion of the Honors Program

During their second, third and fourth years, University Honors students must complete at least three honors seminars on special topics (preferably one in each year) to graduate with University Honors. Transfer students will be required to complete at least three upper-division honors seminars to achieve University Honors. Students who successfully complete these criteria will receive University Honors upon graduation. Students who complete all five courses and maintain a CLU GPA of 3.5 or higher will receive University Honors with Distinction upon graduation.

Interdisciplinary Major

When a student’s career or academic goals are not best served by a traditional major, it is possible to devise a major which spans more than one academic discipline. Courses, independent studies and experiential learning can be combined into a program which meets the student’s needs. For more information, see the interdisciplinary major listing.

Internships

An internship is an upper division planned and supervised field experience designed to apply academic knowledge to an actual work environment. The 492 course number is used in all departments to indicate internships.

Internship credit must have educational benefit and be a genuine work experience. It involves the application of learned skills, the integration of theory and practice, the assessment of education as it relates to the specific work experience, and examination of the nature and values of the organization or agency that is the setting of the work experience.

Credit is not given for on-the-job work, but for the demonstrated reflection and learning. Students work with a faculty adviser, an on-site supervisor and the Career Services Center. Course grade (Pass/No Credit only) is based on job performance and evidence of learning.

Internships must be related to a student’s major. First year students are not eligible for internships. Traditional undergraduate students may receive a maximum of four units in a semester (or summer) and may take a total of no more than eight credits in internships. Bachelor's Degree for Professionals students may receive a maximum of two units in a semester (or summer) and may take a total of no more than eight credits in internships.

Credit for each course is determined by the instructor and department chair. Normally, five hours of on-site work per week is required for each semester credit (except for summer), and the related activities and evaluation are proportionate to the credit granted. Grade (Pass/No Credit only) is determined by the instructor. A 2.5 GPA is required for eligibility.

Students must prepare an Internship Application (available through Career Services). Applications must be approved by the instructor, the on-site supervisor, the department chair and the Registrar.

Approved course applications must be submitted to the Registrar’s Office. Bachelor's Degree for Professionals students need to contact and submit applications to the Bachelor's Degree for Professionals Office.

Continuing and Professional Education

Continuing & Professional Education

Continuing & Professional Education (CPE) extends Cal Lutheran’s educational mission by providing accessible, flexible, and career-relevant learning opportunities for adult learners, working professionals, organizations, employers, and communities. Through credit-bearing and noncredit courses, professional development, workforce training, certificates, executive education, customized learning, and professional certification and licensure preparation, CPE equips learners with the knowledge, skills, and credentials needed to advance their careers, adapt to evolving workforce demands, and engage in lifelong learning beyond traditional degree programs. 

For additional information, contact the Center for Lifelong Learning. 

Credit by Examination

Students in good standing may challenge for credit most courses listed in the Cal Lutheran catalog upon the approval of the department chair and academic dean.

Students may not challenge for credit a course in which they previously have received a grade of F or NC (No Credit).

Application must be made through the Registrar Office, and signatures of the department chair and instructor must be obtained. Credit earned by examination will be graded P (Pass).

Fees for examinations vary and will be paid in advance of the examination. Credit earned is recorded at the end of the term in which the examination is taken.

Note: A maximum of 32 credits by exam may be applied to a bachelor’s degree; eight upper division units can be included in this total. This limit applies to the sum of all credits earned by exam, including CLEP and Advanced Placement exams.

Note: Thirty of the final 40 credits must be completed in residence at Cal Lutheran. Credits by exam do not count as residency credits.

College Level Examination Program (CLEP)*

No credit is granted on the basis of scores on the General Examination. Credit is awarded for Subject Examinations. To be eligible, a student must score at or above the mean as compared with college students receiving a C in the course. A complete list of tests offered, equivalencies, and credits is available below.

*CLEP fulfill Lower Division work only.
*CLEP's cannot be used to fulfill the following CORE requirements: Global Perspectives, History, US Diversity, Literature, Writing or Speaking Intensive.

Independent Study Courses

Independent Study opportunities are available for students to work independently, in consultation with a faculty member, on in-depth research in particular areas of academic interest.

Students wishing to undertake an Independent Study must have attained junior status (60 units of credit) and be in good academic standing.

Traditional undergraduate students may earn no more than six units of Independent Study in any given semester or six units during summer sessions and may count no more than 16 units of Independent Study credit into the number of units required for the bachelor’s degree.

Bachelor's Degree for Professionals students may earn no more than four units of Independent Study in any given semester and may count no more than eight units of Independent Study credit toward the total number of units required for the bachelor’s degree.

Students must have their Independent Study contract approved and signed by the sponsoring professor, the chair of the department in which the study is taken and the Registrar on or before the final date to add a course. Forms for registration and the Independent Study contract form are available in the Registrar’s Office.

Summer Session

For students in the traditional undergraduate programs, two terms of six weeks each are offered in the summer session. The curriculum is designed for undergraduate students wishing to accelerate their progress or make up work. The normal course load for a summer term is two courses or six to eight credit hours. Students may not take more than four courses or 16 credits over the entire summer session. Exceptions to this policy must be approved in writing by the Registrar prior to registration. For students in the Bachelor's Degree for Professionals program, summer course are taken in Term 5.

Reserve Officers Training Corps Opportunities (ROTC)

Students who qualify may enroll in either the Air Force ROTC program or the Army ROTC program. Cal Lutheran has agreements with Loyola Marymount University for Air Force ROTC (see below) and the University of California, Los Angeles for Army ROTC. Cal Lutheran students may enroll in courses at those institutions. Academic units earned in the ROTC programs are counted as elective credits toward graduation at Cal Lutheran. For further information on ROTC and possible scholarships, please use the contact information below.

Air Force Reserve Officers Training Corps (AFROTC)

While enrolled full time at California Lutheran University, students can choose to participate in ROTC and take a class each week at Loyola Marymount University (Det 040). The courses completed will be accepted as transfer credit toward your degree completion at Cal Lutheran.

The Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFROTC) is a military leadership program designed to give men and women the opportunity to become Air or Space Force officers while completing a degree.  The General Military Course (GMC) is taken during the freshman and sophomore years.  This program allows students to learn about the military lifestyle for up to two years without incurring any obligation.  The Professional Officer Course (POC) is taken during the junior and senior years.  Before entering the POC, students will attend a two-week summer Field Training course. To learn more, please visit https://academics.lmu.edu/afrotc/.

Scholarships

ROTC Scholarships are awarded on a competitive basis to U.S. citizens regardless of parents’ income. Scholarships provide tuition, a book allowance, fees, and a tax-free monetary monthly allowance during the academic year. Applications for scholarships may be obtained at www.afrotc.com or by calling 310-825-1742.

Undergraduate Study

The four-year program is available to first-term freshmen and those full-time students with at least three and one half years of undergraduate and/or graduate study remaining. The program consists of an initial two-year General Military Course, or GMC (Aerospace Studies 1A, 1B, 1C, 20A, 20B, and 20C), followed by a two-year Professional Officer Course (POC) described under Two-Year Program. GMC participation requires one hour of academic class and two hours of leadership laboratory each week during the academic year. Students incur no military obligation for GMC participation unless they qualify and accept an Air Force ROTC Scholarship during or after their sophomore year. Students who complete GMC and wish to enter POC attend a four-week field training course the summer following GMC completion. At field training, students are provided meals, quarters, clothing, and travel and incidental expenses. Subjects covered at field training include junior officer training, aircraft and aircrew orientation, career orientation, survival training, base functions, Air Force environment, and physical training.

Institutes and Centers

Cal Lutheran has the following centers and institutes that enhance scholarly activities, research opportunities and community outreach.

• Autism and Communication Center

• California Institute of Finance

• Center for Academic Service-Learning

• Center for Economic Research and Forecasting

• Center for Economics of social Issues

• Center for Entrepreneurship

• Center for Equality and Justice

• Center for Faith and Culture

• Center for Livelong Learning

• Center for NonProfit Leadership

• Center for Performance Excellence

• Center for Teaching and Learning

• Community Counseling Services

Education Abroad, Center for Global Engagement

At Cal Lutheran, our mission to “educate leaders for a global society” is more than just a motto—it is a call to action. We believe that to truly understand the world, students have to experience it firsthand. Whether students are looking for a traditional semester-long immersion, a short-term faculty-led trek, or an international internship, studying abroad will dramatically broaden your horizons and equip them with the real-world skills needed to stand out in an increasingly interconnected career landscape.

Cal Lutheran has programs and partnerships in more than 75 countries. Through our dynamic ISEP Exchange Programs and exclusive, in-house Signature programs, we offer a massive array of credit- and non-credit-bearing overseas options. Financial aid and scholarships are readily available for the vast majority of our programs.

While studying abroad, students often take a mix of courses that fulfill IDEAS General Education requirements, such as humanities and social sciences. Courses abroad can also fulfill major/minor requirements. With proper approval, courses taken abroad transfer back to Cal Lutheran as major, minor, IDEAS, or elective credit. In addition to academic courses, many programs feature built-in internships, hands-on research, and transformative service-learning opportunities.

Cal Lutheran is committed to supporting every student who wants to take their education global. To participate in a traditional semester abroad program, undergraduate students should have at least second-semester sophomore standing. Eligibility for other programs varies for short-term and graduate options. For participation in any program option, students must be in good academic standing to participate and remain subject to university policies, and respecting your host country's laws is paramount; violations can result in disciplinary action at Cal Lutheran.

Since space is limited for some programs, students are advised to begin planning more than a year in advance and to visit the Office for Education Abroad located in the Center for Global Engagement as early as possible in their academic career to research possible destinations. Students should also work closely with their faculty adviser and map out a tentative four-year plan that includes classes to be taken abroad. Additional information is available at www.CalLutheran.edu/studyabroad.