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About Concordia University Irvine

Developing wise, honorable, and cultivated citizens

Concordia University Irvine, part of the Concordia University System, is a private, nonprofit Christian university that is proud to be one of the founding institutions of higher education in Irvine, California. For 50 years, we have prepared wise, honorable, and cultivated citizens through distinctive Lutheran education.

Today, we educate nearly 5,000 students on campus and online, and our alumni network has grown to over 25,000 worldwide. Ranked nationally among the “Top Performers on Social Mobility” by U.S. News & World Report, Concordia prepares students for all their life’s callings. Once you become a Golden Eagle, you’ll be part of a close, caring community that’s committed to helping you grow personally, professionally, and spiritually.

Explore our academic programs and learn more about our schools, colleges, and institutes.

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Our fifth president of Concordia University Irvine, Michael A. Thomas, Ph.D., brings a passion for higher education to his tenure. His deep commitment to the Lutheran tradition, along with his extensive experience across multiple disciplines, including curriculum, faculty and staff development, governance, enrollment, and student life, have helped him lead Concordia into a new era.

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Our Lutheran heritage fosters an environment of inclusiveness. Concordia is for anyone who believes they have been called by Christ, as well as those who may be curious about our view of God. Learn more about our heritage and what sets Lutheran education apart.

Our beautiful main campus is perched on top of a hill in Irvine, one of America’s safest cities, located just 10 minutes from the beach and 20 minutes from Disneyland. Our Spectrum Campus™, home to our nursing and health sciences programs, resides in Irvine’s dynamic biotech and healthcare hub. Explore our main campus in person or through a virtual tour.

The Concordia community is a vibrant one, both on and off campus. Our community extends far beyond our hilltop campus to Southern California, the Pacific Southwest, and the world. If you are a donor, friend, neighbor, local church, parent, or alumni of Concordia University Irvine, Christ College Irvine, or California Concordia College, you are a part of our community.

Here’s how to get involved and become a part of the various ways we are living out the Great Commission:

Join us on campus or out in the community for one of our exciting events — from the performing arts to educational opportunities and more.

Through church and community relations, Concordia develops meaningful partnerships with churches and Christian schools, helping students discover their callings in full-time ministry while strengthening the Church at large.

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Concordia University Irvine is a member of the Concordia University System (CUS), which is comprised of six colleges affiliated with The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS). Located across the United States, the colleges enroll more than 30,000 students annually. While each institution is unique, all six campuses approach learning from a Lutheran context. The common goal is to develop Christian leaders for the church, community, and world.