About Concordia University Irvine
Developing wise, honorable, and cultivated citizens
Guided by Concordia’s Mission
Concordia University Irvine is Orange County’s premier Christian university — and one of the founding institutions of higher education in Irvine, California. For 50 years, we have formed wise, honorable, and cultivated citizens through distinctive Lutheran education rooted in the Lutheran intellectual tradition and grounded in the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Today, nearly 5,000 students learn on campus and online, joining an alumni network of over 25,000 worldwide. Ranked among the “Top Performers on Social Mobility” by U.S. News & World Report, Concordia prepares students not just for careers, but for all of 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.
Our President
Our president, 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.
Our Heritage
Our Lutheran heritage fosters an environment of hospitality. 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 Campus
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.
Get Involved With Our Community
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 alumnus 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 Concordia’s mission:
Attend One of Our Events
Join us on campus or out in the community for one of our exciting events — from the performing arts to educational opportunities and more.
Church and Community Relations
Concordia University Irvine is a bridge between higher education and the communities and churches in Orange County and beyond. Through church and community relations, we develop meaningful partnerships with churches, Christian schools, and organizations, giving Concordia’s students, faculty, and staff opportunities to share God’s love and serve others.
Member of the Concordia University System
Concordia University Irvine is a member of the Concordia University System (CUS), which is comprised of five 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 five campuses approach learning from a Lutheran context. The common goal is to develop wise, honorable, and cultivated citizens for the church, community, and world.