Luther Seminary Admissions Website: https://www.luthersem.edu/admissions/

Master of Divinity Degree and Master of Arts Degree

General admissions requirements for these degree programs are listed below. Additional requirements are indicated in the sections describing each degree (e.g., M.A. concentrations, graduate certificates).

The Master of Divinity degree program is primarily intended to prepare candidates for ordained ministry (and is required for those seeking ordination as a minister of Word and Sacrament in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) and similar vocations in many other denominations). 

The Master of Arts degree program is primarily intended to prepare those seeking vocations in nonprofit leadership or lay rostered ministry in the church. The M.A. degree is the minimum degree requirement for those seeking ordination as a minister of Word and Service (i.e., deacon or deaconess) in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.

Students pursuing any path towards ordination should contact their church/synod or other denominational body to begin/complete the entrance process in order to begin seminary.

A seminary of the ELCA, Luther Seminary welcomes students from all religious and faith traditions. Courses in denominational theology and polity required for a student’s ordination are available at Luther, through consortium offerings or by independent study.

Those not seeking degrees may study as graduate certificate and non-degree students.

Prospective students are encouraged to visit Luther Seminary. A visit may be arranged by contacting
welcome@luthersem.edu or 651-641-3521.  Also, see website www.luthersem.edu 

Prerequisites

A bachelor’s degree, or its equivalent, from a regionally accredited college or university, is required. Students without a bachelor’s degree may be considered for admission if they have significant leadership or ministry experience, possess the equivalent of an Associate Arts degree or more, and/or have a positive entrance decision from their synodical candidacy committee if pursuing ordination. Other requirements may be requested by the Office of Admissions upon application. Contact the Office of Admissions (admissions@luthersem.edu) for more information.

Applicants are typically required to have a cumulative grade point average in college or most recent school of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale (B average). However, factors other than the academic record are taken into consideration when making admissions decisions. These may include other graduate study or degrees, occupational experience, church and community leadership and an applicant’s demonstrated readiness for graduate-level work. Applicants with undergraduate GPAs below 3.0 are requested to submit a statement detailing readiness for graduate school and may be asked to submit additional materials.

Greek and Hebrew

Entering students who have earned undergraduate credit for Greek or Hebrew may take a proficiency exam to satisfy the degree requirement if: 

  • They have earned at least two full semesters of undergraduate or graduate credit from a regionally accredited institution.

  • Courses were in ancient or Biblical Greek or Hebrew (intro and grammar).

  • They have earned a grade of “C” (2.0) or higher.

  • They have completed courses within five years of starting at Luther Seminary. 

If a student receives credit for their Greek or Hebrew courses, this credit will be considered toward the maximum credits allowed under Advanced Standing.  See Advanced Standing section for more information.

Personal Qualifications

Gospel-centered - you are committed to the witness of salvation through Jesus Christ - preference given to applicants who can articulate a Christian faith identity; preference also given to applicants who have a set of spiritual practices and are active in a Christian faith community

Community-oriented - you can articulate a vocational purpose to serve the church and God’s world - preference given to applicants who seek to use their degree in service to Christian communities; preference also given to applicants willing to invest in the Luther community, distributed or in-person

Academically Skilled - you are able to communicate meaningfully and clearly in written and verbal forms, can successfully speak and write in the English language, and can successfully navigate online environments - preference given to applicants who have demonstrated previous academic success and exposure to recommended prerequisite studies such as Bible, English, Philosophy/Religion, History, Speech and Foreign Language

Learning Leader - you are willing to engage yourself and others in the challenges and opportunities of living out a Christian faith in a modern, pluralistic society - preference given to applicants who have demonstrated leadership success in their communities; preference also given to applicants who demonstrate creativity and imagination for existing congregational and emerging ministries

Inclusive - you are curious and respectful of diverse cultures and ideas, are committed to building relationships with others across difference and can demonstrate the ability to sit in discomfort and “engage one another with openness, vulnerability, and generosity” - preference given to applicants whose experiences have prepared them to navigate ethnic and cultural differences

Self-awareness - you pay attention to your physical, emotional and spiritual well-being and are willing to ask for help - preference given to applicants who demonstrate resilience, flexibility, integrity, emotional maturity and good communication skills

Preparedness - you have the support and tools needed to take on the challenge of graduate theological education - preference given to applicants who have the support of their personal network (i.e. faith community, mentors, family) and who demonstrate awareness of and responsibility for the financial and time commitments of seminary study and contextual learning

As a seminary of the ELCA, preference will be given to ELCA ordination-bound applicants who meet the above qualifications and can demonstrate satisfactory progress in their candidacy process.

As a seminary “anchored and animated by a Lutheran confessional witness” that is “grounded in a theology of the cross that offers hope,” Luther Seminary is also made up of and led by a generously ecumenically-diverse faculty and staff. Our student population is generally 2/3 Lutheran, with the remaining third made up of 35 denominations and faith traditions. As such, preference will also be given to ecumenical applicants who meet the above qualifications, can demonstrate satisfactory support from their judicatory bodies to pursue study at Luther, and are willing to cultivate their respective denominational identities within a Lutheran confessional learning community.

Finally, preference will also be given to applicants who are uniquely gifted to positively impact and add value to the Luther Seminary classroom and community, the larger church, and the world and can contribute a distinct perspective, experience and ideas that enrich these contexts. This also includes applicants willing and able to serve in under-served communities (i.e. rural).

Application Processes (M.Div., M.A.)

The following documents must be received by the Admissions Office at Luther Seminary to complete an application:

1. Application

Students intending to study for the Master of Divinity degree, Master of Arts degree, or who will be enrolled as ELCA affiliate, graduate certificate or non-degree students or as auditors, must complete an application form at www.luthersem.edu/apply. 

The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is not required for admission to the Master of Divinity or Master of Arts degree programs.

2. Transcripts

Applicants for all master’s degree programs must arrange for official transcripts to be sent directly to Luther Seminary from every college and/or university attended.  Transcripts must be received directly from issuing institutions.

Applicants for graduate certificate and non-degree programs need to only submit their official transcript from the college or university where they received their bachelor’s degree.

3. Recommendations

Each applicant must secure seminary recommendation forms - appropriate recommendation forms submitted through online application - from a pastor/ministry mentor and a teacher/academic reference. No recommendations can be received from family members. Applicants who have been out of their most recent academic experience for more than five years may substitute the teacher/academic recommendation with a professional work supervisor recommendation.

International applicants are asked to submit an additional teacher/academic reference recommendation and a church/institutional recommendation in lieu of a pastor/ministry mentor recommendation.

Recommendations should be submitted to the Admissions Office by those who write them. 

4. Resume

Applicants must submit a resume, no more than two pages, outlining their ministry, leadership, service, and professional experience.  

5. Requirements for Applicants Pursuing Ordination with the ELCA

Applicants pursuing ordination with the ELCA for either the Word and Sacrament or Word and Service rosters are required to submit these additional materials:

  • Confirmation email received directly from candidacy committee or synod indicating applicant is scheduled or on track to be scheduled for their entrance interview 

  • Authorization for Release form

In some instances, the Admissions Committee may request confirmation of a positive entrance decision before making a final decision on an application.

6. Admissions Conversation

Once the Admissions Office has begun to receive application materials, a member of the Admissions team will contact the applicant by either email, phone or video conference call with the applicant for a formal admissions conversation. This conversation serves the discernment process and ensures applicants are applying to the degree program that best fits their vocational goals and have the opportunity to ask questions and receive important information particular to their application. This conversation is required and must be scheduled and take place before the application deadline.

After the Application is Completed
When beginning the application process, each applicant will create an account on Luther Seminary’s online application portal which allows applicants to track which documents are still required for admission. Applicants are asked to check this portal regularly for an update on the status of their applications.

When the application is complete, it will be reviewed by the Admissions Committee and a decision made at the pre-scheduled Admissions Committee meetings. The official admission decisions are communicated to applicants through the online application portal.  Applicants will receive email notice of when an update has been made on their application portal.

Luther Seminary reserves the right to refuse admission to any applicant for any justifiable reason. 

A student may be advised at any time to discontinue studies if he or she does not demonstrate the qualifications on the basis of which admission was approved. 

The faculty has final authority in admissions and dismissals. 

Master’s degree students may begin their studies at Luther Seminary in the fall semester only.  Due to the Jubilee Scholarship offering, enrollment is limited by the number of scholarships available each year. 

Admissions to Luther Seminary is a competitive process.  It is strongly recommended that applicants begin the application process early in the year prior to the year of enrollment. Application deadlines are as follows:

  • Early Priority - December 1

  • To qualify for Fund for Leaders (ELCA applicants) - January 16

  • International Applicants Final Deadline - March 1

  • Final Deadline - June 1

Admitted students who wish to change the date of their enrollment should contact the Admissions Office. Study may be deferred for up to one year without reapplication.

Non-degree affiliated and auditing students may be granted mid-year enrollment in Winter term, Spring semester, or Summer term. 

Please direct questions concerning admission and application procedures to:

Admissions Office
Luther Seminary
651-641-3521 or 1-800-LUTHER3
admissions@luthersem.edu 

https://www.luthersem.edu/admissions/

International Applications

Luther Seminary is blessed with students from many parts of the world. This lively, diverse community of many traditions, ethnicities and ages is united by a deep faith in Jesus Christ. 

Applicants whose church is a global companion of the ELCA and who are requesting financial support from ELCA Global Mission should submit a separate application through their national church to the International Leadership Development Program at the ELCA Global Mission.  Please contact your home church/diocese for details about the ELCA scholarship application process and deadlines. 

All other international students, including those Lutheran students who are not seeking financial aid through the ELCA, may apply online at www.luthersem.edu/apply or contact the Admissions office for guidance.

International applicants must meet English language proficiency as part of their admissions requirements.

International applicants may be required to submit either a score from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). Scores must not be more than two years old at the time of application. Other recognized test scores will be evaluated on a case by case basis.

International applicants must have the following minimum test scores to qualify for admission:

Master of Arts or Master of Divinity

  • TOEFL: Composite score of 80 or above

  • IELTS: 6.5 or above

Master of Theology, Doctor of Philosophy, or Doctor of Ministry

  • TOEFL: Composite score of 80 or above (reading at least 22; listening at least 20; speaking at least 18; writing at least 20).

  • IELTS: 7.0 or above

Luther Seminary’s test code with the Educational Testing Service, which administers the TOEFL, is 6377. 

All questions concerning applications and admission as a citizens of countries other than the U.S.  should be directed to:

Admissions Office
Luther Seminary
651-641-3521 or 1-800-LUTHER3
admissions@luthersem.edu 

https://www.luthersem.edu/admissions/

Transfer from Another Seminary

Students transferring from another theological school should use the admissions procedures as described for the M.Div./M.A. degree programs. 

All materials requested for regular application to Luther Seminary must be included in an application for transfer to Luther Seminary. In addition, the application must include an official transcript from the previous theological school. 

Luther Seminary accepts transfer credits only from the following types of schools:

  1. All regionally accredited institutions

  2. All ATS (Association of Theological Schools) institutions

  3. International institutions whose accreditation is equivalent to those noted above

Advanced Standing

Students may petition for advanced standing for individual courses after they have submitted an admissions confirmation and final official college transcript showing their conferred degree. Students must submit their request during the first calendar year in which they are enrolled. Luther Seminary will allow up to five (5.0) credits for an M.Div. degree and three (3.0) credits for an M.A. degree to be met by advanced standing. See Advanced Standing and Tuition and Fees for more information. 

Master of Theology Degree and Doctor of Philosophy Degree

Note: Luther Seminary is not currently accepting any new students into the D.Min. program.

General admissions requirements for post-graduate programs administered by the Advanced Theological Education Office (ATE) are listed below. See degree requirements relating to the Master of Theology (Th.M.) and the Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) for more information.

Th.M. prerequisite:

  • Bible applicants: Working knowledge of Hebrew and Greek demonstrated by transcripts and in course work.

  • Congregational and Community Care applicants: One unit of Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) in an approved, accredited program.

Ph.D. prerequisite:

  • A Master of Divinity or Master of Arts degree in theology, biblical studies, history or the arts of ministry, or Bachelor of Divinity degree (or its equivalent) from an accredited theological school, is required.

Admission Process (Th.M., Ph.D.)

1. Application

All applicants must complete a degree application form at: www.luthersem.edu/admissions/apply. 

The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is not required for admission to the Th.M. or Ph.D.  degree programs.

2. Transcripts

All applicants must arrange for official transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate work to be sent directly to the Admissions Office. Applicants coming from a school that uses the pass/fail grading system should submit names and contact information for two additional professors who are familiar with the applicant’s work. This information will be submitted on the online application.

Those who graduated from Luther Seminary within 10 years from the time of application may submit a transcript release authorization form for copies of undergraduate and Luther Seminary transcripts. Contact the Admissions Office for details.

3. Th.M. Admission Requirements

a. Statement of Intent

Each Th.M. applicant must write a one- to two-paragraph statement indicating plans for study and the projected year for completion of the Th.M. program requirements. This statement will be uploaded on the online application.

b. Recommendation Forms

Th.M. applicants must secure academic recommendation forms (appropriate recommendation forms submitted through online application) to be submitted by three professors directly to the Admissions Office. Applicants who have been out of their most recent academic experience for more than five years may substitute a professional recommendation, but it is strongly preferred to have at least one academic recommendation. International applicants are asked to submit an additional church/institutional recommendation.

4. Ph.D. Admission Requirements

a. Writing sample 

Admissions will be based on the feasibility of the research interest or area of study proposed and the willingness and availability of one or more Luther Seminary faculty to oversee the student’s work on a continuing basis through graduation.  Provide a reflection of 3000-4000 words within the area of intended study - uploaded through online application.

b. Recommendation Forms

Ph.D. applicants must secure academic recommendation forms (appropriate recommendation forms submitted through online application) to be submitted by three professors directly to the Admissions Office.  Applicants who have been out of their most recent academic experience for more than five years may substitute a professional recommendation, but it is strongly preferred to have at least one academic recommendation. International applicants are asked to submit an additional church/institutional recommendation.

5. International Applicants

See International Application section for additional admission requirements and deadlines.

6. Application Deadlines

It is strongly recommended that applicants begin the application process early in the year prior to the year of enrollment.

  • Th.M. students may begin their studies at Luther Seminary in the Fall semester only. The final application deadline for domestic Th.M. applicants is June 1.  

  •  Ph.D. students begin their studies at Luther Seminary in the Fall semester only.  All materials for U.S. applications to the Ph.D. program are due January 8 prior to the fall the applicant plans to enroll. 

  • See International Application section for additional admission requirements and deadlines.

7. After the Application is Completed

When beginning the application process, each applicant will create an account on Luther Seminary’s online application portal which allows applicants to track which documents are still required for admission. Applicants are asked to check this portal regularly for an update on the status of their applications.

Completed applications will be reviewed by the Admissions Office and the Advanced Theological Education Office. Official admission decisions are communicated to applicants via the online application portal.  Applicants will receive email notice of when an update has been made on their application portal.

Luther Seminary reserves the right to refuse admission to any applicant for any justifiable reason. A student may be advised at any time to discontinue studies if he or she does not demonstrate the qualifications on the basis of which admission was approved. The faculty has final authority in admissions and dismissals.

Post-Master of Divinity/Master of Arts Non-Degree Status

This non-degree status permits the student to enroll in courses for post-graduate credit without being in a degree program. Applicants must complete a degree application form www.luthersem.edu/admissions/apply and arrange for official transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate work to be sent directly to the Admissions Office. Applicants coming from a school that uses the pass/fail grading system should submit names and contact information for two additional professors who are familiar with the applicant’s work. This information will be submitted on the online application. 

Applications for post-Master of Divinity/Master of Arts non-degree student status should be received by the Office of Admissions at least 60 days in advance of the term in which admission is sought.

See International Application section for additional admission requirements and deadlines.

Please direct all questions concerning admission and application procedures to the Admission Office admissions@luthersem.edu; 651-641-3521 or 1-800-LUTHER3.

Graduate Certificate Programs

Students are classified as certificate students at Luther Seminary when they are taking courses for credit toward completion of a graduate certificate but are not admitted to a degree program or do not have an earned theological degree.

Admission Requirements

A bachelor’s degree, or its equivalent, from a regionally accredited college or university, is preferred. Ordinarily, applicants are required to have a cumulative grade point average in college of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale (B average). Factors other than the academic record are taken into consideration in making admissions decisions. These may include other graduate study or degrees, occupational experience, church and community leadership and an applicant’s readiness for graduate-level work. Applicants with undergraduate GPAs below 3.0 are requested to submit a statement detailing readiness for graduate school and may be asked to submit additional materials.

Students without a bachelor’s degree may be considered for admission if they have significant leadership or ministry experience, possess the equivalent of an Associate Arts degree or more, and/or have a positive entrance decision from their synodical candidacy committee if pursuing ordination. Students with no Bachelor’s degree may also be asked to submit additional materials. 

Admission Procedures

All applicants for certificate student status must:

  • Submit a completed application form at www.luthersem.edu/admissions/apply. 

  • Arrange for an official transcript from the college or university where they received their bachelor’s degree to be sent directly to Luther Seminary.

  • Each applicant must secure seminary recommendation forms—appropriate recommendation forms submitted through online application—from a pastor/ministry mentor and a teacher/academic. No recommendations can be received from family members. Applicants who have been out of their most recent academic experience for more than five years may substitute the teacher/academic recommendation with a professional work supervisor recommendation.

International applicants are asked to submit an additional teacher/academic recommendation and can submit a church/institutional recommendation in lieu of a pastor/ministry mentor recommendation.  Recommendations should be submitted to the Admissions Office by those who write them.

Other Considerations

  • Certificate students are not eligible for federal financial aid.

  • Degree program candidates have priority in registration for classes.

  • Prerequisite courses within the concentration are to be taken sequentially; other prerequisites do not apply.

  • All required courses taken, within the time limit, toward the graduate certificate are transferable to the Master of Arts or Master of Divinity degree program.

  • Certificate students are restricted to enrolling in those courses which comprise the graduate certificate program.

  • Certificate student status does not guarantee admission into a degree program.

All questions concerning applications and admission as a graduate certificate student should be directed to: 

Admissions Office
651-641-3521 or 1-800-LUTHER3
admissions@luthersem.edu 

Non-Degree/Auditors

Students are classified as non-degree students at Luther Seminary when they are taking courses for credit but have not matriculated into a degree program. Auditors do not receive course credit. For information on auditing fees please see Tuition and Fees.

Admission Requirements

A bachelor’s degree, or its equivalent, from a regionally accredited college or university, is preferred. Ordinarily, applicants are required to have a cumulative grade point average in college of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale (B average). 

Admission Procedures

All applicants for non-degree student status must: 

  • Submit a completed application form at www.luthersem.edu/admissions/apply. 

  • Arrange for an official transcript from the college or university where they received their bachelor’s degree to be sent directly to Luther Seminary.

  • Meet all prerequisites for courses they wish to enter. If a student has questions about fulfilling the prerequisite requirements, he or she should consult with the registrar and the instructors of the courses.

Auditors are required to receive written permission from the instructor to take a course. 

Other Considerations

  • Non-degree student status normally is granted for one year. Requests for renewal are reviewed by the Admissions Committee.

  • Non-degree students are not eligible for federal financial aid.

  • Degree program candidates and graduate certificate candidates have priority in registration for classes.

  • Non-degree students may apply a maximum of six core courses toward the Master of Arts or Master of Divinity degree program if taken within the time limit. Non-degree status does not guarantee admission into a degree program.

All questions concerning applications and admission as a non-degree student should be directed to: 

Admissions Office
651-641-3521 or 1-800-LUTHER3
admissions@luthersem.edu