Graduate Certificate Program

Graduate Certificate programs are designed to equip ministry leaders in particular areas. They are intended for student who do not have an earned (and who are not concurrently seeking) first theological degrees, but are open to M.A. and M.Div. graduates seeking specialization.  Each graduate certificates includes six ATS-accredited courses, some related to the concentration and some electives, and are designed to be completed over one or two years (online or in-person). Students who have completed a graduate certificate program may apply their course work toward a Master of Arts or Master of Divinity degree if they are admitted into one of those programs.

Luther Seminary offers graduate certificates in five areas:

• Bible, History of Christianity and Systematic Theology

• Children, Youth and Family Ministry

• Christian Ministry

• Cultivating New Christian Communities

• ELCA Candidacy Completion

Graduate Certificate in Bible, History of Christianity and Systematic Theology

The graduate certificate program in Bible, History of Christianity and Systematic Theology is designed for people who desire a basic grounding in Christian theology and tradition.

Graduate Certificate in Children, Youth and Family Ministry

The graduate certificate program in Children, Youth and Family Ministry is designed for people who desire a basic grounding in children, youth and family ministry.

Graduate Certificate in Christian Ministry

The graduate certificate program in Christian Ministry is designed for people who desire to focus on the various aspects of care giving ministry.

Graduate Certificate in Cultivating New Christian Communities

The graduate certificate program in Cultivating New Christian Communities equips students to design and lead new Christian communities focused on introducing people to Jesus and making disciples who integrate faith into daily life. The certificate is well suited for people wanting to experiment with various models of ministry and learn practices that engage neighbors with a cohort of other entrepreneurial ministry practitioners.

Graduate Certificate in ELCA Candidacy Completion

The Certificate in ELCA Candidacy Completion prepares individuals who have already earned a theological degree or are already ordained in another tradition and are seeking to complete candidacy requirements for ordination in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. This certificate is well-suited for ELCA Affiliates and others who only need a handful of courses and who may need to complete contextual learning requirements for ordination (i.e. internship).

Course Descriptions for All Courses