Leave of Absence and Withdrawal

Master of Arts, graduate certificate, Master of Divinity, Master of Theology and Doctor of Philosophy degree students in good standing who intend to suspend course enrollment during fall or spring semester must petition for a leave of absence by using the online request form (https://inside.luthersem.edu/registrar/forms/). 

A leave may be granted for up to two semesters. Leaves are not normally granted for more than two semesters. If the leave is granted, the student is able to resume studies at the close of the requested period of leave without reapplication.

Master of Arts and Master of Divinity degree students who fail to register for at least one class in fall or spring semester will be granted leave of absence status by default.

Master of Theology and Doctor of Philosophy students who fail to register for continuation through the Advanced Theological Education Office or who fail to pay the continuation fee, without a request for leave of absence, will be withdrawn from student status and the seminary by default. This will be noted as Withdrawal by Default in the seminary’s reporting. Such students will need to reapply to the Admissions Committee to continue studies.

If a leave of absence is granted, graduation requirements are those of the catalog in effect at the time of the student’s initial registration. If a student withdraws or is dismissed from Luther Seminary and is later readmitted, he or she is subject to the graduation requirements in the catalog in effect at the time of readmission and registration.

All course credits applied toward all degree program requirements should be earned within 10 years of the awarding of the degree.

Return from Leave of Absence

Returning from a leave of absence requires notification to the Office of the Registrar with a student’s enrollment intentions (registrar@luthersem.edu). 

Following a return from a leave of absence, the student completes program requirements as established in the catalog in effect at the time of the student’s initial registration.

Master of Arts and Master of Divinity degree students who fail to return from a leave of absence or officially withdraw will be withdrawn from student status and the seminary by default. Such students will need to reapply to the Admissions Committee to continue studies.