Luther Seminary

What you'll study

The M.A. curriculum requires a minimum of 14 courses (16 courses for the MA in Lutheran Ministries), including signature courses, core work, electives and a capstone project. Offered concentrations include:

• Lutheran Ministries – Deacon and Chaplain: coursework grounded in Lutheran theology and tradition; the Deacon curriculum prepares ELCA candidates for rostered leadership in Word and Service ministry; the Chaplaincy curriculum prepares ELCA deacon candidates pursuing Associate Certified Chaplaincy. Programs are also open to ecumenical students.
• Children, Youth, and Family (CYF) Ministry – academic courses combined with community discipleship and contextual ministry leadership; all CYF students engage in leadership in a ministry site.
• Leadership and Innovation in Ministry – practical learning focused on helping congregations, nonprofits and ministry settings innovate and respond to changing needs, in partnership with faculty and local practitioners.
• Christian Ministry – a practical, well-rounded ministry degree for those serving or preparing for lay and professional leadership roles.
• Academic concentrations – Bible (focused study of Old and New Testaments), History of Christianity (historical context for today’s church), Justice and Reconciliation (biblical, theological and social approaches to justice), and Systematic Theology (study of God’s triune mission through diverse perspectives).

Entry requirements

The program page references admissions and candidacy information and directs applicants to the Academic Catalog for full curriculum outlines and course listings. Specific admission criteria are provided by Luther Seminary’s Admissions office and in the Academic Catalog.

Career prospects

Graduates enter a variety of vocations: rostered Word and Service leadership (for ELCA deacons), chaplaincy pathways (including preparation for Associate Certified Chaplaincy), children, youth and family ministry leadership, congregational and nonprofit leadership, teaching within congregations, and roles that require theological, biblical or historical expertise. The program is designed to prepare students for both practical ministry positions and further graduate study.

Scholarships & funding angle

The source material does not list specific scholarships; prospective students should consult Luther Seminary’s financial aid and admissions pages for information on available scholarships, grants, and funding options relevant to M.A. students.