Apply

Applying to our Master of Divinity, Master of Arts in Ministry, or Master of Arts (Theological Studies) programs is straightforward:

Prerequisites:

A bachelor’s degree from any accredited college or university, no matter your field of study. Aim for a GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale – that’s it!

1. A completed application. If applying online is impossible, download complete this application form.
2. An 800-1,000 word autobiographical statement.
3. All transcripts from accredited post-secondary institutions (bachelor’s with 3.0 or higher required). 
4. Three letters of recommendation sent using the recommendation form.
   Note that for MDiv, applicants letters must indicate the applicant’s ability to pursue theological studies.
5. Demonstration of English Proficiency for all students (TOEFL or IELTS for international applicants .
6. Optional resume.

The application deadlines are as follows:

• January 15: Deadline for international students and advanced studies students
• February 7: Priority deadline for ELCA’s Fund for Leader’s scholarship with the ELCA
• April 1: International student deadline 
• May 22: Priority Admissions application deadline (to be considered for LSTC scholarships)

Financial Aid: We provide financial support based on merit and need. Please fill out the FAFSA form at https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa.

Ready to start your journey? We’re here to guide you every step of the way!

• Note that LSTC is not currently accepting PhD applications. The list below reflects requirements for ThM applicants.
• Transcripts documenting MDiv or equivalent and all transcripts of post-secondary work.
• A 1-2 page essay
• Two references. Please complete using this form.
• GRE for US and Canadian students. 
• TOEFL or IELTS for international students.
• Writing sample of no more than 20 pages.
• Resume (optional ,but recommended).
• Additional information may be considered (life journey; personal, qualifying experiences).
• Application deadline January 15; decisions will be made in February or March.
• Financial aid based primarily on merit. Scholarships for ThM are limited.

Remember these dates:

• January 15: Application deadline for all students the following academic year. Make sure LSTC receives all items by this date.
• A one-time application fee of $50 is required for all advanced studies applicants. It can be paid via bank draft, postal money order, or personal check from a U.S. bank. Payable to LSTC.
• Financial aid is merit-based. There are limited scholarships and fellowships for PhD students.

The ELCA’s International Leaders Program offers a limited number of scholarship opportunities to international applicants who come from churches/institutions that are in relationship with the ELCA. Applications to this program are normally due in mid-October for funding in the following academic year. Applicants to this program must be endorsed by the leadership of their home church body/institution. For more information, contact Kaleb Sutherland and Ann Hightower.

Interschool Doctor of Ministry

This degree is jointly offered by Catholic Theology Union, the Lutheran School of Theology and McCormick Theological Seminary. The joint resources of the respective faculties and libraries, as well as those of the other ten theological schools that comprise ACTS (the Association of Chicago Theological Schools) constitute one of its strengths. This ecumenical perspective enriches and distinguishes the degree.

Full time students may finish their course work and the preparation of the thesis-project proposal in one full academic year, though most opt to spend more than one year on the required coursework. The writing and approval of the thesis-project requires approximately another full academic year. Part time students may spread their course work over two to three years, including the preparation of their thesis-project proposal. All students may have up to five years from the time they officially entered the program to finish writing their thesis-project. The entire program can be completed in two full academic years or can be spread over multiple years.

Please note that, like many LSTC degree programs, the DMin can be completed entirely through distance learning.

LSTC and CTU are now using their academic reciprocity to provide students with the Interschool/Ecumenical DMin.

Application Deadline for US students is July 15th.

Join LSTC as a non-degree seeking Lutheran Year student!

The “Lutheran Year”

LSTC welcomes candidacy students who are earning their theological degrees from other divinity schools or seminaries and who are required to affiliate with an ELCA seminary during the first full term of their theological studies.

As Lutheran Year student seeking a degree from another seminary, you’ll work closely with your advisor who will help you navigate requirements and create a timeline for your degree. These affiliate students must complete the Affiliate application which includes:

Application for Admission:

1. Autobiographical Statement:  approx. 800=1,000 words (see criteria in application instructions).
2. Official Transcripts 
3. Two References

Affiliate fee: Please contact the admissions office directly for the affiliation fee.

Affiliate and Lutheran Year applicants: Fill out the application for MDiv, MAM, and MA degrees.

If applying for the ThM degree, students must complete the Advanced Studies application.

Before applying for this program, please secure a letter from a synod bishop recommending you as a candidate for admission into the TEEM program. You will select one of the following program options: 

1) Coursework Based Certificate Program 

or 

2) Intensive Based Certificate Program.

Financial Aid Process for TEEM Learners

At LSTC, we are dedicated to ensuring that the TEEM Certificate program is financially accessible to all learners. In addition to offering affordable tuition, we are committed to helping learners receive grant or donor support that significantly reduces the cost of the program.

If you’re interested in attending LSTC as an exchange student, auditing a course, or taking a course à la carte, we’d love to have you as a special student! Apply above for these non-degree seeking opportunities.