Admissions Requirements

Applications for admission to the Ph.D. program are made to the associate dean of graduate theological education ("associate dean") at Luther Seminary.

All application materials from applicants living in the United States and international applicants must be received no later than Jan.1 preceding the academic year for which admission is sought.

Applicants are notified of the admission decision of the Graduate Committee shortly after March 15.

An applicant who does not meet the following stated requirements in a particular area must have exceptional qualifications in other areas and/or demonstrate competence in an interview to be considered for admission.

1. A First Degree in Theology
   Applicants must have a bachelor of divinity, master of arts, or master of divinity degree (or an equivalent) from an accredited theological school.

2. Acceptable Grade Point Average
   Applicants must have a grade point average of at least 3.25 on a 4.00 scale on each transcript submitted.

3. Application Form
   Application forms are available on request from the Office of Graduate Theological Education at Luther Seminary, or you may view and print application forms here.

4. Transcripts
   Official transcripts of college, seminary and other graduate work must be sent directly from the schools to the Office of Theological Education at Luther Seminary.

5. Academic Recommendations
   Three academic recommendations on forms available from the Office of Graduate Theological Education must be sent directly to the associate dean by those writing the recommendations. You may view and print recommendation forms here. If an applicant comes from a school that does not give letter grades or uses some form of the pass/fail system, the applicant must provide names and contact information of two additional professors with whom the applicant has studied.

6. Graduate Record Examination Score
   Applicants must submit an official record of results of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) General Test not more than five years old. Luther Seminary's testing code with Educational Testing Service, which administer the GRE  is #6377. The GRE requirement does not apply to international students submitting TOEFL scores.

7. TOEFL or IELTS Score (International applicants only)
   International applicants must submit a score from either the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). The internet-based test (iBT) TOEFL score is preferred, although the computer-based and paper-based scores will be accepted.  The iBT score must be 89 or above, with a reading rating of at least 24; listening of at least 22; speaking of at least 20; and writing of at least 23.  Luther Seminary's test code with the Educational Testing Service, which administers the TOEFL, is #6377. The IELTS score must be 7.0 or above.  Neither test's score can be more than two years old.  International applicants may choose to submit a GRE score in lieu of a TOEFL or IELTS score if they so choose.

8. Statement
   Applicants must write a statement of no more than five pages giving reasons for pursuing graduate study, a summary of academic work done in anticipation of doctoral study, and a description of the intended area of study and specialization.  Indicate why you think Luther Seminary is suited to meet your needs and interests.

9. Writing Sample
   Applicants must submit a recent sample of written work, normally not exceeding 5,000 words, that demonstrates academic ability in the proposed field of study.

10. Clinical Pastoral Education (Pastoral care and counseling applicants only)
    One unit of Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) in an approved, accredited program is a prerequisite for admission to the pastoral care and counseling area of study.

11. Endorsement (International students only)
    Official endorsement from the appropriate officer of an applicant's denomination is required for all international students sponsored by their denominations.

12. Financial Aid
    Financial aid is awarded by the Graduate Committee on the basis of merit and need. Notifications of financial awards are included with offers of admission. (Candidates seeking federal student loans should see "Aid for Post-Graduate Students" on the Financial Aid page.)

For further information contact:

Paul Lokken, Associate Dean - Graduate Theological Education
651-641-3203
gte@luthersem.edu

or

Katie Dahl, Associate Director & Program Coordinator, Graduate Theological Education
651-641-3203
gte@luthersem.edu