Luther Seminary’s curriculum is flexible — giving students greater choice in how to pursue their degree, whether on campus or online. Rather than a one-size-fits-all model, the curriculum allows several pathways for completing courses. All students will graduate with a portfolio reflecting a body of work that can be applied to real-world ministry.
A new curriculum for Master’s programs (M.Div. and M.A.)
- Traditional for M.Div. students: 2 years in classes, 1 year internship, 1 year in classes.
- Or, 2 years in classes and 2 years simultaneously in internship and classes.
- Or, finish in 3 or 3 1⁄2 years by studying/interning during the summers.
The curriculum has three areas:
- Signature Courses: Taken by M.Div. and M.A. students together — focused on basic knowledge and core commitments
- Core Courses: Address the knowledge, belief and capacities deemed essential for M.Div. and M.A. students — core courses differ by degree programs
- Electives: Provide a broader range of courses that allows students to shape their education and future ministry while recognizing the varying backgrounds and learning needs of each student.
Online options
Online learning at Luther Seminary takes two forms: online courses and distributed learning degree programs.
Online courses are available to all students, and they follow the same semester schedule as residential courses. The distributed learning model is cohort-based and combines online courses and Residential Focus Sessions. It allows students to remain in their ministry context while pursuing a degree.
Contextual learning
Explore what it means to do theology in a specific context. The Contextual Learning requirements enrich your seminary experience by allowing you to connect your coursework to a specific ministry setting.