At the intersection of church and world

“The gift of [this] curriculum is students get to shape the curriculum more towards their own passions and gifts.”
Martha Schwehn-Bardwell, M.Div. graduate

Given the changing needs of the church and the world, Luther Seminary has built a curriculum that enables the seminary to achieve its mission of educating leaders for Christian communities in ways that best prepare leaders to meet a wide variety of changing needs.

The faculty has been listening intently to the needs of students, congregations and church leaders around the world. Students are not just learning how to lead in today’s church, but they’re learning how to adapt to the changing nature of their ministries. The goal is to better meet the student where he/she is at and provide a pathway that best suites the student’s needs. This curriculum allows for more flexibility in how students pursue their degree. Therefore, Luther Seminary’s curriculum offers more variety in how students can pursue a Master’s degree. Several different pathways will be available to students for completing their courses.

Curriculum overview

The curriculum comprises three areas: Signature Courses, Core Courses, and Electives

• Signature Courses (four credits): Taken by M.Div. and M.A. students together; focused on basic knowledge and core commitments
• Core Courses (M.Div.: 16 credits; M.A.: 4-6 credits, including Signature): Address the knowledge, belief and capacities deemed essential for M.Div. and M.A. students; core courses differ for degree programs
• Electives (M.Div.: 10 credits; M.A.: 3-9 credits): 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

For specific degree requirements, consult the latest academic catalog.