Use your gifts to serve the church and world
The two-year master’s programs at Luther Seminary are designed to educate and equip God’s people who are called to a variety of vocations in the world and in the church.
As a M.A. student, you will have the opportunity to study alongside other master’s-level students. Through such interactions, you will expand your understanding of your own concentration areas while gaining appreciation of the gifts, callings and vocations of your peers.
Degree Requirements
Master of Arts programs are designed to be completed in two years for full time students.
Graduation requirements: a minimum of 16 courses including required courses in the signature, core and electives curriculum, as well as a capstone project.
Please visit Luther’s Academic Catalog for an outline of the M.A. curriculum and a complete listing of courses.
Academic M.A. Programs
Students who study in the academic M.A. program are exposed to a wide breadth of classical theological disciplines. Luther Seminary offers four concentrations in its academic M.A. degree program in addition to the M.A. (Studies in Lutheran Ministries). Through guided readings, independent study opportunities and a capstone writing or ministry project, students are also afforded the chance to engage deeply in a particular theological discipline of their choosing, frequently in dialogue with leading scholars in the field.
Students who are a part of the M.A. (Studies in Lutheran Ministries) may take part in either the affiliated track or the nonaffiliated track. These tracks prepare students for ministry in Lutheran contexts.
Concentrations
Bible
This specialization focuses on the study of the Bible. It is intended as a course of study for those with a particular interest in both the Old and New Testaments of the Bible. It may serve as a springboard to further graduate studies or to use as an in-depth understanding for teaching in congregations.
History of Christianity
This specialization focuses on the history of Christianity. This in-depth look at the historical aspects of the church helps provide context for understanding Christianity today. This study is particularly helpful to students who plan to pursue further graduate work.
Justice and Reconciliation
This specialization focuses on God’s reforming work of justice and reconciliation in the world today. It explores a range of biblical, theological and ecumenical perspectives in concert with philosophical and sociological approaches to justice and reconciliation. This study is helpful for students who want to pursue further graduate studies, work in congregations and non-profit organizations or lead efforts in community-related work.
Systematic Theology
This specialization focuses on systematic theology for those interested in further graduate study in this area. This concentration helps students understand God’s triune mission in the world from many diverse biblical and theological perspectives.
Lutheran Ministries
This program provides Lutheran theological training for those preparing for ministry in a Lutheran setting. Coursework grounds students in Lutheran theology and tradition, and the implications for biblical interpretation and various forms of ministry.
There are two tracks from this program. The affiliated track is for students who have an M.Div. degree from a non-ELCA seminary and need to complete an ELCA internship as well as one year of residence at a Lutheran seminary in preparation for ordination in the ELCA. The non-affiliated track is for students who are involved or plan to be involved in ministry in an ELCA context for Word and Service ministry, Synodically Authorized Ministers (SAMs), musicians, para-church professionals and non-profit leaders.
Professional M.A. Programs
Children, Youth, and Family Ministry
The Master of Arts in Children, Youth and Family (CYF) Ministry provides students with academic courses, community discipleship, and ministry experience that leaves students powerfully equipped to nurture and strengthen the faith of young people and their families with the gospel of Jesus Christ. All M.A. in CYF students are engaged in leadership in contextual ministry site.
Leadership and Innovation for Ministry
The Master of Arts in Leadership and Innovation for Ministry targets leaders who are interested in helping congregations, non-profit organizations social services ministries and others innovate and change to be more responsive to the changing needs and real-world opportunities. The learning will be practical, connected to a variety of ministry-related organizations and collaborative with a number of partners including faculty, students and local practitioners.
Christian Ministry
The Master of Arts in Christian Ministry prepares students for public leadership in a variety of contexts and roles, including leaders who are seeking or currently serving in non-ordained lay leadership roles within their church or denomination.