The largest ELCA seminary educating Christian leaders for ministry across 41+ denominations.
Luther Seminary offers Master of Divinity (M.Div.) for students seeking ordination, Master of Arts (M.A.), Master of Theology (Th.M.), Doctor of Ministry (D.Min.), Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.), and graduate certificates. The curriculum is flexible, allowing students to complete degrees through traditional residential study, online courses, or distributed learning (combining online coursework with periodic residential focus sessions). M.Div. students typically complete three years of theological education plus a required year of internship in a parish setting. The seminary emphasizes contextual learning, connecting coursework to specific ministry settings, and offers concentrations in Bible, Children/Youth/Family, Congregational Mission and Leadership, History of Christianity, Justice and Reconciliation, Leadership and Innovation, Spanish Language for Ministry, and Systematic Theology.
Luther Seminary is the result of multiple mergers consolidating five separate Lutheran institutions. The Norwegian Lutheran Church of America (formed 1917) merged three seminaries: Luther Seminary (founded 1876), Red Wing Seminary (1879), and United Church Seminary (1892). Augsburg Theological Seminary (founded 1869) merged with Luther Theological Seminary in 1963. Northwestern Lutheran Theological Seminary (originating from Chicago Lutheran Divinity School, 1920) functionally unified with Luther in 1976 and formally merged in 1982. The institution became affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America in 1988 and adopted its current name in 1994.
Luther Seminary offers flexible admission pathways and is committed to making theological education affordable. All newly admitted M.A., M.Div., and graduate certificate students receive a 100% full-tuition scholarship (the Jubilee Scholarship), eliminating tuition debt for graduates. The seminary accepts students from 41+ Christian denominations and traditions beyond the ELCA. International students are welcome and can access dedicated support and scholarship information. Admissions contact: admissions@luthersem.edu, 651-641-3521, or 1-800-LUTHER3.
Luther Seminary is located at 2481 Como Avenue in Saint Paul, Minnesota. The main campus building, United Church Seminary, was constructed in 1900 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The seminary serves nearly 600 Christian leaders from around the world and maintains a community centered on the gospel of Jesus Christ. Housing is available for students, and the seminary provides campus resources, safety services, and a vibrant student life. The institution is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, the Association of Theological Schools, and holds theological accreditation from the ELCA and United Methodist Church.