Lutheran seminary forming visionary leaders for ministry in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.
LSTC offers Master of Divinity (MDiv), Master of Arts in Ministry (MAM), Master of Arts (MA), Master of Theology (ThM), and Doctor of Ministry (DMin) degrees. The school also provides certificates and pathways including the TEEM Certificate (Theological Education for Emerging Ministries) and SAM Development Program (Synod Authorized Ministers). Students can cross-register at any of 12 member seminaries in the ACTS consortium, gaining access to over 700 additional courses. The curriculum emphasizes theological education with concentrations in areas such as biblical foundations, church history, social justice, pastoral care, and interfaith studies.
LSTC relocated in June 2023 to the fourth floor of The James and Catherine Denny Center at Catholic Theological Union (5416 S. Cornell Avenue). The new facilities include four classrooms, two Zoom rooms, 30 office spaces, a prayer and meditation room, café, chapel, and meeting spaces. The school shares the JKM Library with McCormick Theological Seminary and has access to University of Chicago Libraries. Students come from 60 countries worldwide. The seminary offers chapel services, music programs, student organizations, and contextual education opportunities.
Master's program applicants require a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution with a minimum 3.0 GPA, an 800–1,000 word autobiographical statement, transcripts, three letters of recommendation, and demonstration of English proficiency (TOEFL/IELTS for international students). Application deadlines include January 15 for advanced studies, February 7 for ELCA scholarship consideration, April 1 for international students, and May 22 for priority admissions. Advanced studies (ThM) applicants must submit transcripts, a 1–2 page essay, two references, GRE (US/Canadian), and a writing sample. LSTC is not currently accepting PhD applications.
MDiv students achieve a 90% graduation rate, while MA students have a 100% graduation rate. The seminary prepares graduates for careers as pastors, chaplains, educators, ELCA deacons, nonprofit leaders, and public church leaders. LSTC is accredited by the Association of Theological Schools and regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.