Apply
Learners interested in applying for a degree-seeking or certificate program for spring 2027 or fall 2027 can begin the application process in early fall 2026. Please see specific application requirements and deadlines for each program below.
LSTC admits qualified students without regard to race, color, national and ethnic origin, age, gender and gender identity, sexual orientation, marital or veteran’s status, physical ability or social class. We take a holistic approach when reviewing applications for our programs. We will consider all materials submitted as a part of the application and, due to our rolling admission policy, we will typically render an admissions decision within a month of receiving a completed application.
A strong applicant for most programs will hold a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university with a 3.0 GPA or higher with all coursework completed in English.
Learners who are simply interested in taking a course can do so through Project Starling. Please visit www.lstc.edu/projectstarling for more details.
LSTC prefers to accept transcripts electronically.
Master of Divinity (MDiv)
Please see the Master of Divinity (MDiv) page for more information about this degree program.
Application Requirements
A completed application includes the following items:
- Application for Admission
- Official College and/or University Transcripts (must be sent directly from all institutions where you have completed academic work since high school)
- Autobiographical Statement on the following topic:
- In 1,000 to 1,500 words, describe your sense of call and what has led you to this moment in your vocational journey. What gifts for ministry has God given you and how do you plan on using those gifts after finishing seminary?
- A resume or CV
- References from two people who can best speak to your preparation for this degree
- Support from your ELCA synod through the candidacy contact information form, if pursuing candidacy
- A Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or financial plan form, depending on citizenship, if you would like to be considered for all scholarship and financial aid funding available
Please note that candidacy in the ELCA is not required for applicants. However, applicants to the MDiv program who are pursuing candidacy in the ELCA should be in communication with their ELCA synod regarding the candidacy process. You do not need to have completed the first step of candidacy (Entrance) in order to apply. View candidacy requirements here.
Application Deadlines
Your application deadline depends on the term for which you’re applying.
- Spring 2027 applicants:
- Priority application deadline to be considered for admission and scholarships is Tuesday, December 15, 2026.
- Final application deadline to be considered for admission and scholarships is Friday, January 8, 2027.
- Fall 2027 applicants:
- Final application deadline for ELCA Fund for Leaders applicants is Friday, February 19, 2027.
- Priority application deadline to be considered for admission and scholarships is Friday, March 12, 2027.
- Final application deadline to be considered for admission and scholarships is Thursday, July 1, 2027.
Master of Arts (MA)
Please see the Master of Arts (MA) page for more information about this degree program.
Application Requirements
A completed application includes the following items:
- Application for Admission
- Official College and/or University Transcripts (must be sent directly from all institutions where you have completed academic work since high school)
- Autobiographical Statement on the following topic:
- In 1,000 to 1,500 words, describe your sense of call and what has led you to apply for this degree. How do you plan to use this degree toward your vocational goals?
- A resume or CV
- References from two people who can best speak to your preparation for this degree
- A Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or financial plan form, depending on citizenship, if you would like to be considered for all scholarship and financial aid funding available
Application Deadlines
Your application deadline depends on the term for which you’re applying.
- Spring 2027 applicants:
- Priority application deadline to be considered for admission and scholarships is Tuesday, December 15, 2026.
- Final application deadline to be considered for admission and scholarships is Friday, January 8, 2027.
- Fall 2027 applicants:
- Final application deadline for ELCA Fund for Leaders applicants is Friday, February 19, 2027.
- Priority application deadline to be considered for admission and scholarships is Friday, March 12, 2027.
- Final application deadline to be considered for admission and scholarships is Thursday, July 1, 2027.
Master of Arts in Ministry (MAM)
Please see the Master of Arts in Ministry (MAM) page for more information about this degree program.
Application Requirements
A completed application includes the following items:
- Application for Admission
- Official College and/or University Transcripts (must be sent directly from all institutions where you have completed academic work since high school)
- Autobiographical Statement on the following topic:
- In 1,000 to 1,500 words, describe your sense of call and what has led you to this moment in your vocational journey. What gifts for ministry has God given you and how do you plan on using those gifts after finishing seminary?
- A resume or CV
- References from two people who can best speak to your preparation for this degree
- Support from your ELCA synod through the candidacy contact information form, if pursuing candidacy
- A Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or financial plan form, depending on citizenship, if you would like to be considered for all scholarship and financial aid funding available
Please note that candidacy in the ELCA is not required for applicants. However, applicants to the MAM program who are pursuing candidacy in the ELCA should be in communication with their ELCA synod regarding the candidacy process. You do not need to have completed the first step of candidacy (Entrance) in order to apply. View candidacy requirements here.
Application Deadlines
Your application deadline depends on the term for which you’re applying.
- Spring 2027 applicants:
- Priority application deadline to be considered for admission and scholarships is Tuesday, December 15, 2026.
- Final application deadline to be considered for admission and scholarships is Friday, January 8, 2027.
- Fall 2027 applicants:
- Final application deadline for ELCA Fund for Leaders applicants is Friday, February 19, 2027.
- Priority application deadline to be considered for admission and scholarships is Friday, March 12, 2027.
- Final application deadline to be considered for admission and scholarships is Thursday, July 1, 2027.
Master of Theology (ThM)
Please see the Master of Theology (ThM) page for more information about this degree program.
Application Requirements
A completed application includes the following items:
- A completed application includes the following items:
- Application for Admission
- Official College and/or University Transcripts (must be sent directly from all institutions where you have completed academic work since high school)
- Autobiographical Statement on the following topic:
- Write a 1,000 to 1,500 word essay in which you describe your theological interests, your vocational goals, and your sense of academic alignment with LSTC.
- A sample of academic writing
- A resume or CV
- References from two people who can best speak to your preparation for this degree
- A Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or financial plan form, depending on citizenship, if you would like to be considered for all scholarship and financial aid funding available
Application Deadlines
Your application deadline depends on the term for which you’re applying.
- Spring 2027 applicants:
- Priority application deadline to be considered for admission and scholarships is Tuesday, December 15, 2026.
- Final application deadline to be considered for admission and scholarships is Friday, January 8, 2027.
- Fall 2027 applicants:
- Final application deadline for ELCA Fund for Leaders applicants is Friday, February 19, 2027.
- Priority application deadline to be considered for admission and scholarships is Friday, March 12, 2027.
- Final application deadline to be considered for admission and scholarships is Thursday, July 1, 2027.
Doctor of Ministry (DMin)
Please see the Doctor of Ministry (DMin) page for more information about this degree program.
Application Requirements
A completed application includes the following items:
- Application for Admission
- Official College and/or University Transcripts (must be sent directly from all institutions where you have completed academic work since high school)
- Autobiographical Statement on the following topic:
- In a paragraph or two, please describe your current context for ministry. WIll you be able to use this context as a learning environment?
- Write a 1,000 to 1,500 word essay in which you describe your ministerial formation to this point, your sense of call and future goals in ministry, and what you hope to gain from study with the Interschool DMin program
- A sample of academic writing
- A resume or CV
- References from two people who can best speak to your preparation for this degree
- A Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or financial plan form, depending on citizenship, if you would like to be considered for all scholarship and financial aid funding available
Application Deadlines
LSTC only admits new DMin students during fall terms. Please see our fall 2027 deadlines below.
- Final application deadline for ELCA Fund for Leaders applicants is Friday, February 19, 2027.
- Priority application deadline to be considered for admission and scholarships is Friday, March 12, 2027.
- Final application deadline to be considered for admission and scholarships is Thursday, July 1, 2027.
Synod Authorized Minister (SAM)
Please see the Synod Authorized Minister (SAM) page for more information about this certificate program. Please note that the SAM certificate program requires approval from your Bishop and/or synodical committee prior to admission. Please contact your Synod Bishop or Assistant to the Bishop for Candidacy for more information about the SAM program.
Application Requirements
A completed application includes the following items:
- Application for Admission
- Official College and/or University Transcripts (must be sent directly from all institutions where you have completed academic work since high school)
- A resume or CV
- Support from your ELCA synod through the candidacy contact information form
Application Deadlines
The SAM program is on rolling admission and does not have application deadlines. Students can apply for the SAM program at any time.
Theological Education for Emerging Ministries (TEEM)
Please see the Theological Education for Emerging Ministries (TEEM) page for more information about this certificate program. Please note that the TEEM certificate program requires approval from your Bishop and/or synodical committee prior to admission. Please contact your Synod Bishop or Assistant to the Bishop for Candidacy for more information about the TEEM program.
Application Requirements
A completed application includes the following items:
- Application for Admission
- Official College and/or University Transcripts (must be sent directly from all institutions where you have completed academic work since high school)
- A resume or CV
- Support from your ELCA synod through the candidacy contact information form, if pursuing candidacy
Application Deadlines
The TEEM program is on rolling admission and does not have application deadlines. Students can apply for the TEEM program at any time.
Affiliate Students
Students who are interested in completing their Lutheran Year program through LSTC can apply as an affiliate student.
Application Requirements
A completed application includes the following items:
- Application for Admission
- Official College and/or University Transcripts (must be sent directly from all institutions where you have completed academic work since high school).
- Your candidacy essay
- A resume or CV
- Support from your ELCA synod through the candidacy contact information form
Application Deadlines
Students can apply as an affiliate student on a rolling admission basis. There are no deadlines to apply as an affiliate student.
Audit/Non-degree Students
Students who simply want to take a live course for no credit or grade can apply as an non-degree student.
Application Requirements
A completed application includes the following items:
- Application for Admission
- Official College and/or University Transcripts (must be sent directly from all institutions where you have completed academic work since high school)
Application Deadlines
Students can apply as a non-degree student on a rolling admission basis. There are no deadlines to apply as a non-degree student.
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