Application Management
The application for Fall 2025 is open (see deadlines below).Applications to the Graduate Certificate in Children, Youth and Family Ministries for a Winter 2026 start are open and due December 1.
Thank you for applying to Luther Seminary where we educate leaders for Christian communities called and sent by the Holy Spirit to witness to salvation through Jesus Christ and to serve in God's world. We are honored to accompany you on your discernment journey.
PLEASE READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY
Note: You will only be able to create one application per academic year. You can easily make changes to your application before submitting (i.e. degree program, entry term, etc.) by simply changing your responses in the application. Save your changes by clicking "continue" at the bottom of the section that has been updated. You must click "continue" to save your responses. Please note, the application times out after 60 minutes - please save often! Some applicants have suggested completing essay responses in a separate document and copying and pasting into application when ready to avoid timing-out issues.
Degree Application: MA, MDiv, ThM, PhD, Graduate Certificate, ELCA Affiliate
If you intend to apply for a degree program including the MA, MDiv, ThM or PhD or you intend to apply for the Graduate Certificate Program please select the degree application.
If you are an ELCA Affiliate student (i.e. attends/attended another seminary but is interested in applying to affiliate with Luther Seminary to satisfy your "Lutheran year" requirements for candidacy) please also select the degree application, regardless if you intend to take courses as a non-degree or degree-seeking student.
Please note the following deadlines for the MA, MDiv, Graduate Certificate and ThM (Fall-start only):
- Early Priority - Sunday, December 1, 2024
- To qualify for Fund for Leaders (ELCA applicants) - Friday, January 31, 2025
- International Applicants and ThM Final Deadline - Saturday, March 1, 2025
- Domestic Applicants Final Deadline - Sunday, June 1, 2025
- All PhD Applicants Deadline - Wednesday, January 8, 2025
Applications submitted with all supporting materials by each deadline will be reviewed at the subsequent Admissions Committee meeting. Applications submitted after final deadlines will not be considered for given academic year. Those waitlisted for admission will be notified by late-summer. All applicants will be given the option to turn over their application responses and materials to a future application at the turn of each admissions cycle.
Please note, admission to Luther Seminary is a competitive process and the likelihood of being placed on a waitlist has increased in recent years. In honoring your discernment journey, we want to make sure to set you up for success as you follow God's call to ministry. Given limited capacity for admissions to Luther Seminary, we encourage applicants to explore a variety of educational options.
Non-Degree Application: Auditors and General Non-Degree
If you intend to apply for courses as an auditor (i.e. no credit) or a non-degree student (i.e. for academic credit) or describe yourself as an ATS student, Minnesota Consortium student, Diaconal Ministry student, International Exchange Visitor, or ELCA Cross-Registration student, please select the available non-degree application. You may apply to any term but must apply at least 60 days prior to term start.
Continuing Education: Faith+Lead
Applicants interested in high-quality, alternative theological education pathways may also consider Luther Seminary's Faith+Lead Academy and other Faith+Lead resources including on-demand courses, learning communities and coaching, online workshops and webinars, articles, podcasts, and more. Email faithlead@luthersem.edu with questions.
If you have any questions about which application to complete, please do not hesitate to reach out to the Luther Seminary Admissions Team at admissions@luthersem.edu or 651-641-3521.
Returning users:Log in to continue an application. | First-time users:Create an account to start a new application. |