Certificate Program Details

Certificates of Theological Study

Students with accredited undergraduate degrees who desire first professional-level courses for credit but do not desire to enter a degree program may choose instead to take a more limited program leading to a Certificate of Theological Study.

The Certificate will be earned after the successful completion of at least 8.0 course units for credit with a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.0. All courses in the Certificate Program are to be taken at LTSP; that is, no courses will be received by transfer from or cross-registration at other institutions. The particular program of courses will be chosen in consultation with faculty from the student’s area of interest as noted in his/her application.

Certificate in Social Ministry and Church

The seminary offers a Certificate in Social Ministry and Church to persons who complete a set of eight courses at the seminary and who have also completed a degree of Master of Social Work (MSW). The Certificate may also be completed by those who can document some combination of academic credits toward an MSW and experience working in the field of social work. This study is intended to equip persons serving in the field of social work with the tools of theological critique and insight, which enhance their ministries in daily life. The Certificate may be pursued either concurrently with study for an MSW degree or subsequent to such study. Normally, Certificate study is pursued part-time. Requirements are as follows:

  • New Testament 1 and 2
  • Old Testament 1 and 2
  • HCH100 History of Christianity or HCH230 American Religious History
  • HTH100 Thinking about God
  • HTH25_ Any theological ethics course
  • One elective determined in consultation with the Certificate advisor

Special Certificates of Study

Additional students may be awarded certificates attesting to completion of other special short programs.  Students in this category may be studying at the behest of an ELCA synod overseeing their preparation for ordination because their MDiv degrees were/will be earned at non-ELCA seminaries.  Others are studying at the behest of an ELCA synod despite not having the educational background normally required for entrance to a degree program. Others, notably some international students, are engaged in study for the enrichment of both the student and the student’s program of study in the home country, even though the study here may not be applicable to a degree elsewhere.