Religion Degrees Online

The Master of Divinity (M.Div.) is a professional-level degree program for individuals planning to enter or continue careers in full-time ministry. A major element of this program provides students with extensive studies in the biblical text and thorough preparation in theology and various areas of practical ministry. Through completion of this program, graduates will be able to conduct their ministry at the highest level of professional competence and communicate in a manner that is intellectually articulate. Also, graduates will be committed to, and effective in, evangelism. Finally, graduates of the M.Div. Degree will be able to conduct themselves and relate to others in a way that is spiritually mature and morally sensitive.

Upon completion of the Master of Divinity Program the graduates will have:

1. Acquired a more in-depth knowledge of the Bible to more effectively function in various roles in a church setting;

2. Skills in studying the Bible;

3. A sound foundation for continuing scholarly biblical studies such as a Ph.D. in Biblical Studies; for advanced education; and

4. Preparation for job opportunities such as minister or ministerial related works, teacher in a school, college or university.

These outcomes are assessed through a comprehensive examination. A student may demonstrate achievement of these outcomes by receiving a passing grade (i.e., Qualifying or Qualifying with Distinction) for the comprehensive examination given for this degree.

Welcome to the Advanced Studies website. As Director of Advanced Studies, I invite you to explore the Th.M. and Ph.D. programs offered by the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago.

Advanced theological study in service of the church and the larger world has been a vital part of LSTC’s mission since its inception. This specialized vocation continues to be a major factor in the institution’s identity and global recognition to this day. The Th.M. and Ph.D. programs at LSTC are distinguished by their academic rigor and creativity within an ecclesial and ecumenical context.

The brief description below of Advanced Studies at LSTC, the links provided to the left, and the online 2006-2008 LSTC Catalog, pp. 45-54, will allow you to become familiar with our programs, faculty, and resources. If you are interested in applying for admission, please click the Admissions Process link to the left for details. Thank you for your interest in our Advanced Studies programs.

About Advanced Studies at LSTC

In addition to Lutherans from North America and across the globe, the advanced graduate student body at LSTC includes representatives from diverse denominations and faith communities. The significant number of international students in the Th.M. and Ph.D. programs, many of whom arrive with years of seminary teaching in their own backgrounds, contributes much to the liveliness of theological dialogue and community life at LSTC.

LSTC offers contemporary programs of advanced study in the classical fields of Bible (Old and New Testaments), Church History, and Theology (with emphases in Ethics and Religion and Science). Our newest Th.M. and Ph.D. programs in World Christianity and Mission address cross-cultural and inter-religious aspects of faith in both historical and current settings.

The excellence of advanced education at LSTC begins with our faculty, which is composed of scholars who are recognized experts and promising lights in their fields. In addition to years of graduate teaching experience and an openness to innovative approaches, LSTC faculty members bring a commitment to training the next generation of teachers and scholarly leaders for the church and the larger society.

LSTC’s collaborative relationship with the University of Chicago and the Association of Chicago Theological Schools (ACTS) provides students with opportunities to study with distinguished faculty at neighboring institutions. LSTC students also have access to ample library resources, including the well-known JKM Library at LSTC and the libraries of other members of ACTS and the University of Chicago, including the Joseph Regenstein Library.

A distinctive resource for LSTC students is the Language Resource and Writing Center (LRWC), which provides writing assessments and recommendations for all incoming students, a Summer Language Institute for new international students, a Learning Partner program pairing international and North American students, and courses in pedagogy, languages, writing, and academic skills