About the Master of Divinity
The Master of Divinity (MDiv) program leads men directly into ordination as pastors in The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, preparing them to teach the faithful, reach the lost, and care for all.
Admission Requirements
Because of the doctrinal position of the LCMS, all candidates for the Master of Divinity program must be men. If you are a woman who would like to enter full-time service in the Church, consider our diaconal programs.
- Knowledge of the Bible, Christian doctrine, and Greek, shown by taking Entry Level Competency Exams or our pre-seminary courses.
- Bachelor’s degree or the educational equivalent from a regionally accredited college or university.
- Minimum 2.25 GPA on a 4.0 scale.
- Member of a Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) congregation for at least two years prior to admission. If you are married, your wife must also be a member of an LCMS congregation.
Start the MDiv Application
Your Next Step
Take the first step toward your vocation. Submit your application now and join a community committed to rigorous study and faithful service.
- One pastoral recommendation
- Four personal recommendations
- Official transcripts from college(s) attended
- An interview with your District President
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Graduate Record Examination (GRE) General Test scores are required for applicants whose undergraduate GPA is below a 2.75 on a 4.0 scale who do not already have a master’s, doctorate, or equivalent degree
CTSFW does not accept GRE scores older than five years
Bibliography and Technology
Catechism Recitation
EXEGETICAL THEOLOGY – 40 HOURS
Hebrew I, II
Gospels I, II, III
New Testament Greek Readings
Pentateuch I, II
Pauline Epistles
Major Prophets
Psalms
HISTORICAL THEOLOGY – 18 HOURS
Church History I, II, III, IV
Seminar: Historical Text
PASTORAL MINISTRY AND MISSIONS – 40 HOURS
Liturgics I, II
Homiletics I, II, III
Confessing Christ in Today’s World
Pastoral Counseling
Pastoral Theology I, II
Ministry in Pluralistic Context
Theological Ethics
SYSTEMATIC THEOLOGY – 29 HOURS
Dogmatics I, II, III
Lutheran Confessions I, II, III
Theologia I: Baptism
Theologia II: Preaching
Theologia III: Lord’s Supper
Seminar: Luther’s Text
FIELD EDUCATION AND VICARAGE – 3 HOURS
Field Education I, II
Vicarage
ELECTIVES – 9 HOURS
TOTAL – 139 HOURS
A graduate of the MDiv program
- confesses the faith of the Holy Scriptures and Lutheran Confessions
- interprets biblical texts in the original languages
- embraces baptism, preaching, and the Lord’s Supper
- preaches and teaches biblical truth
- worships, prays, and gives thanks
- views church history as the history of his own family
- defends the faith
- exemplifies Christian life
- cares for the children of God
- gathers those outside the church into the saving fellowship of Christ’s body
MDiv Cost of Attendance (COA)
You can see a breakdown of the costs associated with this program by clicking here. Interested in using our cost of attendance (COA) calculator? Click the button below to get started.