About the Master of Arts in Pastoral Studies
The Master of Arts in Pastoral Studies (MAPS) is a professional degree program designed for either students from foreign contexts seeking Lutheran pastoral formation without vicarage or certification for placement in The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS), or students who are simultaneously enrolled in the Alternate Route program.
Admission Requirements
Because of the doctrinal position of the LCMS, all candidates for the Master of Arts in Pastoral Studies 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 congregation or church with which the LCMS is in fellowship for at least two years prior to admission. If you are married, your wife must also be a member of a Lutheran congregation.
- Members of the LCMS must simultaneously enroll in the Alternate Route program.
Start the MAPS 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.
- A $35 non-refundable application fee
- One letter of recommendation from a church official
- Two letters of recommendation addressing your character, scholarly intent, and ability
- Official transcripts from college(s) attended
Bibliography and Technology
EXEGETICAL THEOLOGY – 19 HOURS
Gospels I, II
Pentateuch I
Pauline Epistles
Major Prophets
HISTORICAL THEOLOGY – 6 HOURS
Church History I (international students) OR Church History IV (LCMS students)
Church History II
PASTORAL MINISTRY AND MISSIONS – 28 HOURS
Liturgics I, II
Homiletics I, II
Pastoral Theology I, II
Ministry in Pluralistic Context OR Confessing Christ in Today’s World
Theological Ethics
SYSTEMATIC THEOLOGY – 19 HOURS
Dogmatics I, II, III
Lutheran Confessions I, II, III
FIELD EDUCATION
Field Education I, II
TOTAL – 72 HOURS
A graduate of the MAPS program
- confesses the faith of the Holy Scriptures and Lutheran Confessions
- interprets biblical texts in agreement with the Lutheran Confessions
- 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
MAPS 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.