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How to Apply

Application Steps

  1. If you intend to be rostered in the ELCA (required for becoming a pastor or deacon in the ELCA), contact the candidacy committee in your home synod as soon as you start considering seminary.
  2. Review the Application Requirements listed below for the program you are interested in.
  3. Submit a completed application form.
  4. Upload all supporting materials to your application portal after your application form has been submitted. (Remember we can't review an application until we have received all materials, including recommendations and transcripts. So, please allow sufficient time for your recommenders to complete their recommendations.)
  5. You will receive an admission decision within 2 weeks of submitting your completed application.

Apply Online  

Admission Criteria

Learn more about the admission criteria and other Frequently Asked Questions.

Contact Us

If you have questions at any time, please contact the Admissions Office at (510) 559-2730 or admissions@plts.edu.

 

MDiv & MA

MDiv and MA in Spirituality and Social Change

  1. A completed online application form (use the Apply Online button above)
  2. Official transcripts sent to PLTS for all undergraduate and graduate study (If you cannot get official transcripts at the time of your application, please check with the admissions office about submitting unofficial transcripts for conditional admission.)
  3. Identify three people who will provide a recommendation for you from the following categories. (If you have difficulty finding recommenders in these categories, please reach out to the admissions office to help you find alternatives.)
    1. Pastor from your congregation, college setting, or other spiritual mentor who knows you well
    2. Professor (preferrably one with whom you did work in your major discipline)
    3. Current or former employer
  4. A brief personal statement 
    1. Please discuss in 3 to 5 double-spaced pages the events and factors that have formed your Christian faith. Include an account of the significant factors in your childhood and family life, a brief statement of your personal faith and theological convictions, and a short description of your vocational goals and principle reasons for pursuing this degree. In the body of your essay or in a separate paragraph articulate how you resonate with the PLTS orienting perspectives: nurturing a life-giving relationship with God; intellectual engagement with Scripture, faith traditions, and the world; faithful social transformation; and learning through a socio-ecological lens.
  5. Pay the application fee of $30.00 online through your application portal (use the Apply Online button above). The payment option will become available once you have completed and submitted the application.

Note: If you are applying as a transfer student, please navigate to the Transfer tab to find information specific to the transfer application process. 

Submit these materials together or as they are available.

By mail:
Admissions Office
Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary
2000 Center Street, Suite 200
Berkeley, CA 94704

By email: admissions@plts.edu

We will notify you when your application file is complete and then again when the Admissions Committee has taken action on your file. If you have questions at any step of the process, please don’t hesitate to contact Admissions Office at (510) 559-2730 or admissions@plts.edu.

CATS & CTS

Certificate of Advanced Theological Studies - "Lutheran Year"

The following application requirements apply to those who have already completed an MDiv, or similar degree, at a non-ELCA seminary or divinity school who are required to complete Lutheran studies at an ELCA seminary. Contact the Admissions Office for more information on how to affiliate with PLTS while you are studying at a non-ELCA seminary.  

  1. A completed online application form (use the Apply Online button above)
  2. An official transcript from your seminary/divinity school
  3. Identify one professor at your seminary or divinity school who will provide a recommendation for you. List only a professor on the reference portion of the application form. The admissions office will contact your reference and supply that person with the appropriate form.
  4. A 1-2 page personal statement describing your PLTS study plans, vocational goals, and resonance with PLTS orienting perspectives: nurturing a life-giving relationship with God; intellectual engagement with Scripture, faith traditions, and the world; faithful social transformation; and learning through a socio-ecological lens.
  5. Pay the application fee of $30.00 online through your application portal (use the Apply Online button above). The payment option will become available once you have completed and submitted the application.

Certificate of Theological Studies (CTS)

For those interested in enrolling in the 24-credit certificate program for personal or professional enrichment or as a path to a degree program (REMINDER - This program does not come with financial aid.)

  1. A completed online application form (use the Apply Online button above)
  2. Official transcripts sent to PLTS for your highest level of education achieved
  3. One recommendation from a spiritual leader, professor, or other professional reference. Please contact the admissions if you have questions about who can be a suitable recommender.
  4. A brief 1-2 page personal statement describing your study plans at PLTS, your vocational goals, and your reasons for applying to this certificate program at this time.
  5. Pay the application fee of $30.00 online through your application portal (use the Apply Online button above). The payment option will become available once you have completed and submitted the application.
Transfer

Transfer Students

For those transferring to PLTS from another seminary or divinity school. Up to 2/3 of a degree may be transferred. Course equivalencies are determined by PLTS faculty upon review of course syllabi.

  1. A completed online application form (use the Apply Online button above)
  2. Official transcripts sent to PLTS for all undergraduate and graduate study
  3. Identify one professor at your seminary or divinity school who will provide a recommendation for you. List only a professor on the reference portion of the application form. The admissions office will contact your reference and supply that person with the appropriate form.
  4. A 1-2 page personal statement describing your study plans at PLTS, your vocational goals, and your reasons for applying to transfer to PLTS at this time.
  5. A letter of good standing from the dean or registrar at your current seminary (submitted with your application or after admission)
  6. Pay the application fee of $30.00 online through your application portal (use the Apply Online button above). The payment option will become available once you have completed and submitted the application.
Special Status

Auditor, Non-Degree, and Special Status Students

For those who are interested in taking PLTS classes without being enrolled in a degree or certificate program. This application process may apply to you if you are exploring what program is right for you, if you are interested in only taking a class or two, if you are preparing for another degree program, or if you want to augment your current discipline with a bit of theology. 

  1. A completed online application form (use the Apply Online button above)
  2. A transcript from a the highest level of education achieved 
  3. A 1-2 paragraph statement about your interest in the particular course(s) in which you hope to enroll
TEEM & TEIL

Theological Education for Emerging Ministries (TEEM) and Theological Education for Indigenous Leaders (TEIL)

For those who have been directed to the TEEM or TEIL program by their synod

  1. Review the TEEM and TEIL program materials and connect with the program Director, Dr. Moses Penumaka.
  2. Complete the TEEM Student Information Form.
Certificates

Racial Justice and Faith Courses/Certificate

Climate Justice and Faith Applicants

For those interested in enrolling in the Climate Justice and Faith Certificate, La Certificación de Justicia Climática y Fe, or the Community Organizing for Climate Justice course

Apply Request Info Schedule an Appointment
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