Listed A–Z
Concordia Lutheran Theological Seminary (ON)
St. Catharines, ON•Lutheran Church–Canada•Conservative•Small campus
Concordia Lutheran Theological Seminary (CLTS) in St. Catharines, Ontario, was established in 1976 as an extension of Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, Indiana, and relocated to the Brock University campus in 1983. The seminary is affiliated with Lutheran Church-Canada, a member of the International Lutheran Council, and is situated on the northeast corner of Brock University's 215-hectare campus.
Concordia Seminary (MO)
St. Louis, MO•Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod•Conservative•Medium campus
Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, Missouri, serves as the flagship institution of the Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod (LCMS), providing education focused on confessional Lutheran theology and preparing individuals for ministry within LCMS congregations and related roles, with a curriculum that incorporates elements of Lutheran orthodoxy and historical traditions. Located in Clayton, Missouri, the seminary's primary mission is to train pastors, deaconesses, missionaries, chaplains, and other church workers.
Concordia Theological Seminary (IN)
Fort Wayne, IN•Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod•Conservative•Medium campus
Concordia Theological Seminary (CTSFW) in Fort Wayne, Indiana, serves as an institution affiliated with the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod (LCMS), providing education focused on confessional Lutheran theology and preparing individuals for ministry within LCMS congregations and related roles, with a curriculum that incorporates elements of Lutheran liturgy and doctrine. Founded in 1846, the seminary's mission is to form servants in Jesus Christ who teach the faithful, reach the lost, and care for all. It is located on a campus designed to support theological study and spiritual formation.
Luther Seminary
St. Paul, MN•Evangelical Lutheran Church in America•Progressive•Medium campus
Luther Seminary, located in St. Paul, Minnesota, serves as the largest institution affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), emphasizing gospel proclamation through word and sacrament. Established in 1869 to advance Lutheran ideals in the Midwest, the seminary focuses on renewing faith communities through diverse chapels and international ties in the Twin Cities area of Minnesota.
Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago
Chicago, IL•Evangelical Lutheran Church in America•Progressive•Small campus
Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago (LSTC), located in Chicago, Illinois, serves as an institution affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), advancing theology with emphases on urban, environmental, and public dimensions. Established in 1962, LSTC champions urban engagement in Chicago's skyline, integrating ecology and interfaith dialogues to address modern challenges faithfully. It is a relevant choice for students interested in Chicago Lutheran seminaries or programs focused on eco-theology, offering the Master of Divinity with a public church-oriented approach to prepare individuals for ministry in crisis and diverse settings.
Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary of Lenoir-Rhyne University
Columbia, SC•Evangelical Lutheran Church in America•Progressive•Small campus
Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary of Lenoir-Rhyne University in Columbia, South Carolina, serves as an institution affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), focusing on forming leaders with an emphasis on Southern hospitality and black Lutheran integrations. Established in 1830, the seminary embodies Lutheran grace amid South Carolina's warmth, blending tradition with inclusive practices. It is a relevant choice for students interested in South Carolina Lutheran seminaries or programs centered on Southern pastoral formation, offering the Master of Divinity that highlights warm community and welcoming shepherds for regional ministry.
Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary of California Lutheran University
Berkeley, CA•Evangelical Lutheran Church in America•Progressive•Small campus
Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary of California Lutheran University, located in Berkeley, California, serves as a Lutheran (ELCA) institution affiliated with the Graduate Theological Union, founded in 1950 to meet the needs of Western U.S. congregations. Emphasizing justice, interfaith dialogue, and cross-cultural experience, the seminary prepares leaders for spiritual and moral courage in public action, with a strong Lutheran identity while embracing diverse traditions.
Trinity Lutheran Seminary at Capital University
Columbus, OH•Evangelical Lutheran Church in America•Progressive•Small campus
Trinity Lutheran Seminary at Capital University in Columbus, Ohio, serves as an ELCA-affiliated institution founded in 1830, dedicated to forming leaders for ministry through gospel-centered education in a Midwestern urban campus. The seminary emphasizes Lutheran theology with ecumenical openness, focusing on justice, reconciliation, and community engagement. It offers the Master of Divinity and the Master of Theological Studies, preparing students for ordained and lay ministry through coursework in biblical studies, historical theology, and pastoral care, all tailored to address contemporary social challenges.
United Lutheran Seminary
Gettysburg, PA•Evangelical Lutheran Church in America•Progressive•Small campus
United Lutheran Seminary, with campuses in Philadelphia and Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, is an ELCA-affiliated institution formed in 2017 from the merger of two historic seminaries, committed to forming leaders for public witness and service in a changing world. The seminary emphasizes Lutheran theology with ecumenical openness, offering a dual-campus experience for those seeking education in Pennsylvania's rich historical settings. It offers the Master of Divinity, Master of Arts in Public Leadership, and Doctor of Ministry, equipping students for roles in pastoral care, chaplaincy, and community advocacy with a focus on justice and reconciliation.
Wartburg Theological Seminary
Dubuque, IA•Evangelical Lutheran Church in America•Progressive•Small campus
Wartburg Theological Seminary in Dubuque, Iowa, is an ELCA-affiliated institution committed to preparing leaders for ministry through gospel-centered education and community engagement. The seminary emphasizes Lutheran theology, with a focus on both rural and urban ministry contexts, offering the Master of Divinity and the Master of Arts in Diaconal Ministry to equip students for ordained and lay roles in churches and communities. Its location in the Midwest provides a blend of historical charm and modern resources for theological study, appealing to those seeking to integrate faith with practical service in diverse settings.
Rankings reviewed: August 23, 2025 — see our Ranking Methodology
Every school here has been hand-selected for this category. The order is not a ranking — schools are listed alphabetically.
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