Detailed information about Concordia’s academic programmes is found in the Academic Calendar. Concordia offers two degrees: Master of Divinity and Master of Theological Studies. To apply for either, complete the Graduate Application.
In addition to offering these two theological degrees, which are open to all who qualify academically, Concordia trains pastors to serve in Lutheran Church–Canada and its sister church bodies (e.g. the Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod). Usually, students complete the Master of Divinity while taking some additional courses to meet denomination-specific requirements. This route requires a student to have a bachelor’s degree before entry and to complete the Graduate Application (above). However, students who are members of Lutheran Church–Canada and do not have a bachelor’s degree may enrol in our non-degree diploma programme. All Lutheran Church–Canada students seeking to become pastors, regardless of whether they are enrolled in the Master of Divinity degree or not, must complete the Pastoral Application. Please note that the Pastoral Application is only for members of Lutheran Church–Canada and its sister church bodies. Do not use this application if you are not a member of LCC or a sister church body.
Until 2023 Concordia’s degrees were conferred by Brock University under terms of an Affiliation Agreement. CLTS has applied to the Ontario Ministry of Colleges and Universities for ministerial consent to grant the following degrees in its own name. The application is being reviewed.
Contents of this page:
Master of Divinity
The Master of Divinity is the “gold standard” in North American theological education for those desiring to enter into the ordained ministry. It is a qualification that opens up vocations not only in traditional congregational settings, but also in institutional and military chaplaincy. The MDiv normally requires four years of full-time study, including a one-year internship (vicarage). A student lacking the prerequisites will require five years to complete the programme.
The primary purpose for which Concordia was founded is to prepare men for the pastoral ministry in Lutheran Church–Canada and, secondarily, her sister churches throughout the world. For this purpose Concordia offers the MDiv with Pastoral Certification and acts as the examination and certification agency for those churches.
Concordia has also partnered with non-Lutheran church bodies to provide pastoral formation through the MDiv for those who do not have a nearby seminary of their confession. Those church bodies provide practical and confessional training to supplement Concordia’s MDiv.
For more detailed information about the Master of Divinity degree, click here.
Master of Theological Studies
This post-baccalaureate degree is aimed at university-educated laypeople who wish to pursue advanced studies in theology. The programme aims to provide a wide-ranging view of Christian theology, with a specifically Lutheran focus. It is appropriate training for anyone seeking to serve in the church in a non-ordained capacity, or simply for personal enrichment.
The core of required courses introduces the basics of each major discipline, while electives allow the student to concentrate on a selected major. Most classwork is done together with MDiv students, enhancing the community of learning. The treatise offers the opportunity to focus on a specific topic of research interest. The MTS normally requires two years of full-time study.
For more detailed information about the Master of Theological Studies degree, click here.
Pastoral Diploma Programme
Concordia may accept a limited number of students who do not have a bachelor’s degree into its Residential Diploma Programme, successful completion of which will lead to certification for ordination in Lutheran Church–Canada (or for commendation as a candidate for ordination in a sister church). The programme normally requires four years of full-time study, including a one-year internship (vicarage). A student lacking the prerequisites will require five years to complete the programme.
For more detailed information about the Pastoral Diploma Programme, click here.
Full details about these programmes are in the annual Academic Calendar.
Routes to Ordination
The primary purpose of Concordia is to prepare men for the office of the holy ministry. Depending on the applicant’s qualifications and age, a number of routes are available that may lead to ordination. The time required and qualification obtained will vary. The following chart will help applicants to select the most appropriate route.
Concordia Lutheran Theological Seminary 