Are you being called as a minister, therapist, chaplain, public theologian, or other faith leader? Is Louisville Seminary the right stop on your vocational journey? We look forward to being a resource and friend as you discern your call.
Degrees & Programs
Courses for these degree programs are taught by an outstanding faculty of scholars who hold advanced degrees from colleges and universities throughout the U.S. and Europe.
Visit the course catalog to see the individual courses offered in each degree program.
Click here for credit hour requirements.
*Online Degree Programs
Currently, the MDiv and MAR degree programs are offered as an asynchronous online program. See details below or refer to the corresponding degree program above.
The MDiv degree can be completed in six years through the Online program. LPTS Online Learning is asynchronous, offering flexibility and accessibility. A rotation of courses is offered each semester, supported by regular check-ins with—and access to—course professors. Attendance is required at our annual in-person gathering—to learn, worship, and build community together.
The MAR degree can be completed in four years through the Online program, with a requirement of 54 credit hours. LPTS Online Learning is asynchronous, offering flexibility and accessibility. A rotation of courses is offered each semester, supported by regular check-ins with—and access to—course professors. Attendance is required at our annual in-person gathering—to learn, worship, and build community together.
Contact the Office of Admissions
Let's connect! If you have questions, need help filling out forms, or simply want to chat, give us a call at (800)-264-1839 (toll free) or (502) 992-9373 or send us an email!
Want More Info?
We understand this can be a big step towards something new and exciting. We are happy to send you more info, simply fill out the form by clicking the button below.
An Invite from President Pomerville
Watch the video message below from Louisville Seminary President Rev. Dr. Andrew D. Pomerville inviting YOU to be a part of our Whosoever community!
Visit the LPTS Campus – Your Way!
Virtual Open House events will continue during the fall and spring semesters. (specific details below.) If you provide us with your contact information (by filling out this form or sending an email), we will keep you informed of these events and other resources that will be helpful as you discern your call to Louisville Seminary.
Virtual Open Houes Events
Please check back soon for new Master-Level dates in 2024.
The Office of Admissions will be hosts virtual Open House events throughout the calendar year.
All sessions provide the same information with an opportunity for Q&A. Zoom links will be emailed to all those who register prior to the event.
The registration deadline is the Friday prior to the scheduled Open House. If you register late, then you will receive a confirmation email with the link to join the Open House if time allows prior to the time session for which you registered.
Interested in learning more about our Doctor of Ministry program?
Do you wish to renew your ministry? Do you have a project idea that expresses your passions, creativity, and commitments? Louisville Seminary offers a world-class Doctor of Ministry degree to strengthen the connection between theology, ethics, and ministry practice either in the church or in fields closely related to the mission and witness of the church.
Come learn about our three tracks (Advanced Practice of Ministry, Black Church Studies, and Pastoral Care and Counseling) and other features of the program at a virtual open house.
Join Rev. Dr. Dianne Reistroffer, Interim Director for the Doctor of Ministry programs and Special Projects Coordinator to the Dean, and Tyler Mayfield, Interim Dean of the Seminary, for a 60-minute information session. Zoom links will be emailed to all those who register prior to the event.
- Monday, July 22, 2024, at 3:00 PM (ET)
Experience LPTS: Plan an In-Person Visit!
Visiting our campus in-person is encouraged as a part of your discernment process.
Experience LPTS Campus Visit Days are traditionally offered Thursdays from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm (ET).
Your immersive campus visit experience will include meeting with faculty, students, and staff, attending classes, touring our campus, and worshipping in chapel. Click on the link below for more information and to register!
Please check back soon for new dates in 2024.
We are so excited to invite you to campus! If you are unable to attend one of our Experience LPTS Visit Days events, we are happy to host you on an individual visit. To inquire, please email us, admissions@lpts.edu, and include your program of interest and any days you have available to arrange a scheduled visit.
Exploring Your Vocation & Call
Is God Calling You?
In Psalm 139 the poet asks God, “Where can I go from your spirit? Or where can I flee from your presence?” God pursues us persistently, and this ultimately is comforting, for it is our Creator who knows us best, who “formed our inmost parts.” The God who has “written all our days” also has dreamed for each of us a plan perfectly fitted for our own talents and gifts. God calls us—and is calling someone even now—to use those gifts in service to Christ’s church.
Traditionally, Presbyterians have insisted that gifts for church leadership be developed through theological education. Our denominational seminaries provide unequalled instruction and training. Our gifted students arrive on the Louisville campus and then begin the process of becoming good pastors, counselors, and teachers—servant leaders equipped to help the people of God make theological and biblical sense out of our troubled but exciting world.
We train pastors who are lifelong learners and who assume personal responsibility for integrating classical theological knowledge with the skills and practices of congregational ministry. We challenge our students to live compassionate lives that are congruent with the gospel, taking seriously the commission of Jesus to spread the good news of salvation, justice, love, and mercy. In the skilled hands of our outstanding faculty, students are stretched, nurtured, and cherished as persons who are, in Paul’s words, “stewards of the mysteries of God.” We invite you to join us.
As you are discerning God’s call, we pray with you...
Almighty God, in Christ you pursue us with grace, lovingly capture us in your mercy, and set us free for humble service. Life-giving Spirit, you give each of us gifts for ministry; your purposes stir our souls and give our lives meaning. O Christ, give us courage to respond willingly to your call, relying always on your guidance, strength, and protection.
Perspective on Discernment
Christian Vocation - PC(USA) Presbyterian Mission Agency
Equipping Vocational Discovery - Forum for Theological Exploration
Discernment
by Marcus A. Hong
Director of Field Education
Assistant Professor of Practical Theology
Chapel Worship Coordinator
The Call of God Is Not all about You
by Debra Mumford
Dean of the Seminary
Frank H. Caldwell Associate Professor of Homiletics
Director of the Money Matters for Ministry Program
Why you SHOULD come and NOT come to Seminary
by Dianne Reistroffer
Professor Emerita of Ministry and Methodist Studies
Discerning a Call to Ministry - Part I
Vocation or Call as a "form of desire"
by Susan R. Garrett
Professor of New Testament
Discerning a Call to Ministry - Part II
A Calling to the Learned Ministry
by Susan R. Garrett
Professor of New Testament
Applications
Click Here for more information about the master’s degree applications.
Click Here for more information about doctoral degree & programs
Admissions Calendar
| Date | |
|---|---|
| July 15 | Extended Application period for fall admission to the Master of Divinity and Master of Arts in Religion programs. |
| September 1 | Application period for master-level programs opens for the following fall cohort. Application Deadline for regular admission to the Doctor of Ministry program. |
| December 1 | Application Deadline for international students for all master’s programs. |
| February 1 | Application Deadline for fall admission to the Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy (MAMFT) degree program. Application Deadline for special or probationary consideration for fall admission to the Master of Arts in Religion (MAR) and Master of Divinity (MDIV) degree programs. Priority Deadline for Presidential Scholarship consideration for all master’s programs. (No separate application is required.) |
| April 1 | Deadline for completed DMin applications for early admissions consideration. |
| April 15 | Priority Housing Deadline for fall. Housing requests made after this date will be filled as space is available. |
| June 1 | Application Deadline for fall admission to the Master of Divinity and Master of Arts in Religion programs. |
CONTACT US
Our staff in the Admissions Office is here to help.
Phone (502) 992-9373 or (800) 264-1839 ext 373
