Pre-Seminary Studies Minor
Prepare for pastoral ministry with a minor in pre-seminary studies.
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Build a Foundation for Future Seminary Work
The pre-seminary minor at Concordia University Irvine gives you the academic training essential for entrance into seminary. You will dig deep into Scriptures, learn about the history of the church, and gain a solid foundation in Lutheran doctrine. You will also learn Greek and Hebrew to prepare for reading the Scriptures in the original languages. You may pair this minor with any major. The pre-seminary program is structured to encourage personal and spiritual growth in pastoral attitudes, habits, and skills. Upon completion of the program, you’ll be prepared to enter a seminary of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod.
The Pre-Seminary Studies minor has additional requirements. Undergraduates who are members of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod congregation and interested in continuing their education at an LCMS seminary may declare the Pre-Seminary Studies minor. They must apply to the Christ College Church Work program before declaring the religious seminary minor.
View the Concordia University Irvine Online Catalog for a full list of courses.
“One piece of advice that I would give students who are interested in Concordia University Irvine is to get ready to play your part in the Great Commission. Because regardless of what profession you choose, you’ll be challenged to make a difference in the world for Christ.”
Stephen Puls ’12
Meet Our Faculty
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Cari Chittick
Director of Lutheran Teaching Programs and LCMS Placement, Professor of…
FAQs
What is the purpose of a seminary?
Seminary is a specific type of graduate school designed to develop faith leaders. While you’ve been called to serve God through ministry or faith-related work, attending seminary offers you the opportunity to deepen that relationship — and help others do the same.
At Concordia, the religious seminary minor is 40 units, which helps ensure that you’re prepared for the next step in your vocation.
Does seminary make you a pastor?
The purpose of seminary is to advance your studies with a master’s degree and prepare for a pastoral role, usually within the Christian faith. Once you’ve successfully completed your coursework and fieldwork, you can sit as a pastor for the church.
While attending seminary is not the only way to become a pastor, earning a master’s degree to further God’s Word in the Church puts you in the majority: In 2022, 58% of those in the philosophy and religion community had an advanced degree.1
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Sources
1U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, on the internet, at:
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/field-of-degree/philosophy-and-religion/philosophy-and-religion-field-of-degree.htm (viewed Oct. 28, 2024).
Cited projections may not reflect local and/or short-term economic or job conditions and do not guarantee actual job growth.