Pre-Seminary Studies Program
Get the preparatory training you need to enter a seminary.
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Pursue Your Calling to Become a Pastor
If you know you want to enter a seminary, the Pre-Seminary Studies Program at Concordia University Irvine can set you up to reach that goal.
The program offers you the academic training essential not only for entrance into a seminary but also for a successful ministry. It’s structured to encourage personal and spiritual growth in pastoral attitudes, habits, and skills.
Upon successful completion of the program, students are prepared to enter a seminary to continue their studies, which normally includes three additional years of academic work and one year of vicarage.
Career Relevant
Gain real-world skills for a life of service and leadership.
Collaborative Classes
Learn in classes with a 15:1 student-to-faculty ratio.
Caring Community
Discover your second home on our beautiful campus.
“My time at Concordia was instrumental in preparing me as a pastor. The truth is I expected small classes and intense academics, but the leadership and ministry opportunities I was able to take part in really took my education to a whole new level.”
Jason Rust ‘03
Getting Started
By attending college in Southern California, you position yourself in an area with so much diversity in religion. You’ll have the opportunity to get the hands-on experience you want through the many churches here.
And as a Christian institution, you’ll also have the option to participate in local and international mission opportunities. If travel appeals to you, you’ll want to check out the dozens of study abroad locations available.
The Pre-Seminary curriculum pulls from a variety of fields of study: general education, major, and language.
Next Start
January 11, 2027
Curriculum
The Pre-Seminary Studies Program furnishes students with the academic training essential not only for successful entrance into a seminary but also for a successful ministry. The program is structured to encourage personal and spiritual growth in pastoral attitudes, habits, and skills. Upon successful completion of the program, students are prepared to enter a seminary to continue their study that normally includes three additional years of academic work and one year of vicarage. Entrance requirements vary, but normally a bachelor’s degree and proficiency in the biblical languages of Greek and Hebrew are required of all who desire admission to a seminary. Seminaries generally also require personal references and recommendations.
General admission to the university does not constitute admission to the Pre-Seminary Studies Program. Students are advised to consult the program director for specific requirements and procedures for admission.
- Enduring Questions & Ideas (GE) (44-45 Units) Normally completed during the first 2 years of attendance.
- Major Requirements
Completion of any approved major. - Minor Requirements (38-40 Units)
Note: Completion of the courses listed in the Pre-Seminary minor is required for all pre-seminary students. - Additional Information
All students in the program are required to meet annually with the program director to discuss their personal, professional, intellectual, and spiritual growth for pastoral ministry.
View the Concordia University Irvine Online Catalog for a full list of courses.
Upon completion of Concordia’s pastor program, you’ll be able to:
- Express an understanding of the language, contents, history, culture, and themes of the Bible.
- Integrate and articulate biblical doctrine in systematic constructs.
- Accurately describe prominent religions, denominations, and philosophies of the past and present.
- Articulate a personal faith in Christ that is well informed from a biblical perspective.
- Demonstrate skills and attitudes to effectively live out and lead the church in the Great Commission and lives of service.
Tuition and Fees
At Concordia, we understand that investing in your education is a significant decision. That’s why we offer a variety of scholarships and financial aid options to help make your academic journey more affordable. In fact, 100% of our students receive some form of financial assistance! View tuition costs and fees for undergraduate programs.
Admission Requirements
Entrance requirements vary. A bachelor’s degree and proficiency in the biblical languages of Greek and Hebrew are required of all who desire admission to a seminary. Seminaries generally also require personal references and recommendations.
Admission to the university does not constitute admission to the Pre-Seminary Studies Program. Consult the program director for specific requirements and procedures for admission.
View the Concordia University Irvine Online Catalog for full details on application and admission requirements.
Nationally Recognized Q&I Curriculum
Concordia University Irvine is among a distinctive group of universities that offer a comprehensive liberal arts curriculum for all of its students. Our nationally recognized Enduring Questions & Ideas curriculum (Q&I, for short) is carefully crafted so that you discover the purpose of a liberal arts education — to grow intellectually, ethically, and spiritually.
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Life at Concordia
Join a community where you’re free to explore your interests and pursuits, make relationships that last a lifetime, and develop your own relationship with God. What will you explore?
Meet Our Faculty
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Cari Chittick
Director of Lutheran Teaching Programs and LCMS Placement, Professor of…
FAQs
What should I study before seminary?
The best way to prepare for success in seminary is to attend a pre-seminary program.
The Pre-Seminary Studies Program at Concordia offers courses like Introduction to Ministry, Called to Teach the Faith, and more.
What does a pastor do?
A pastor has many responsibilities — to God, to his congregation, and to his community.
According to The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, pastors proclaim forgiveness, preach and teach God’s Word, administer God’s life-giving Sacraments, and provide pastoral care to God’s people.2
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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/about/data-for-occupations-not-covered-in-detail.htm (viewed Oct. 29, 2024).
2Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod, Pastors, on the internet, at:
- https://www.lcms.org/serve/set-apart-to-serve/pastors (viewed Oct. 29, 2024)
Cited projections may not reflect local and/or short-term economic or job conditions and do not guarantee actual job growth.