The Certificate in Lutheran Theology is a non-degree pathway into ALTS’s Pastoral Ministry Program. It is designed for people who are called to pastoral ministry and want a full theological education and ministry training, but who do not hold an undergraduate degree. The CLT offers the same rigorous coursework as the Master of Divinity. It does not confer a graduate academic degree, but it shows that the student has completed a curriculum equivalent to the M.Div. The certificate is meant to prepare students for possible ordination
and effective pastoral ministry, especially in The American Association of Lutheran Churches (TAALC). CLT students complete the same 30 courses (90 credit hours) as M.Div. students: 27 core courses in Biblical Studies, Lutheran Theology, Church History, Practical Theology, and
Greek, plus 3 electives. They also complete a supervised vicarage in a TAALC congregation or another approved ministry setting. Most courses meet by live video conference, and typically two are taught as in-person summer intensives. Students must complete all certificate requirements within seven years of matriculation. Admission requirements are the same as for the M.Div., with three differences:

• Applicants are not required to hold a bachelor’s degree or submit undergraduate
  transcripts. Applicants who already have an undergraduate degree are not eligible for
  the CLT and should consider the M.Div. or another ALTS program.
• Applicants must submit a sample of graduate-level writing.
• Generally, only applicants over age 35 are admitted, though the Admissions Committee may consider exceptional circumstances.
  Completing the certificate does not guarantee ordination. Students who want to be ordained

Completing the certificate does not guarantee ordination. Students who want to be ordained
in TAALC apply to The AALC’s Clergy Commission after graduating. Placement on the clergy
roster is recommended by the Clergy Commission and decided by the Association Council,
not by ALTS.