The Pastoral Ministry Program at American Lutheran Theological Seminary (ALTS) is designed to train men for pastoral ministry, primarily within The American Association of Lutheran Churches (TAALC), although exceptions may be considered by seminary leadership. This Program recognizes the evolving landscape of theological education and leverages advanced technology to deliver a robust and accessible
seminary experience. Through live video conferencing ALTS creates a dynamic virtual classroom, enabling real-time (synchronous) interaction between students and professors. This online approach mitigates the high costs associated with on-campus (residential) study and relocation, making quality theological education more attainable.
The Pastoral Ministry Program is built upon a partnership model involving the student, the seminary, and the congregation. A key component of this Program is the Vicarage (pastor-in-training period), where students apply their learning in a real-world congregational setting. This integration of academic study with practical ministry experience is critical for the holistic development of future pastors, equipping them with the theological knowledge, pastoral skills and spiritual maturity necessary to effectively serve Christ and His Church.
There are two tracks, or pathways, through the Pastoral Ministry Program. The first track is that of the Master of Divinity (M.Div) Degree. The second is that of the Certificate in Lutheran Theology. See Academic Catalog for more details.

Academic Catalog

2025-2026 ALTS ACADEMIC CATALOG Download

M.Div Program Travel Expections

Travel expections where the M.Div. student is required to participate in person:

Once a year we have a Pastor’s Conference (3-4 days), somewhere in the country near a transportation hub—St. Paul, Minnesota and Fort Wayne, Indiana are popular destinations.
From time-to-time, we have a Seminary Retreat, normally in the Summer, somewhere in the country near a transportation hub.
Vicarage – Once the M.Div. student completes 18 courses, (7 required including prerequisites), the M.Div. student is placed in an Internship (Vicarage). We try our best to locate a suitable church near the student but that may not be possible therefore the student will be required to relocate. Our interns will serve at an AALC congregation, or other congregation if they subscribe to our Statements of Faith and are approved by ALTS leadership. A Vicarage is a minimum of one year.

Students in the Master of Divinity (M.Div.) program who are preparing for holy orders within The American Association of Lutheran Churches (AALC) are required to subscribe to the Official Statements of Faith of the AALC, as part of their preparation. This subscription reflects the theological commitments expected of all individuals seeking ordination within the AALC.

Students enrolled in the M.Div. program from other church bodies should be aware that their own denomination, synod, or ecclesial community may have its own doctrinal, confessional, or ecclesial subscription requirements for those seeking to receive holy orders. The Seminary encourages such students to consult their church authorities to ensure that they meet all expectations relevant to ministry within their respective traditions.