Technology
ALTS employs the latest interactive communication technology from Zoom Video Communications.
ZOOM provides ALTS the means for us to communicate, collaborate, and interact with our students without the need for brick and mortar classrooms.
Our classes are real-time, interactive experiences, where the student can see and interact not only with the instructor but the other students in the class as well – all from the comfort of your home.
The student is responsible for their own equipment (computer, video camera, broadband internet, phone, and email address). The student must have the ability to have two-way video communication and is a requirement for participation.
Subscription Resources
JSTOR digital library of academic journals, books, and primary sources. (Registered students will receive a user name and password.)
Pre-Seminary Reading List
In addition to the Holy Scriptures, ALTS recommends the following works for those considering one of our seminary programs.
The asterisked works are specifically recommended for men preparing for the Office of the Holy Ministry (M. Div.).
- Chemnitz, Martin. Ministry, Word, and Sacraments: An Enchiridion *
- Chrysostom, John. On the Priesthood *
- Croy, N. Clayton. A Primer of Biblical Greek *
- Gerberdering, George. The Lutheran Pastor *
- Jacobs, Henry Eyster. Summary of the Christian Faith
- Just, Arthur. Heaven on Earth: The Gift of Christ in the Divine Service
- Köberle, Adolf. The Quest for Holiness
- McCain, Paul, ed. Concordia : The Lutheran Confessions : A Reader’s Edition of the Book of Concord
- Maier, Paul. Church History: The Basics
- Middendorf, Michael. Called By the Gospel: An Introduction to the New Testament
- Murray, Scott. Law, Life, and the Living God: The Third Use of the Law in Modern American Lutheranism
- Sasse, Hermann. Here We Stand
- Sasse, Hermann. We Confess Anthology
- Steinmann, Andrew, ed. Called to Be God’s People: An Introduction to the Old Testament
- Strunck, William and E. B. White. The Elements of Style
- Walther, C.F.W. Law and Gospel
- Wingren, Gustaf. Luther on Vocation
Sufficient Academic Progress Policy for ALTS
Good Academic Standing GPA
Students in the M.Div, M.A.R., and M.A.T. programs must maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 for good academic standing, which is consistent with the requirement outlined in the ALTS guide. Students in the D.Min. program must maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 for good academic standing.
Minimum Credits per Year
Students must complete at least four courses annually to maintain good standing and stay on track for graduation.
Maximum Time to Complete Program
Students in the M.Div. program must complete their coursework within a maximum of seven years. For those who do not complete the program within this timeframe, reapplication and adherence to the updated program requirements at reentry are required. The maximum time allowed to complete the M.A.R. and M.A.T. programs are seven years from the start of coursework. If a student needs a leave of absence, they may take up to one year without reapplying. After that period, students must reapply and meet any updated program requirements. Students in the D.Min program must complete the program within seven years.
Incomplete Policy
In cases where a student is unable to complete course requirements on time due to circumstances beyond their control, an Incomplete (I) grade may be granted. Requests must be made by the last scheduled day of the quarter, with coursework completed by the end of the following term (by August 1 for spring term incompletes). Unresolved Incompletes will convert to an F.
Grade to GPA Policy
GPA is calculated on a 4.0 scale as follows:
- A = 4.0, A- = 3.66, B+ = 3.33, B = 3.0, B- = 2.66, C+ = 2.33, C = 2.0, D+ = 1.33, D = 1.0, F = 0.0
- Grades of P (pass) are equivalent to a GPA value of 2.5.
Academic Probation
A student falls into academic probation if the cumulative GPA drops below 2.0 or a term GPA below 1.75. Probation may also be triggered if a student accumulates two Incomplete grades in a term. Students on probation are restricted to a course load of no more than four full courses per semester.
Students on probation must complete the next three courses with a grade of C or higher (or Pass) within three consecutive terms to regain good standing. Failure to meet these conditions results in dismissal.
Quantitative Progress Requirement
To qualify for financial aid and meet satisfactory academic progress, students must complete at least 66.7% of attempted credits each term. All courses with grades of A, B, C, or P count toward completed credits. Courses graded F, I, W, or WF are not considered completed for this calculation.
Exceptions and Appeals
Students may appeal academic decisions, such as probation or dismissal, by submitting a written explanation of extenuating circumstances to the Seminary President or designated faculty. Appeals should include a detailed academic plan approved by the student’s academic advisor.
Tuition and Fees
Presently, we operate on a “Quarterly” basis. Each course is 2 to 3 hours per week for 10 weeks each quarter. We are able to keep the cost of our classes low and affordable because of the generosity of our donors. Current student cost is $500 USD per course.
Application Fee $25.00
Course Fee $500.00
The life of a seminarian is one of introspection, study, prayer, and worship. To take up the call to serve in the church as a Pastor, a Commissioned Church Worker, a Deacon or Deaconess is a difficult but worthwhile task. ALTS equips, enlightens, and encourages students for these callings. From scriptural exegesis to church administration, ALTS provides comprehensive education and training for service in these vocational ministries.
Seminarians not only gain deeper insight into the Scriptures, but they learn what it means to struggle as a servant of Christ, preparing them for their calls to serve in the Church.
In 1 Timothy 3, Paul speaks of the qualifications for pastors:
“The saying is trustworthy: If anyone aspires to the office of overseer, he desires a noble task. Therefore an overseer must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not a drunkard, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. He must manage his own household well, with all dignity keeping his children submissive, for if someone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he care for God’s church? He must not be a recent convert, or he may become puffed up with conceit and fall into the condemnation of the devil. Moreover, he must be well thought of by outsiders, so that he may not fall into disgrace, into a snare of the devil” (1 Timothy 3:1-7, ESV).
Following this, he details the qualifications for deacons:
“Deacons likewise must be dignified, not double-tongued, not addicted to much wine, not greedy for dishonest gain. They must hold the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. And let them also be tested first; then let them serve as deacons if they prove themselves blameless. Their wives likewise must be dignified, not slanderers, but sober-minded, faithful in all things. Let deacons each be the husband of one wife, managing their children and their own households well. For those who serve well as deacons gain a good standing for themselves and also great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus.” (1 Timothy 3:8-13)
O Lord God, dear Father in heaven, I am indeed unworthy of the office and ministry in which I am to make known Your glory and to nurture and to serve this congregation.
But since You have appointed me to be a pastor and teacher, and the people are in need of the teaching and the instruction, be my helper and let Your holy angels attend to me.
Then if You are pleased to accomplish anything through me, to Your glory and not to mine or to the praise of people, grant me, out of Your pure grace and mercy, a right understanding of Your Word and that I may also diligently perform it.
O Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the living God, shepherd and bishop of our souls, send Your Holy Spirit to work with me to will and to do through Your divine strength according to Your good pleasure. Amen.
–Luther’s Sacristy prayer
The spread of the Gospel of Jesus Christ does not come without opposition.
“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm.” (Eph. 6:10-13).
Our seminarians are young and old alike, and all seek to answer the call to serve Christ with humility and passion, with strength and perseverance. Our curriculum challenges students, and seeks to equip them with the whole armor of God to serve and shepherd the sheep that God has entrusted to the care of the church.