Certificate of Advanced Theological Studies (Lutheran Year)

The Certificate of Advanced Theological Studies is a 24-credit certificate program that typically includes one year of study and one year of internship. Most often students choose this program if they have completed an MDiv or MA degree from a non-ELCA seminary and are required by the ELCA candidacy process to complete at least one year of study at an ELCA seminary, also referred to as a “Lutheran Year”. During this year, students take courses that provide a Lutheran perspective in areas such as theology, scripture, and liturgy.

For further curriculum details, click here.

If you are currently in an MDiv or MA program at a non-ELCA seminary and planning for your Lutheran coursework, the ELCA candidacy process requires that you “affiliate” with an ELCA seminary during the first year of your studies. This provides access to advising services at PLTS and a streamlined admission process when it is time to apply to PLTS for the CATS program. In order to affiliate with PLTS in this way you must be entranced into candidacy with your synod and complete an affiliate application form. Contact the admissions office to learn more about this process.

If you have already completed your MDiv or MA at a non-ELCA seminary, you may apply directly to the CATS program and are not required to complete the affiliate application process with PLTS.

More information about this certificate program is available in the PLTS Academic Catalog.