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How to Apply

Application Steps

  1. If you intend to be rostered in the ELCA (required for becoming a pastor or deacon in the ELCA), contact the candidacy committee in your home synod as soon as you start considering seminary.
  2. Review the Application Requirements listed below for the program you are interested in.
  3. Submit a completed application form.
  4. Upload any remaining supporting materials to your application portal after your application form has been submitted. (Remember we can't review an application until we have received all materials, including recommendations and transcripts. So, please allow sufficient time for your recommenders to complete their recommendations.)
  5. You will receive an admission decision within 2 weeks of submitting your completed application.

Apply Online  

Priority application deadline: February 15, 2027

Admission Criteria

Learn more about the admission criteria and other Frequently Asked Questions.

Contact Us

If you have questions at any time, please contact the Admissions Office at (510) 559-2730 or admissions@plts.edu.

 

MDiv & MASSC

MDiv and MA in Spirituality and Social Change

  1. A completed online application form, using the Apply Online button above.
  2. A personal statement and responses to 2 additional questions (found in the application portal):
    • Personal Statement: Please discuss in 3 to 5 double-spaced pages the events and factors that have formed your Christian faith. Include an account of the significant factors in your childhood and family life, a brief statement of your personal faith and theological convictions, and a short description of your vocational goals and principle reasons for pursuing this degree. 
    • Additional Question #1: Please articulate how you resonate with the four orienting perspectives at PLTS: 1) Nurturing a life-giving relationship with God, 2) Intellectual engagement with Scripture, faith traditions, and the world, 3) Faithful social transformation, and 4) Learning through a socio-ecological lens.
    • Additional Question #2: Please share how you feel prepared to begin a graduate program at this time. Some questions to consider: Have you completed graduate-level study before? Has your life and professional experience helped prepare you for success? Do you have the support of others in your life to help you create time for this new commitment?
  3. Official transcripts sent directly to PLTS for all undergraduate and graduate study, either via email or mail. If you cannot get official transcripts at the time of your application, please check with the admissions office about submitting unofficial transcripts for conditional admission. 
    • Email: admissions@plts.edu
    • Mail: Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary, 2000 Center Street, Suite 200, Berkeley, CA 94704
  4. Two recommendations from the categories below - If you have difficulty finding recommenders in these categories, please reach out to the admissions office to help you find alternatives.
    • Spiritual mentor recommender: a pastor, deacon, spiritual director, or another spiritual leader who is familiar with your faith journey and gifts for ministry
    • Academic recommender: a professor, employer, or other professional/volunteer colleague
  5. Pay the application fee of $30.00 online through your application portal (use the Apply Online button above). The payment option will become available once you have completed and submitted the application.

Note: If you are applying as a transfer student, please navigate to the Transfer tab to find information specific to the transfer application process. 

We will notify you when your application file is complete and then again when the Admissions Committee has taken action on your file. If you have questions at any step of the process, please don’t hesitate to contact Admissions Office at (510) 559-2730 or admissions@plts.edu.

CATS & CTS

Certificate of Advanced Theological Studies - "Lutheran Year"

The following application requirements apply to those who have already completed an MDiv, or similar degree, at a non-ELCA seminary or divinity school who are required to complete Lutheran studies at an ELCA seminary. Contact the Admissions Office for more information on how to affiliate with PLTS while you are studying at a non-ELCA seminary.  

  1. A completed online application form, using the Apply Online button above.
  2. A personal statement and response to an additional question (found in the application portal):
    • Personal Statement: Please describe your PLTS study plans and vocational goals (1-2 pages).
    • Additional Question: Please articulate how you resonate with the four orienting perspectives at PLTS: 1) Nurturing a life-giving relationship with God, 2) Intellectual engagement with Scripture, faith traditions, and the world, 3) Faithful social transformation, and 4) Learning through a socio-ecological lens.
  3. Official transcript from your seminary/divinity school sent directly to PLTS, either via email or mail:
    • Email: admissions@plts.edu
    • Mail: Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary, 2000 Center Street, Suite 200, Berkeley, CA 94704
  4. One Recommendation: Identify one professor at your seminary or divinity school who will provide a recommendation for you. List only a professor on the reference portion of the application form. The admissions office will contact your reference and supply that person with the appropriate form.
  5. Pay the application fee of $30.00 online through your application portal (use the Apply Online button above). The payment option will become available once you have completed and submitted the application.

Certificate of Theological Studies (CTS)

For those interested in enrolling in the 24-credit certificate program for personal or professional enrichment or as a path to a degree program (REMINDER - This program does not come with financial aid.)

  1. A completed online application form, using the Apply Online button above.
  2. A personal statement and response to an additional question (found in the application portal):
    • Personal Statement: Please describe your PLTS study plans, vocational goals and reasons for applying to this certificate program at this time (1-2 pages).
    • Additional Question: Please articulate how you resonate with the four orienting perspectives at PLTS: 1) Nurturing a life-giving relationship with God, 2) Intellectual engagement with Scripture, faith traditions, and the world, 3) Faithful social transformation, and 4) Learning through a socio-ecological lens.
  3. Official transcripts sent directly to PLTS for your highest level of education achieved, either via email or mail:
    • Email: admissions@plts.edu
    • Mail: Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary, 2000 Center Street, Suite 200, Berkeley, CA 94704
  4. One recommendation from a spiritual mentor, professor or other professional reference. Please contact the admissions if you have questions about who can be a suitable recommender.
  5. Pay the application fee of $30.00 online through your application portal (use the Apply Online button above). The payment option will become available once you have completed and submitted the application.
Transfer

Transfer Students

For those transferring to PLTS from another seminary or divinity school. Up to 2/3 of a degree may be transferred. Course equivalencies are determined by PLTS faculty upon review of course syllabi.

  1. A completed online application form, using the Apply Online button above.
  2. A personal statement and response to an additional question (found in the application portal):
    • Personal Statement: Please describe your PLTS study plans, vocational goals and reasons for applying to to transfer to PLTS at this time (1-2 pages).
    • Additional Question: Please articulate how you resonate with the four orienting perspectives at PLTS: 1) Nurturing a life-giving relationship with God, 2) Intellectual engagement with Scripture, faith traditions, and the world, 3) Faithful social transformation, and 4) Learning through a socio-ecological lens.
  3. Official transcripts sent to PLTS for all undergraduate and graduate study, either via email or mail. 
    • Email: admissions@plts.edu
    • Mail: Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary, 2000 Center Street, Suite 200, Berkeley, CA 94704
  4. One Recommendation: Identify one professor at your seminary or divinity school who will provide a recommendation for you. List only a professor on the reference portion of the application form. The admissions office will contact your reference and supply that person with the appropriate form.
  5. A letter of good standing from the dean or registrar at your current seminary, submitted with your application or after admission. Contact admissions@plts.edu for more information on how to request such a letter.
  6. Pay the application fee of $30.00 online through your application portal (use the Apply Online button above). The payment option will become available once you have completed and submitted the application.
Special Status

Auditor, Non-Degree, and Special Status Students

For those who are interested in taking PLTS classes without being enrolled in a degree or certificate program. This application process may apply to you if you are exploring what program is right for you, if you are interested in only taking a class or two, if you are preparing for another degree program, or if you want to augment your current discipline with a bit of theology. 

  1. A completed online application form, using the Apply Online button above
  2. A 1-2 paragraph statement of interest (submitted with the application):
    • 1-2 Paragraph Statement: Please share your interest in the particular course(s) in which you hope to enroll.
  3. An official transcript from the highest level of education achieved, this can be sent either via email or mail. 
    • Email: admissions@plts.edu
    • Mail: Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary, 2000 Center Street, Suite 200, Berkeley, CA 94704
TEEM

Theological Education for Emerging Ministries (TEEM)

For those who have been directed to the TEEM program by their synod

  1. Review the TEEM program materials and connect with the program Director, Dr. Moses Penumaka.
  2. Complete the TEEM Student Information Form.
Certificates

Racial Justice and Faith Courses/Certificate

Certificate/Advanced Certificate in Church Leadership

Climate Justice and Faith Applicants

For those interested in enrolling in the Climate Justice and Faith Certificate, La Certificación de Justicia Climática y Fe, or the Community Organizing for Climate Justice course

Apply Request Info Schedule an Appointment
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