The degree is open to pastors serving in the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod (WELS) and church bodies in fellowship with the WELS, and who hold a M.Div., B.Div., or B.Th.
The STM program at WLS is undergoing restructuring that will be implemented beginning January 1, 2023. This webpage will be updated as information becomes available. Read more about the changes to come here.
Degree Requirements
The STM requires students earn a total of 24 academic credits.
Core Course Requirements
Beginning in January 2023, 2 credits must be earned in two courses required of all STM students
- Pastoral Theological Research (1 credit)
- Hermeneutics course (still in development) (1 credit)
Once students have decided they wish to pursue the STM, they are encouraged to take both of these courses as soon as possible. Both courses will be offered annually either face-to-face or online.
Declared Areas of Focus
12 credits must be earned in one of nine areas of declared focus:
- Biblical Theology: Old Testament
- Biblical Theology: New Testament
- Church History
- Education
- Missiology & Evangelism
- Pastoral Care
- Pastoral Leadership
- Preaching & Worship
- Systematic Theology
Electives
Room and Board
Rooms and meals are available during Winterim and Summer Quarter. The cost for one week room and board on campus at Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary is $250, and $500 for both weeks. Five noon meals per week are available to commuting students at $70 for one week or $140 for both weeks. Costs for room and board for satellite events will vary based on location.