What education do deaconesses receive?

The primary area of study is theology including four courses designed exclusively for deaconesses. Courses in grieving, counseling and education are required. Complementary areas of study include psychology; sociology; social work; education; church music; Biblical languages; Spanish; and multi-cultural, youth and family ministries. Classroom theory is translated into meaningful service through fieldwork and a one-year paid internship. Upon successful completion of the program, the student is a certified deaconess in the LCMS and eligible for calls to LCMS parishes, agencies and missions as a “minister of religion, commissioned.”

1. The Undergraduate Program is a 5-year residential program that includes a 1-year internship.
For more Undergraduate Information, click HERE.


2. The Deaconess Certification Program is designed for those who already hold a bachelor’s degree. Requirements vary according to the previous experience and educational background of the student. Most full-time certification students complete the academic requirements in 2 years and then complete a 1-year internship. Some students complete a portion of the requirements via distance learning, but it is not a distance learning program.
For more Deaconess Certification information, click HERE.


3. The Master of Arts in Religion with Deaconess Certification is generally completed in three years (2 years of academic classes and 1 year of internship) by students who already have a bachelor's degree with undergraduate work in Biblical studies and Christian doctrine.
For more M.A.R. Deaconess Certification Information, click HERE.
For more information on the Graduate program, visit the Graduate Admission webpage HERE.


4. The Deaconess Colloquy Program is designed for graduates of non-LCMS deaconess programs who desire synodical certification. Time required to complete the program varies according to the previous experience and educational background of the student.
For more Colloquy Information, click HERE.


To apply to any of the programs listed above, please DOWNLOAD the application HERE.
For extra copies of the Letter of Recommendation form, click HERE.