DEGREE CONCENTRATIONS

Master degree programs offer the option of a concentration as a means to develop specialization in an area of ministry. A concentration consists of a minimum of 10 credits in a specified area of emphasis. Currently we offer four concentrations.

  • Hispanic Ministry
  • Rural Ministry
  • Youth, Culture, and Mission (YCM)
  • Mission Development

The general pattern for meeting the requirements for all concentrations is as follows:

  • One J-Term devoted to the subject area (2 credits). For the Hispanic Ministry concentration, this would mean a J-Term immersion through our extension site, the Lutheran Seminary Program in the Southwest (LSPS) in Austin, Texas. For the Rural Ministry concentration, this would mean completing the Rural Ministry J-Term course. For the YCM and Mission Development concentrations, designated J-Term courses or their equivalents will be offered.
  • Other on-campus/hybrid courses taken to meet a degree requirement, such as additional Rural Ministry courses, further coursework in pastoral care and youth/family ministry with YCM eligibility as designated by the faculty, or Spanish language or practicum courses in the case of the Hispanic Ministry concentration.
  • The two fieldwork requirements in the second year of the degree, requirements IN-9.3 and IN-9.4, will be arranged in the specified area of the concentration.
  • The final-year integrative requirements, IN-5 and IN-6, are to be arranged in the area of study of the concentration.

Most concentrations allow some flexibility in how assignments are completed in other courses. It is possible in some cases to make arrangements, so that a student’s internship site might provide experience in the student’s area of a concentration.

Students should note that completing a concentration could involve some coursework beyond the minimum degree requirements. The student in a concentration may need to take additional courses beyond the minimum to meet the needs of both the degree and the concentration.


CERTIFICATE PROGRAMS

HISPANIC MINISTRY

Wartburg Theological Seminary, through the Lutheran Seminary Program in the Southwest, offers a Certificate in Hispanic Ministry. This certificate is earned by the completion of eight courses, taught in an intensive format, normally at the Austin, Texas extension site. Instruction for these certificate courses is offered four times per year in either English or Spanish. The certificate is designed both for lay leaders and pastors, all those desiring to improve their skills for engaging in Hispanic Ministry.

RURAL MINISTRY

The Advanced Certificate in Rural Ministry is designed for clergy and laity who are new to rural ministry and/or want to strengthen their ministry in small town and rural churches. The Certificate program consists of twelve courses, combining foundational subjects such as Bible, theology, and church history with rural ministry and community development. Program requirements are completed through a combination of online and residency courses, allowing students the flexibility to work at their own pace taking one, two, or three courses at a time.

THEOLOGICAL STUDIES

Wartburg Theological Seminary offers a Certificate in Theological Studies. This certificate is earned by the completion of eight courses, taught in a combination of online and on campus intensive courses, covering Bible, church history, theology, and electives. The certificate, for lay leaders and pastors, is designed for participants to work at their own pace, taking one, two, or three courses at a time.

THEOLOGICAL AND CONGREGATIONAL LEADERSHIP

The Advanced Certificate in Theology and Congregational Leadership is designed for clergy and laity who want to strengthen their ministry leadership. The Certificate program consists of twelve courses, combining foundational subjects such as Bible, theology, and church history with two courses in the area of specialty. Program requirements are completed through a combination of online and intensive courses, allowing students the flexibility to work at their own pace, taking one, two, or three courses at a time.

YOUTH AND FAMILY MINISTRY

The Advanced Certificate in Youth & Family Ministry is designed for clergy and laity who want to strengthen their ministry. The Certificate program consists of twelve courses, combining foundational subjects such as Bible, theology, and church history with two courses in the area of youth & family ministry. Program requirements are completed through a combination of online and intensive courses, allowing students the flexibility to work at their own pace, taking one, two, or three courses at a time.