Prospective Students

Are you being called as a minister, therapist, chaplain, public theologian, or other faith leader? Is Louisville Seminary the right stop on your vocational journey? We look forward to being a resource and friend as you discern your call.

Degrees & Programs

Courses for these degree programs are taught by an outstanding faculty of scholars who hold advanced degrees from colleges and universities throughout the U.S. and Europe.

Visit the course catalog to see the individual courses offered in each degree program.

Click here for credit hour requirements.

*Online Degree Programs

Currently, the MDiv and MAR degree programs are offered as an asynchronous online program. See details below or refer to the corresponding degree program above.

The MDiv degree can be completed in six years through the Online program. LPTS Online Learning is asynchronous, offering flexibility and accessibility. A rotation of courses is offered each semester, supported by regular check-ins with—and access to—course professors. Attendance is required at our annual in-person gathering—to learn, worship, and build community together.

The MAR degree can be completed in four years through the Online program, with a requirement of 54 credit hours. LPTS Online Learning is asynchronous, offering flexibility and accessibility. A rotation of courses is offered each semester, supported by regular check-ins with—and access to—course professors. Attendance is required at our annual in-person gathering—to learn, worship, and build community together.

Contact the Office of Admissions

Let's connect! If you have questions, need help filling out forms, or simply want to chat, give us a call at (800)-264-1839 (toll free) or (502) 992-9373 or send us an email!

Want More Info?

We understand this can be a big step towards something new and exciting. We are happy to send you more info, simply fill out the form by clicking the button below.

Send Me Info!

Financial Aid

WELCOME FROM PRESIDENT POMERVILLE

Visit the LPTS Campus – Your Way!

Virtual Open House events will continue during the fall and spring semesters. (specific details below.) If you provide us with your contact information (by filling out this form or sending an email), we will keep you informed of these events and other resources that will be helpful as you discern your call to Louisville Seminary.

Experience LPTS: Plan an In-Person Visit!

Visiting our campus in-person is encouraged as a part of your discernment process.

Experience LPTS Campus Visit Days are offered on the following Thursdays, with the program running from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. (ET):

  • March 7, 2024
  • April 18, 2024

Your immersive campus visit experience will include meeting with faculty, students, and staff, attending classes, touring our campus, and worshipping in chapel. Click on the link below for more information and to register!

Experience Day Info &
Registration

We are so excited to invite you to campus! If you are unable to attend one of our Experience LPTS Visit Days events, we are happy to host you on an individual visit. To inquire, please email us, admissions@lpts.edu, and include your program of interest and any days you have available to arrange a scheduled visit.

Virtual Open House Events

The Office of Admissions will be hosting the following virtual Open House events on Thursdays at two different times of day from 12 PM to 1 PM (ET) and 7 PM to 8 PM (ET). All sessions provide the same information with an opportunity for Q&A. Zoom links will be emailed to all those who register prior to the event.

  • March 14, 2024
  • April 4, 2024
  • May 16, 2024

The registration deadline is the Friday prior to the scheduled Open House. If you register late, then you will receive a confirmation email with the link to join the Open House if time allows prior to the time session for which you registered.

Register for a virtual open house by clicking the button below:

Virtual Open House
Registration

Exploring Your Vocation & Call

Is God Calling You?

In Psalm 139 the poet asks God, “Where can I go from your spirit? Or where can I flee from your presence?” God pursues us persistently, and this ultimately is comforting, for it is our Creator who knows us best, who “formed our inmost parts.” The God who has “written all our days” also has dreamed for each of us a plan perfectly fitted for our own talents and gifts. God calls us—and is calling someone even now—to use those gifts in service to Christ’s church.

Traditionally, Presbyterians have insisted that gifts for church leadership be developed through theological education. Our denominational seminaries provide unequalled instruction and training. Our gifted students arrive on the Louisville campus and then begin the process of becoming good pastors, counselors, and teachers—servant leaders equipped to help the people of God make theological and biblical sense out of our troubled but exciting world.

We train pastors who are lifelong learners and who assume personal responsibility for integrating classical theological knowledge with the skills and practices of congregational ministry. We challenge our students to live compassionate lives that are congruent with the gospel, taking seriously the commission of Jesus to spread the good news of salvation, justice, love, and mercy. In the skilled hands of our outstanding faculty, students are stretched, nurtured, and cherished as persons who are, in Paul’s words, “stewards of the mysteries of God.” We invite you to join us.

As you are discerning God’s call, we pray with you...

Almighty God, in Christ you pursue us with grace, lovingly capture us in your mercy, and set us free for humble service. Life-giving Spirit, you give each of us gifts for ministry; your purposes stir our souls and give our lives meaning. O Christ, give us courage to respond willingly to your call, relying always on your guidance, strength, and protection.

Perspective on Discernment

Christian Vocation - PC(USA) Presbyterian Mission Agency
Equipping Vocational Discovery - Forum for Theological Exploration

Marcus A. Hong

Discernment
by Marcus A. Hong
Director of Field Education
Assistant Professor of Practical Theology
Chapel Worship Coordinator

Debra Mumford

The Call of God Is Not all about You
by Debra Mumford
Dean of the Seminary
Frank H. Caldwell Associate Professor of Homiletics
Director of the Money Matters for Ministry Program

Dianne Reistroffer

Why you SHOULD come and NOT come to Seminary
by Dianne Reistroffer
Professor Emerita of Ministry and Methodist Studies

Dr. Susan R. Garrett

Discerning a Call to Ministry - Part I
Vocation or Call as a "form of desire"
by Susan R. Garrett
Professor of New Testament

Discerning a Call to Ministry - Part II
A Calling to the Learned Ministry
by Susan R. Garrett
Professor of New Testament

Master's Application

Beginning September 1, we are accepting applications for Fall 2024.

Click Here for more information about the master’s degree applications and deadlines.

CONTACT US

Our staff in the Admissions Office is here to help.

Phone (502) 992-9369 or (800) 264-1839 ext 369

Email Admissions

Sara Babcock

Sara Babcock

Director of Admissions

Email Sara

Becky Young

Becky Young

Admissions Specialist

Email Becky