Gettysburg & Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Unifying, Learning, Serving: United Lutheran Seminary is a welcoming and diverse learning community equipping people to proclaim the living Gospel for a changing church and world.

About United

United Lutheran Seminary prepares leaders to serve the church, community, and world through theological education, spiritual formation, and public engagement. Rooted in the Lutheran tradition and enriched by ecumenical partnerships, ULS builds and sustains an affirming and diverse learning community where students are equipped for faithful leadership in a rapidly changing world.

Through degree programs, lifelong learning opportunities, and hands-on ministry experiences, students develop the theological understanding, practical skills, and spiritual grounding needed to lead congregations, serve communities, advocate for justice, and engage the complex challenges facing church and society. ULS witnesses to and participates in God’s work in the world through spiritual leadership, public advocacy, impactful worship, and care of neighbor.

Degrees and Programs

Degree Programs

United Lutheran Seminary offers graduate theological education for those preparing for ministry, leadership, scholarship, and service in the church and the world.

First Theological Degrees

Master of Divinity (MDiv)
Master of Arts (Academic Track)
Master of Arts (Professional Track) – Deacon Ministry Specialization
Master of Arts (Professional Track) – Congregational Leadership Specialization
Master of Arts (Professional Track) – Public Leadership Specialization

Advanced Degrees

Master of Sacred Theology (STM)
Doctor of Ministry (DMin)
PhD in Public Theology and Witness

Certificates

United Lutheran Seminary also offers certificate programs that provide accessible pathways for theological education, ministry preparation, and leadership development.

Urban Theological Institute Certificate in Christian Ministry
Urban Theological Institute Certificate in Church Leadership (Salt & Light Church Program)
Certificate in Theological Studies for ELCA Theological Education for Emerging Ministries (TEEM)

For complete information about degree programs, certificates, admissions requirements, and academic opportunities, visit the United Lutheran Seminary Academics and Degree Programs pages.

Quick Facts

Students
253 degree-seeking students and 46 affiliate and certificate students

Faculty
17 full-time faculty members

Degree Programs
5-degree programs, including master’s and doctoral degrees

Certificates and Specialized Programs
Multiple certificate and ministry formation programs, including TEEM and Urban Theological Institute offerings

Learning Models
Flexible learning options including residential, synchronous online, asynchronous online, and hybrid course formats

Campus Locations
Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Discernment Retreats

The Weekend

Exploring a call to ministry, theological education, or faith-based leadership? United Lutheran Seminary invites you to experience seminary life firsthand through discernment events, campus visits, and admissions programs designed to help you explore God’s call in your life.

During your visit, you may have the opportunity to:

Learn about ULS degree programs, certificates, and pathways to ministry
Explore vocational discernment and theological education
Attend classes and engage with faculty
Worship with the seminary community
Meet current students, faculty, and staff
Experience life on our Gettysburg and Philadelphia campuses
Learn about flexible residential, hybrid, and online learning options
Participate in conversation, fellowship, and community life

Whether you are discerning ordained ministry, public leadership, chaplaincy, diaconal service, or further theological study, our admissions team is here to walk alongside you as you explore the next step in your journey.

For information about upcoming discernment events and campus visit opportunities, contact the ULS Admissions Office.

Admissions Assistance

The ULS Admissions team is here to support you throughout your discernment and application journey. Whether you are exploring a call to ordained ministry, public leadership, chaplaincy, diaconal service, or advanced theological study, we are ready to help you discover how theological education can deepen your vocation and prepare you for faithful leadership in the church, community, and world.

Admissions

Schedule a Visit

Experience United Lutheran Seminary firsthand. A campus visit is one of the best ways to explore theological education, learn about our degree programs, and discern where God may be calling you to serve.

Prospective students can visit our Gettysburg or Philadelphia campus, meet with faculty, students, and admissions staff, attend classes, worship with the community, and learn more about the flexible learning options available at ULS.

Individual visits and admissions events can be arranged for prospective students in all degree programs. Contact the ULS Admissions Office to schedule your visit.

Schedule a Visit

Our Students Speak

Meet Liz

Which seminary are you attending? United Lutheran Seminary-Philadelphia Campus Which program of study? Masters of Divinity-Anglican Studies When did you first feel called to public ministry? My first call (of many) was teaching children’s chapel at my home church; it was a moment of knowing with great certainty that I was doing exactly what I…
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Meet Brynn

Master of Divinity Student

Which seminary are you attending? United Lutheran Seminary Which program of study? Master of Divinity When did you first feel called to public ministry? I remember joining a campus ministry while in college and started to really admire the work of the pastor. He was always there for us, answering all of our often-wild questions…
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Meet Campfield

Master of Divinity Student

Which seminary are you attending? United Lutheran Seminary Which program of study? MDiv When did you first feel called to public ministry? In college Who did you first talk with about exploring the call to ministry? I first talked with my parents; my Dad is an ELCA pastor. What was helpful as you explored a…
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