Lutheran Teacher Diploma

Called to educate

With the retirement of current LCMS teachers expected to increase over the next decade, there is a need for new teachers like you to fill these positions. Our Lutheran Teacher Diploma (LTD) program is designed to prepare confirmed members of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod to serve as rostered members of the teaching ministry in the schools and congregations of the church. If you have a passion for serving others in the church, this program will give you the opportunity to do just that through the teaching profession.

Credits 19

On-campus

All courses offered face-to-face on Ann Arbor's campus.

Financial Aid

The average undergraduate student award is $16,603.

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Program Overview

Designed for both the elementary and secondary education programs, the Lutheran Teacher Diploma requires 19 credits, 9 of which are included in the core curriculum, in addition to the graduation requirements for the elementary and secondary teacher education programs. As a student in this program, you’ll study topics that will prepare you to work specifically in Lutheran schools and will provide you with a strong foundation for a rewarding teaching career. You’ll take classes like Teaching the Christian Faith, Office of the Christian Teacher and Lutheran Confessions. And even though you’ll be equipped to teach in Lutheran schools across the country, you’ll also be able to teach in public schools.

If you choose to complete the Lutheran Teacher Diploma, you’ll gain some added benefits. First of all, you’ll be eligible as a candidate for additional scholarship opportunities like the LCMS District Scholarship or the CUAA Church Work Scholarship. You’ll also be eligible to receive a call for LCMS teaching positions. Having gone through the program, you’ll be equipped not only to educate others in a Lutheran environment, but you’ll also delve deeper into your own faith during the process.

What to Expect

The Lutheran Teaching Diploma will allow you to receive calls from LCMS schools throughout the country. Even if you’re from outside of Michigan, you’ll be able to study here and find teaching opportunities in your home state - or wherever you decide to go. Every CUAA student who has completed this program in the past five years has received at least one call, with some students even being offered full-time teaching positions before graduation! Not only will you be equipped for success at any LCMS school, you’ll also leave with a deeper understanding of LCMS teachings and a passion for servant leadership.

Gainful Employment Disclosure

Locations

Ann Arbor

How to Apply

Undergraduate Application Steps

It’s time to help you become a Cardinal! Just follow these simple steps to complete your application.

For first-time freshman:

Submit your online application
Have your school send your official high school transcripts. Transcripts may be mailed or sent via a transcript processing service to:
Concordia University Ann Arbor
Admissions Office
4090 Geddes Rd
Ann Arbor, MI 48104
Send your official ACT or SAT scores.

Scores on your high school transcript will be considered official. If your school does not put scores on transcripts, please contact ACT or College Board.

For transfer students:

Submit your online application
Submit official transcripts from all colleges/universities attended

*Transfer students with less than 60 college credits completed will also submit official high school transcripts. Students who have less than 30 college credits also need to submit official ACT or SAT scores. Scores on your high school transcript will be considered official.

Minimum Requirements

A minimum GPA of a 2.5/4.0 (C average) or higher
ACT composite of 18 or above
SAT equivalent of 940 or higher for combined math and evidence-based reading and writing (for tests taken after March 2016).

*If your GPA or ACT score falls below the minimum for acceptance, your admissions counselor may ask you to retake the test or supply additional documents, such as an essay or letters of recommendation, to complete the application.

Required Academic Coursework in High School

A minimum of 16 units of high school (secondary school) work is required, of which at least 11 should be in basic liberal arts areas. Units should be distributed as follows:

English: At least three units, but four are strongly recommended.
Mathematics: Two units of college-prep math, preferably one each in Algebra and Geometry.
Natural Science: Two units, preferably one each in Biology, Physics or Chemistry.
Social Studies: Two units, preferably one each in world history and American history.
Liberal Arts: Two units of the same foreign language or additional units in one or more of the other listed subjects or in fine arts.
Other Electives: Five units from any area of academic study, but ideally from the areas listed above.
German or Latin is recommended for pre-seminary students.

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