Starting in Fall of 2024, the Applied Theology major is being replaced by the Theology and Ministry major.
Pre-Seminary Program
The path to the ministry is an exhilarating and earnest one. Our goal is to offer you the skills, knowledge, and support you need along the way.
Share the awesome message of Jesus
How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!” (Rom. 10:15) Pastors have the privilege of sharing with all the awesome message of Jesus the Savior. This program will help you grow in the knowledge of the Bible, communication skills, and practical experience you need to stay on the path to seminary and become a minister of the Gospel in the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod.
All courses offered face-to-face on main campus.
The average undergraduate student award is $16,603.
Learn about financial aidThe Luther Scholar Guarantee scholarship is for men pursuing pastoral ministry in the LCMS.
Learn more hereThe pre-seminary program provides academic preparation in the liberal arts for professional study for full-time pastoral ministry in the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. Following the earning of the baccalaureate degree, the pre-seminary student continues his program of study at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, or Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne.
Yes, there is immense joy in service as a pastor, but you most likely already recognize the weight of such a vocation. If you intend to pursue a Master of Divinity at seminary, this major provides you with a basic overview of the Scriptures, Lutheran doctrine, and the biblical languages Hebrew and Greek. While our curriculum teaches Lutheran doctrine and our school is affiliated with the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, all students who desire to prepare for the pastoral office (regardless of denominational affiliation) are welcome. Our theology faculty is made up of pastors dedicated to guiding, challenging, and encouraging you as you work toward God’s calling in your life.
Studies conclude with a senior seminar experience, which equips students for graduate studies and allows them to research and present on as specific topic of interest.
Scholarships
Depending on your individual situation, you may qualify for a variety of scholarships and grants. A key part of your overall financial aid package; it all adds up to help with the cost of college.
For eligible high school students taking Concordia University Dual Credit courses. Learn more about Dual Credit and Concordia Promise!
The Luther Scholar Guarantee is a prestigious scholarship for men pursuing pastoral ministry in the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. Click here to learn more.
Participation scholarships of $1,500 are available to students to participate in a Concordia musical ensemble. Learn more here.
The Worship Arts Leadership Scholarship is available to students desiring to be in the Worship Arts Ensemble. This is a $2,000 add-on scholarship for recipients of either the Cadenza or Concerto scholarships. Students receiving this scholarship commit to participating in a Worship Arts ensemble in addition to participation in the band, choir, or orchestra.
The Arborsong Scholarship is available to students who have an affinity for choral singing at the advanced level. Students who receive this scholarship agree to sing in the Concordia Choir and attend all rehearsals and performances for Arborsong. Arborsong performs three to five times off campus each semester.
Pre-Seminary coursework includes classes in Lutheran Worship, Public Speaking, Civilization and Worldviews, Introduction to Writing, and Biblical Theology. An extensive range of electives are available in categories such as Theology/Family Life, Philosophy/Literature, Historical Theology, and Writing.
Pre-seminary students may choose any major, but must take at least the theological languages minor and the church work courses of Old Testament, New Testament, and Biblical Theology. Pre-seminary students are particularly encouraged to prepare for their future studies by opting for the Theology and Ministry Major or the Theological Languages Major. For those who find it hard to choose, a double major is also possible!
The CUAA advantage
The Pre-Seminary program from CUAA offers you:
- Pre-seminary activities such as conferences and workshops, guest lecturers, seminary visits, mission trips and service projects
- A flexible, high-quality program of study
- A wide variety of optional worship and devotional opportunities
- Extra-curricular activities and spiritual life on campus that blend education with real-world experience and personal growth in Christian faith and life
- Participation in the STEPS program (Serving and Training Experiences for Pre-Seminary Students) for upper-level students with full standing
- A Lutheran higher education community committed to helping students develop in mind, body, and spirit for service to Christ in the Church and the world
Learning outcomes
As a CUAA Pre-Seminary graduate, you'll enter the seminary with the knowledge needed to:
- Clearly communicate God’s message through the written and spoken word
- Understand the elements of traditional and contemporary Lutheran worship
- Develop and lead a worship service
- Understand and appreciate the Lutheran ethos, identity, and ethic
- Help others perceive, proclaim, teach, and live out the centrality of the Gospel of Jesus Christ
- Apply critical-thinking skills and a global perspective to philosophical inquiry
- Make professional presentations using research, strategy, audience analysis, and technology
- Discern the Lord’s direction for their direction into ministry
Recommended for you (based on programs you’ve viewed)
- Ann Arbor
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
For transfer students:
- Submit your online application
- Submit official transcripts from all colleges/universities attended
Minimum Requirements
- A minimum GPA of a 2.5/4.0 (C average) or higher
Theodore J. Hopkins
Ph.D., M.Div.
Assistant Vice President - Academics, Associate Professor
Office: Krieger K-110
Phone: (734) 995-7480
Bio
I am a husband and father, Lutheran pastor and professor, who is particularly interested in Dietrich Bonhoeffer. I began teaching at Concordia University, Ann Arbor in 2015.
Education
- Ph D - Doctrinal Theology, Concordia Seminary (2016)
- M Div - Theology, Concordia Seminary (2011)
- BS - Physics, Valparaiso University (2007)
Contributions
- Hopkins, T. (2021). Christ, Church, and World: Bonhoeffer and Lutheran Ecclesiology after Christendom. (pp. ~200). Lanham, MA: Lexington Books/Fortress Academic Press.
- Hopkins, T. (2020). Luther and Bonhoeffer on the Sermon on the Mount: Similar Tasks, Different Tools. (1 ed.,vol. 7,pp. 34-59). Mequon, WI: Concordia Theological Journal.
- Hopkins, T. (2019). Review of Mark Chavez, American Religion: Contemporary Trends (2nd edition). (1 ed.,vol. 28,pp. 44-45). Logia.
- Hopkins, T. (2018). Review of DeJonge, Michael P. Bonhoeffer’s Reception of Luther. (1 ed.,vol. 6,pp. 91-93). Concordia Theological Journal.
- Hopkins, T. (2018). Theology Is for Confession. (1 ed.,vol. 6,pp. 7-9). Concordia Theological Journal.
Presentations
- Hopkins, T. (2023). Experience Makes the Theologian: Recovering Lutheran Patterns of Christian Experience. Keynote/Plenary Address. 2023 Circuit Visitor's Conference. Frankenmuth, MI.
- Hopkins, T. (2022). Strangers, Yet at Home: Going Beyond the Walls in Humility. Keynote/Plenary Address. Theological Conference 2022: Beyond the Walls with Jesus. Lansing, MI.
- Hopkins, T. (2019). Reading Scripture Against Ourselves: Bonhoeffer's Penitential Hermeneutic. Paper. Devoted: Reforming the Devotional Life (30th annual Theological Symposium). St. Louis, MO.
- Hopkins, T. (2018). The Servant Church: Mission After Christendom. Lecture. St. Luke Lutheran Church Sermon/Bible Study Two-Part Series on The Church's Mission After Christendom. Ann Arbor, MI.
- Hopkins, T. (2018). The Location of Congregational Vocation: The Importance of Place in the Mission of the Church. Oral Presentation. The Lutheran Foundation Grant Workshop. Fort Wayne, IN.
Research Interests
- Dietrich Bonhoeffer
- Church and World
Teaching Interests
- Systematic Theology
- Lutheran Confessions
Ryan Peterson
Vice President - Campus Administration and External Relations CUAA, Assistant Professor
Phone: (734) 995-7596
Bio
Rev. Dr. Ryan Peterson serves as Campus Pastor/Assistant Professor of Theology. He oversees the worship life of the campus and teaches The Bible, Christian Faith, and other theology courses.
Education
- D Min - Leadership and Ministry Management, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School (2017)
- M Div - Theology, Concordia Seminary (2007)
- BA - Pastoral Ministry/Theological Languages, Concordia University Wisconsin (2003)
Research Interests
- Leadership and Ministry Management
- Missions and Evangelism
Teaching Interests
- The Bible
- Christian Faith/Christian Doctrine
Charles R. Schulz
Ph.D, S.T.M., M.A., M.A., M.Div.
- Interim PreSeminary Director - CUAA, Associate Professor
Phone: (734) 995-7384
Bio
Professor Schulz, Pre-seminary Director, loves helping students realize God's calling. At Concordia since 2001, he also served as pastor of St. Thomas (2005-2014). His hobbies include running, travel, and German.
Education
- Ph D - Historical Theology, Concordia Seminary (2020)
- M Div - Concordia Seminary (1996)
- MA - Christianity and Judaism in Antiquity, University of Virginia (2004)
- MA - Classical Languages, Washington University (1998)
- BA - General Science, Concordia University (1990)
- Exegesis, Concordia Seminary (1998)
Contributions
- Schulz, C. Origen's Exegetical Legacy. In Joshua Hollmann, Scott Yakimow (Ed.), Ann Arbor, MI: Concordia Theological Journal . https://www.cuaa....
- Schulz, C. (2018). "Catechism Sermon on the First Article of the Creed." In Benjamin Mayes (Ed.), Luther's Works, Vol. 56, Sermons III. (1 ed.,vol. 56,pp. 307-11). St. Louis, MO: Concordia Publishing House. https://www.cph.o...
- Schulz, C. (2018). "Sermon for Exaudi Sunday Afternoon, On Divorce ." In Chris Brown and Benjamin T. Mayes (Ed.), Luther's Works, Vol. 56, Sermons III, pp. 27-36. (1 ed.,vol. 56,pp. 9). St. Louis, MO: Concordia Publishing House. https://www.cph.o...
- Schulz, C. (2018). "Sermon for the 10th Sunday after Trinity." In Chris Brown and Benjamin T. Mayes (Ed.), Luther's Works, vol 56, Sermons III. (1 ed.,vol. 56,pp. 62-8). St. Louis, MO: Concordia Publishing House. https://www.cph.o...
- Schulz, C. (2018). "Sermon on the Legend of St. Christopher ." In Chris Brown, Benjain Mayes (Ed.), Luther's Works, Sermons III. (vol. 56,pp. 312-7). St. Louis, MO: Concordia Publishing House.
Presentations
- Schulz, C. (2023). "Apart from me you can do nothing": A view from the Church Fathers . Oral Presentation. All Professional Church Worker Conference. Grand Rapids, MI.
- Schulz, C. (2022). Origen's Exegetical Legacy. Paper. Theological Symposium: Search the Scriptures. St. Louis, MO.
- Schulz, C. (2022). Arguing Over the Gods: Apologetic Interpretations of Ps 82:6 in the Fourth Century. Paper. North American Patristics Society Annual Meeting. Chicago, IL.
Research Interests
- Patristics (Church Fathers)
- Theology of the Lord's Supper
Teaching Interests
- Classical Languages
- Church History
Scott E. Yakimow
Ph.D., M.Div., M.A.
Professor
Office: Krieger 114
Phone: (734) 995-7411
Bio
Rev. Dr. Scott Yakimow arrived at Concordia University Ann Arbor after spending five years as a mechanical engineer working in hydraulics, another four as a missionary in both East Africa and Morocco, and five years as an Associate Professor at Concordia - Portland. His academic interests cover the areas of philosophical theology and comparative religion. Most specifically, he is interested in scriptural logics, particularly those exhibited by pre-modern Christian exegesis, contemporary Lutheran theology, and medieval Islamic tafsir, analyzing them through the thought of the American philosopher, Charles S. Peirce and the contemporary Jewish philosopher, Peter Ochs. This interest leads him to investigate such diverse areas such as Lutheran confessional theology, pragmatic philosophy, ethics, scriptural exegesis and Islam. <br><br>Scott is married to Miriam, and they have five children together. His interests include enjoying his family, mountain biking, hiking, reading, and traveling.
Education
- Ph D - Comparative Scripture, Interpretation, and Practice, University of Virginia (2014)
- M Div - Concordia Seminary (2004)
- MA - Comparative Scripture, Interpretation, and Practice, University of Virginia (2011)
- MA - Islamic Studies, Luther Seminary (1999)
- BS - Mechanical Engineering, Valparaiso University (1994)
- Christ College Scholar, Valparaiso University (1994)
- Modern Standard Arabic, Arabic Language Institute in Fez (2006)
Contributions
- Yakimow, S. (2021). Spreading Open the Letter and Peering Inside: Gregory Nazianzen, Scriptural Pragmatism, and Doctrinal Development. In Jacob Goodson (Ed.), (1 ed.,vol. 19,pp. 37). The Journal of Scriptural Reasoning. https://jsr.shant...
- Yakimow, S. (2019). Testing the Spirits: The Early Church on Judging Prophecy and Prophets. In Theodore Hopkins and Scott Yakimow (Ed.), (1 ed.,vol. 6,pp. 13-37). Ann Arbor, MI: Concordia Theological Journal.
- Yakimow, S. (2016). Signs of Transformation: Communicating the Gospel in an Age of Nones and Dones. In Victor Raj (Ed.), (2 ed.,vol. 24,pp. 281-297). Lutheran Mission Matters.
Presentations
- Yakimow, S. (2020). Signs of Transformation: A Semiotic Approach to a Lutheran Engagement with the World. Lecture. Tri-Circuit Gathering. LCMS Michigan District offices.
- Yakimow, S. (2016). Inquiring into Inquiry. Paper. Theological Educators Conference. Irvine, California.
- Yakimow, S. (2015). Proclamatory Pragmatism: An Investigation into the Lutheran Logic of Law and Gospel. Lecture. Puget Sound Pastor's Conference. Whidbey Island, WA.
- Yakimow, S. (2015). The Role of Doctrine in the Church’s Life. Lecture. Oregon Pastor's Conference. Bend, OR.
- Yakimow, S. (2014). Doctrine and Truth. Lecture. Bi-Circuit Gathering. Portland, OR.
Research Interests
- Biblical Interpretation / Hermeneutics
- Theology and Science
Teaching Interests
- Philosophical Theology
- Scriptural Pragmatism