PreSeminary Studies and Admission requirements

Free Lutheran Seminary is a graduate theological institution, committed to the singular mission of training and sending forth Christian leaders with breadth of vision, depth of devotion and conviction, and the highest of goals in sacrificial service to Christ and those for whom He died.

It is the purpose of this Seminary to develop the intellectual, moral, and spiritual capacities of its students; to awaken in them an appreciation of their biblical and confessional heritage; to enable them to interpret the present world situation in the light of the past; to evaluate theological and ethical ideas, making discerning judgments about them from a biblical perspective; and to train them to express themselves for an effective communication of the Gospel of Christ.

To achieve these worthy goals it is most advantageous when prospective ministerial and missionary candidates can lay basic academic foundations in their undergraduate studies. While all of these basic studies are not necessary for admission to Free Lutheran Seminary, they do greatly assist students to appropriate and apply their theological education to those situations within which they will be ministering.

The degree which the student will receive from the Seminary is partly dependent upon his preparatory education. The Association of Free Lutheran congregations has no college of its own. It advises those who plan to enter the ministry to obtain their preparatory undergraduate studies in certain recommended colleges and universities, and to attend recommended Lutheran congregations in the vicinity while pursuing college work. The Seminary faculty is willing to give guidance in such matters at all times.

In order to pursue the study of theology to the best advantage, it is recommended that a student secure his degree with majors and minors in the fields of English, history, philosophy or one of the social sciences. Regardless of majors and minors, a student's undergraduate work should include at least two years of English, two years of history, one year of philosophy and speech, and two years of a foreign language. Latin, German, Finnish, or one of the Scandinavian languages is highly recommended. The student will find it helpful also to take courses in education, computer science, and keyboarding. If possible, the student should take two years of New Testament Greek.

AFLTS Admission Requirements

Since Free Lutheran Seminary is a graduate school, the standard academic requirement for admission is a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university. However, an undergraduate degree in and of itself is not sufficient to justify admission. Certain spiritual, moral, and personal qualities essential for Christian leaders must also be in evidence in applicants who are admitted. The Board of Trustees, administration and faculty will consider these matters as well as academic attainment in granting admission to applicants. Of utmost importance is the Christian testimony of the applicant.

Mature older persons without a bachelor's degree but capable of carrying graduate studies may apply for admittance to the Seminary. Arrangements for such applicants will be made through the Dean of the Seminary.

Admission Procedures

Terms of Admission

Students desiring admission to Free Lutheran Seminary must apply from three to six months prior to the academic year they expect to enter the Seminary. The following materials must be in the office of the dean-registrar before an interview with the Board of Trustees and faculty can be confirmed:

1. A completed application form. A non-refundable application charge of $45 is to accompany every application for admission.
2. A recent photo of the applicant.
3. A medical report on a form provided by the Seminary.
4. Official transcripts. Certified transcripts are required of the student's academic record at all colleges and other institutions of higher education attended. The applicant himself must request each school attended to send his official transcript to the dean of Free Lutheran Seminary.
5. Two letters of recommendation from pastors, one being his own pastor if possible, and other references as requested. These "recommendation forms" are sent by the applicant to the applicant's acquaintance for their personal reply directly to the dean's office.
6. Evidence of satisfactory financial credit rating. A statement from the applicant’s bank to the effect that he is a “customer in good standing” is sufficient.
7. The applicant's personal statement. Each prospective student must write a 400-word essay about himself in which the following points are developed: a) one's spiritual autobiography (which would include one's sense of calling to serve in the ministry), b) one's church background in terms of denominational affiliations and previous opportunities for Christian service, and c) the applicant's expectations in pursuing seminary education at Free Lutheran Seminary.

Each applicant and wife, if married, will be interviewed by the Board of Trustees and faculty before acceptance. All acceptances are for a one-year probationary period, and will be reviewed after the student has spent one year at the Seminary. A student who, in the opinion of the faculty and Board of Trustees, proves unsuited for the Christian ministry may be dismissed at any time.

International Students

Free Lutheran Seminary is authorized under Federal laws to enroll international students under the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVIS). In addition to the regular application materials and steps listed under “Admission Procedures” (pg. 36, 2-7) that must be submitted by May 1, are the following requirements.

1. Completion of the “International Application Form” accompanied by a nonrefundable application fee of $245.
2. Return of a signed copy of the “International Student Covenant”.
3. 3. Completion of a TOEFL exam (score of 500 or more) for applicants from non- English speaking countries.
4. Submission of evidence of financial support. This may be either a financial guarantor in the United States or sufficient evidence from a responsible individual or organization that the necessary travel expenses and means of support while in attendance at Free Lutheran Seminary can be met.

When evidence of financial support has been received and accepted, an I-20 form as well as the SEVIS I-901 receipt will be issued. Application must then be made for a nonimmigrant visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate within 90 days of the next seminary term. Exchange visitors are prohibited from entering the U.S. more than 30 days in advance of their program start date. International Students must carry at least 12 credits to maintain their eligibility to remain the United States.

There are some part-time on-campus employment opportunities for international students. Due to U.S. Immigration and Customs regulations, an international student’s employment possibilities are limited to on-campus work.

Student Classifications

Men who apply to attend Free Lutheran Seminary as members of a congregation of the Association of Free Lutheran Congregations and who plan on full-time service as pastors, teachers or missionaries in the AFLC may be accepted as "regular" students. Those who come to the Seminary as a member of a non-AFLC church and/or who do not plan on service in the AFLC may be accepted as "special" students. Should a "special" student desire to change his classification to "regular," he may submit a written request to the Board of Trustees through the dean's office after the first year in full-time attendance, providing he has been a member of an AFLC congregation for at least nine months. A routine background check is conducted for all students as part of the application process.

Transfer Students

Those students transferring from other seminaries may be accepted with advanced standing, providing they apply for admission in the usual way, and present a completed transcript together with a catalog describing the courses of their previous seminary studies. In evaluating transcripts, no credit will be granted for courses receiving a grade of less than "C" or its equivalent. Grade point averages (GPA) for graduation will be based only upon work done at Free Lutheran Seminary. Transfer students must have at least a "C" average and be in good standing at the school last attended in order to qualify for admission to Free Lutheran Seminary. Credit is given for work satisfactorily completed in recognized schools, provided these courses correspond to the FLS curriculum. Transfer students must spend their senior year at the Free Lutheran Seminary and earn a minimum of 32 credits in residence to be awarded a degree.

Part-time Students

Students who enroll for less than 12 semester hours of classes are classified as part-time students. Tuition is charged on the basis of $320 per credit hour. Those who enroll for four credits or less must complete an application form and submit transcripts of all post-high school courses completed. The regular application fee applies for all enrollees. All other part-time and full-time applicants must complete the regular application process as explained under “Admission Procedures” (pages 32-33).

Auditors

With the permission of the administration and faculty, classes may be audited. Regularly enrolled full-time students may audit without charge. Others may audit courses at the rate of $185 per credit hour.