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Wartburg Theological Seminary

Dubuque, IA

private nonprofitgraduate

Quick Facts

Wikipedia
1854
Founded
Seminary
Type
$38M
Endowment
(2021)
Special Focus Four-Year
Classification
President: Kristin Johnston Largen

Data from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0) & U.S. Dept. of Education

About Wartburg Theological Seminary

Wartburg Theological Seminary empowers leaders with diverse theological education and global reach.

Wartburg Theological Seminary, established in 1854 in Dubuque, Iowa, stands as a distinguished seminary of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). For over a century and a half, Wartburg has been dedicated to forming faithful and effective leaders for service in the church and the world, building upon a rich legacy of theological education.

The seminary offers a comprehensive array of graduate-level degrees, including the Master of Arts (MA), Master of Arts in Diaconal Ministry, and Master of Divinity (M.Div.), all rigorously accredited by the Association of Theological Schools and the Higher Learning Commission. Students seeking specialized knowledge can also pursue a Theological Education for Emerging Ministries certificate or a diploma in Anglican Studies, with optional concentrations in Youth, Culture, and Mission, or Hispanic Ministry.

Emphasizing flexibility and accessibility, Wartburg is known for its innovative Distributed Learning Programs. These options seamlessly blend online coursework with intensive on-campus sessions and residential formation, catering to diverse student needs. A unique Fully Distributed Master of Arts option further removes the semester-long residency requirement, making advanced theological education more attainable. The seminary's academic landscape is enriched by three key centers: the Center for Global Theologies, the Center for Theology & Land (focusing on rural ministry), and the Center for Youth Ministries, each built on Wartburg's historic strengths.

Beyond its strong academic foundation, Wartburg fosters a vibrant and inclusive community. As a "Reconciling in Christ" seminary, it is committed to welcoming all. The institution maintains significant long-term ties with global partners in countries such as Haiti, Tanzania, Guyana, and Papua New Guinea, providing students with a broad, interconnected understanding of ministry in a global context.

Key Highlights

  • Established in 1854, serving as a prominent seminary of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA).
  • Offers three accredited graduate degrees (MA, MA Diaconal Ministry, M.Div.) and specialized certificates/diplomas.
  • Pioneered flexible Distributed Learning Programs, including a Fully Distributed Master of Arts option without residency.
  • Home to three distinct academic and missional centers: Global Theologies, Theology & Land (rural ministry), and Youth Ministries.
  • Boasts an endowment of $37.6 million (2021) and supports a student body of 193 individuals.
  • Maintains strong global partnerships in countries like Haiti, Tanzania, Guyana, and Papua New Guinea.
  • Identified as a "Reconciling in Christ" seminary, underscoring its commitment to inclusivity and welcome.

Timeline

1854
Established as a seminary of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.
🏛️
172 Years
of Excellence

Leadership

via Wikipedia
Kristin Johnston Largen
President

Data from Wikipedia CC BY-SA 4.0

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