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New 5 Year BA/MDiv Program

Do you know a student called to be a pastor? Then we have the program for you!

After a year of development, listening, and learning, we are relaunching the Public Church Scholars degree pathway. With full institutional leadership support, on behalf of both presidents and leadership staff, we are excited to announce a partnership between Augsburg University and Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago (LSTC) for the pilot degree pathway called Public Church Scholars (PCS). In this 5 year pathway students earn a Bachelor of Arts in Theology and Public Leadership (TPL) from Augsburg University and a Master of Divinity (MDiv) degree from Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago.

This pilot program is supported by a grant focused on increasing the opportunities for students to study pastoral leadership in the church. We are committed to offering a pathway to young leaders called to ministry who may not otherwise have access to this kind of higher educational opportunity, specifically we are committed to increasing access for minoritized students. We believe that the shared values of our institutions support this pathway.

We are focused on creating a pathway that is grounded in theological education for pastoral leadership. It is a gift that both institutions already have degree programs focused on developing leaders who are committed to serving the public church for the common good. In the coming weeks, you will read stories from Augsburg and LSTC graduates who will share their call story, you will learn about each of the four tracks in the PCS pathway, and find out more about candidacy for PCS students. Check back for more information!

Do you know an emerging young leader who is discerning a call to ministry?

  • Send them our way for virtual coffee and conversation.
    • Apply Now!
  • Invite our team to speak to your ministry leaders or synodical leaders table.
    • Contact Program Director, Adrienne Kuchler Eldridge, eldridge@augsburg.edu
  • Stay up to date on the news!
    • Read the updated news, follow our social media sites (TPL Facebook & LSTC Facebook) and pass along this opportunity.
  • Check out the website for more information.