Accreditation
Luther Seminary is accredited by the Commission on Accrediting of the Association of Theological Schools (ATS) in the United States and Canada and by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). Luther Seminary is accredited through the Association of Theological Schools (ATS) and the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) of the North Central Association. Luther Seminary was reaccredited by both agencies in 2015 with our next reaccreditation cycle scheduled for 2025.
The following degree programs are approved: M.Div., M.A., Th.M., Ph.D.
Accreditation Agency contact information:
The Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
230 South LaSalle St., Suite 7-500
Chicago, IL 60604-1411
Phone: 800-621-7440/312-263-0456
Fax: 312-263-7462
info@hlcommission.org
The Commission on Accrediting of the Association of Theological Schools in the United States and Canada (ATS)
10 Summit Park Drive
Pittsburgh, PA 15275
Phone: 412-788-6505
Fax: 412-788-6510
www.ats.edu
Luther Seminary is registered as a Private Institution with the Minnesota Office of Higher Education pursuant to Minn. Stat. §§ 136A.61 - 136A.71. Registration is not an endorsement of the institution. Credits earned at the institution may not transfer to all other institutions. For further information, contact:
Minnesota Office of Higher Education
1450 Energy Park Drive, Suite 350
Saint Paul, MN 55108-5227
Phone: (651) 642-0567
https://www.ohe.state.mn.us/
Additionally, Luther Seminary has ecclesiastical commitments:
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA)
As the sole member of the corporation, the ELCA and its policies govern Luther Seminary. Luther Seminary trains and prepares students for ministry in the ELCA and coordinates with ELCA bodies in the endorsement, candidacy, and assignment processes.
United Methodist Church (UMC)
The University Senate of the UMC reviews and approves theological schools for the education of persons preparing for United Methodist ordination.
State and Federal Compliance
Luther Seminary conducts its operations in compliance with all applicable state and federal laws and regulations:
Luther Seminary is incorporated as a 501(c)3 organization as a part of the ELCA. The Board of Trustees is a separate 501(c)3 organization (see standard 7 for a complete description of governance and structure).
Observation and compliance with federal and state laws related to the operation of a 501(c)3 organization are of critical importance. Other significant federal laws that apply to Luther Seminary are the Department of Education Title IV; employment and anti-discrimination legislation such as the Americans with Disabilities Act (as amended) and the US Department of State authorization to sponsor international students and scholars.
Enrolled and prospective students can request a copy of the accreditation reports that includes documentation of the above-mentioned commitments by contacting the Director of Institutional Effectiveness, Assessment, and Research. Enrolled and prospective students can file a complaint related to the accrediting standards, ecclesiastical commitments and/or applicable state or federal laws and regulations with the Dean of Students:
Dean of Students
Luther Seminary
2481 Como Avenue
St. Paul, MN 55108
deanofstudents@luthersem.edu
Once the complaint is filed, the Dean of Students will follow the grievance policy as outlined in the Code of Conduct Violations Process. The complaint will be shared with the Director of Institutional Effectiveness, Assessment, and Research for submission to the appropriate agency (ATS, HLC, ELCA, UMC, state of MN or the federal government). Both the Dean of Students and the Director of Institutional Effectiveness, Assessment, and Research will maintain a record of the formal complaints. The Director of Institutional Effectiveness, Assessment, and Research will maintain the outcomes of any review completed by an outside agency. If a complaint is covered under a separate Seminary policy, it will be forwarded to the appropriate Seminary department and official. For example, complaints about gender discrimination are covered under the Seminary’s Title IX Policy and will be forwarded to the Title IX Coordinator.