Theology and Religious Studies
(Pre-Seminary)
Seminaries and divinity schools prepare students for a variety of vocations, such as religious
leaders, chaplains, counselors, social workers, lawyers, health care workers, entrepreneurs,
teachers, leadership in non-profit NGOs, and professors (among other things). Seminaries and
divinity schools aren’t just for priests, pastors, or preachers anymore!
The best pre-theological training is a broad liberal arts education. With careful advising,
students may graduate from Augustana prepared to meet the requirements for entrance to
theological seminaries and divinity schools. Using their time at Augustana to engage in
undergraduate-level explorations of the types of study students are likely to encounter in
graduate work can confirm a student’s interest and prepare a student for deeper exploration at
the graduate level. Students should check if the seminary or divinity school they plan to attend
has particular admission requirements with the help of an advisor in the Philosophy, Religion,
and Classics Department.
Robust particular financial aid opportunities exist for students planning to attend seminary or
divinity school. Please reach out to Dr. Hans Harmakaputra, the pre-seminary academic
advisor, to learn about these opportunities!
In general, the seminaries of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America suggest that students
will give preference to applicants who have taken courses in Bible, English, Philosophy,
Religion, History, and Foreign Languages. Exposure to different religious traditions and cultures
will strengthen one's application. Seminaries and divinity schools include Christian, Islamic,
Jewish, and multi-denominational institutions. Students will consult their advisor to determine
their trajectory of study at Augustana; a major or minor in Religion or InterReligious Studies is
not required but would help prepare most students well.
In addition, students can receive credit for experiential learning opportunities such as
internships (possibly for RELI 395 internship credit), and serving on the Interfaith Council, or
Chapel Staff.
Overlap of SOPHIA core requirements with strong pre-seminary preparation course options:
Augustana's SOPHIA core courses can support student academic development in
preparedness for seminary or divinity schools. Here are some ways that advisors might suggest
students use the SOPHIA core courses to support their preparedness and development for
graduate programs:
- SOPHIA core (CT) requirement: RELI 110 Exploring the Christian Faith
- SOPHIA core (RT) or (PW) requirements: A 200/300/400 level RELI course that compares
religious traditions
- SOPHIA core (RT) or (PW) requirements: A 200/300/400 level RELI or PHIL course that explores
a religious tradition or traditions with which the student is unfamiliar
- SOPHIA core W-component requirement or (LT) requirement: A writing-intensive course
- SOPHIA core Languages requirement: Foreign language studies
- SOPHIA core (WT), (US), or (SS) requirements: History, Philosophy, or Sociology courses