Lutheran Theological Seminary, Saskatoon has been an accredited member of the Association of Theological Schools (ATS) since 1976.
Our degrees accredited by the Commission on Accrediting of the Association of Theological Schools in Canada and the US are as follows:
- MDiv - Master of Divinity
- MTS - Master of Theological Studies
- DMin - Doctor of Ministry
Statement of Educational Effectiveness 2026
Lutheran Theological Seminary, Saskatoon seeks to prepare students for faithful, thoughtful, and effective leadership in the church and in the world. Educational effectiveness at LTS is demonstrated through clearly articulated learning outcomes, regular assessment of student learning, and ongoing evaluation of our academic programs.
Our M.Div degree courses ensure students achieve the following learning outcomes:
- Apply graduate-level critical thinking and a Gospel lens to primary sources, classical traditions, and current understandings of the Christian faith to support public proclamation of the Word.
- Exhibit Gospel-grounded leadership by integrating the liberating Gospel of Christ into their personal lives in a way that inspires and supports others to do the same.
- Cultivate responsible Christian engagement with today’s world by bridging historical and contemporary contexts and intersection of church and society.
- From both learning and teaching perspectives, engage informed, intentional, and contextualized approaches to life-long education that nurtures Christian formation.
- Lead others in church and community collaborations that serve the transformative and life-affirming work of Christ-in-the-world.
Our MTS degree courses are shaped by the following learning outcomes:
- Provide opportunity for the academic study of theology/religion at an advanced level.
- Provide personal enrichment and strengthen the theological/religious basis for leadership in lay and secular contexts.
- Foster the integration of faith and practice within the church and community.
- Create an intellectual and religious/spiritual platform for challenging social inequities and injustices, and advancing reconciliation, especially as these pertain to countering imperialism and colonization in Canadian contexts.
Student learning is assessed using a range of direct and indirect measures, including course assignments, evaluation of capstone work, faculty review of student progress, and student surveys. In addition, M.Div. student learning is assessed through evaluations provided during field education and internship, as well as yearly feedback from bishops and candidacy committees. These assessments are reviewed yearly by faculty to ensure LTS is providing courses and programming that supports student learning outcomes.
Recent assessment work has accompanied the implementation of a renewed curriculum developed in collaboration with our Saskatoon Theological Union partners. Early evidence indicates that students value the integration of Lutheran theological formation with ecumenical engagement, and that graduates are well prepared for ministry and related vocations. In the last five years, 100% of our DMin, MDiv, and Diaconal graduates have secured employment consistent with their educational preparation within twelve months of graduation.
An Association of Theological Schools’ warning issued in February 2025 notes shortcomings in our programmatic evaluation processes. The warning states that we have failed to put in place “a structured gathering of data along with a sustained process of analyzing and reflecting upon that data” and have provided insufficient evidence that our evaluation “shapes educational improvement.” LTS is committed to strengthening its assessment practices, ensuring that evidence of student learning meaningfully informs curricular refinement, instructional practice, and institutional planning. Through this ongoing process, the seminary seeks to sustain educational quality in service of its mission and the wider church.