Deaconess
Learn more about this professional church work vocation
Deaconesses are women who serve as professional church workers. They support and assist pastors as they share the Gospel and serve God’s people through works of mercy, spiritual care and teaching the Christian faith. They serve in congregations, on the national and international mission field, and in a variety of other settings and service organizations particularly to women, children and God’s people with special needs.
Pre-Deaconess Education Seminary Deaconess Education Concordia Chicago Deaconess Education
Deaconess Dr. Tiffany Manor, Director, LCMS Life Ministry — View additional videos
Deaconess Education
Deaconess certification is available through Concordia University Chicago, Concordia Seminary, St. Louis and Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, Indiana.
Concordia Chicago’s undergraduate deaconess program leads to a B.A. in theology and is designed for traditional-aged college students. Both seminaries have residential graduate deaconess programs that lead to an M.A. Both seminaries also have distance education programs: Fort Wayne’s leads to an M.A. and St. Louis' leads to certification only.
Some Concordia universities have pre-deaconess coursework that helps students prepare for seminary deaconess studies while they pursue a different major or program, but pre-deaconess courses are not required for seminary acceptance.
Note: The following undergraduate information has been provided by each of the universities. Total costs will vary based on a variety of factors. Admissions staff at each Concordia will work to help you find grant and scholarship opportunities to assist you in pursuing church work education. Contact the Concordia admissions staff listed below.
Pre-Deaconess Education
Concordia University Ann Arbor continues to accept students into the online CUAA Lutheran Education program. Other church work programs are not accepting new students as the future of the campus is charted. The goal is to accept new church work students into other programs beginning in Fall 2026.
Overview — 2025-26 academic year
- Tuition: $8,700 (after the Church Vocations Scholarship is applied—actual tuition cost may be higher if one does not qualify for the Church Vocations Scholarship)
- Room and Board: $13,882 (14 meal plan - other variables may apply)
- Fees: $1,000 + $275 New Student Fee + $300 Parking Fee
- Contact: Carrie Donohoe | carrie.donohoe@cui.edu | 949-214-3389
Concordia Irvine Director of LCMS Recruitment
Learn more at cui.edu
Overview — 2025-26 academic year
- Tuition: $7,697 (after institutional financial aid discounts)
- Room and Board: $13,670 (for basic, complete plan—variations are available)
- Fees: $530
- Contact: Jeff Frosch | Admission@cuw.edu | 512-420-3343
Learn more at cuw.edu
Concordia Chicago Deaconess Education
Seminary Deaconess Education
Deaconess certification is available through Concordia Seminary in St. Louis and Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, Indiana.
Learn more about the seminary diaconal education and programs:
Overview — 2025-26 academic year
- Tuition: $0 (after institutional grants and scholarships)
- Room and Board: Single Housing (includes meal plan): $11,500. Married Housing: $12,500
- Fees: $150
- Contact: Jessica Thompson | thompsonje@csl.edu | 314-505-7222
Learn more at csl.edu
Overview — 2025-26 academic year
The Online Deaconess Studies program (ODS) utilizes an integrated curriculum that includes 16 master’s level courses offered one at a time and a concurrent internship at an LCMS congregation or RSO. The four-year distance program leads to certification as a commissioned deaconess in the LCMS.
- Tuition: $7,467 (after institutional grants and scholarship)
- Room and Board: $0
- Fees: $460
- Contact: Jessica Thompson | thompsonje@csl.edu | 314-505-7222
Learn more at csl.edu
Overview — 2024-25 academic year
Through coursework and practical experience, this three-year Master of Arts in Deaconess Studies program equips women to embody a life of mercy in the Church and in the community. Two years are spent on the CTSFW campus learning under the direction of the esteemed faculty while the third year is completed through an internship.
- Tuition: $0 (after institutional financial aid discounts)
- Room and Board: $9,945 (for single student dorm plan--off-campus married relocation program costs vary)
- Fees: $594
- Contact: Deaconess Katie Aiello | Katherine.Aiello@ctsfw.edu | 260-452-2213
Learn more at ctsfw.edu
Overview — 2024-25 academic year
In this two-year Master of Arts in Deaconess Studies program, students attend both online and on-campus classes while developing their diaconal identity and skills as they serve alongside the pastor in his care of the congregation and community. Students younger than 35 years old are also required to fulfill an additional one-year internship.
- Tuition: Between $5,474 and $12,317 depending on need (after institutional financial aid discounts, 55%-80% tuition grant)
- Room and Board: $1,224 per year (only for on-campus intensives)
- Fees: $320
- Contact: Deaconess Katie Aiello | Katherine.Aiello@ctsfw.edu | 260-452-2213
Learn more at ctsfw.edu