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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

Overview — 2024-25 academic year

  • Tuition: $10,270 (after institutional financial aid discounts)
  • Room and Board: $12,800 (for basic, complete plan—variations are available)
  • Fees: $400
  • Contact: Jeff Frosch | Admission@cuaa.edu | 512-420-3343

Learn more at cuaa.edu

 

Concordia University Irvine

Overview — 2024-25 academic year

  • Tuition: $8,500 (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: $13,482 (max for Freshman—other variables may apply)
  • Fees: $980 + $250 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

 

Concordia University Nebraska

Overview — 2024-25 academic year

Learn more at cune.edu

 

Concordia University St. Paul

Overview — 2024-25 academic year

Learn more at csp.edu

Concordia University Wisconsin

Overview — 2024-25 academic year

  • Tuition: $10,270 (after institutional financial aid discounts)
  • Room and Board: $13,200 (for basic, complete plan—variations are available)
  • Fees: $400
  • Contact: Jeff Frosch | Admission@cuw.edu | 512-420-3343

Learn more at cuw.edu

 


 

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:

Concordia Seminary, St. Louis | Residential Deaconess Studies Program

Overview — 2024-25 academic year

  • Tuition: $0 (after institutional grants and scholarships)
  • Room and Board: Single Housing (includes meal plan): $11,150. Married Housing: $12,150
  • Fees: $1,650 Technology and Lab Fee (additional financial assistance may be available)
  • Contact: Jessica Thompson | thompsonje@csl.edu | 314-505-7222

Learn more at csl.edu


Concordia Seminary, St. Louis | Online Deaconess Studies Program

Overview — 2024-25 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: $7,200 (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


Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne | Residential Deaconess Studies Program

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


Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne | Online Deaconess Studies Program

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 csl.edu



Concordia University Chicago

Overview — 2024-25 academic year

  • Tuition: $10,430 (after Church Professional/Leadership Scholarships are applied—actual tuition cost may differ based on entering high school grade point average)
  • Room and Board: $11,510 (for basic, complete plan—variations are available)
  • Fees: $1,058
  • Students may be eligible for additional awards
  • Contact: Kyle Thoms | Kyle.Thoms@CUChicago.edu | 708-209-3044

Learn more at cuchicago.edu

 


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