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
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: Kyle Thoms | Admission@cuaa.edu | 734-995-7319
Learn more at cuaa.edu
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
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:
Overview — 2024-25 academic year
- Tuition: $0 (after institutional financial aid discounts)
- 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
Overview — 2023-24 academic year
- Tuition: $0 (after institutional financial aid discounts)
- Room and Board: $9,555 (for single student dorm plan--off-campus married relocation program costs vary)
- Fees: $564
- Contact: Deaconess Katie Aiello | Katherine.Aiello@ctsfw.edu | 260-452-2213
Learn more at ctsfw.edu
Concordia Chicago Deaconess Education
Concordia Chicago offers the only undergraduate program leading to full deaconess certification in The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS).
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: Rachel Gates | Rachel.Gates@CUChicago.edu | 708-209-3536
Learn more at cuchicago.edu