Graduate Studies Newsletter

March 21, 2024

MLC Graduate Studies

Student Update

Word From the Director

Dr. John Meyer

Many MLC graduate students serve as gospel ministers in Lutheran schools. They love God's Word and want to dive more deeply into it. But they are also teachers, parents, spouses, and church volunteers.

The MLC graduate program encourages gospel ministers to sit at the feet of some of our synod's most gifted theology instructors. Master of Science students can take up to two graduate-level theology classes as electives in their programs, and we welcome non-degree-seeking teachers and staff ministers to take any they choose.

Read more about the MLC graduate-level theology courses in this newsletter.

MA in Theological Studies

Ben Carlovsky Finds Deep Content

to Match Deep Passion

“I am passionate about teaching students about God and his Word. As I took the classes, I found myself incorporating the conversations and topics into my teaching. I know that my students have benefited from my time in this program.”

– Ben Carlovsky, MA in Theological Studies

Ben Carlovsky MLC ’03, ’23 was originally enrolled in MLC’s Master of Science in Educational Administration program. As an elementary school principal at Abiding Word-Houston, that made sense. But when he accepted a call to teach religion at Wisconsin Lutheran High School, he switched programs midstream. Now he’s a 2023 graduate of our Master of Arts in Theological Studies program, a program with deep content to match his deep passion.

Why he enrolled: I wanted to dig into the Bible and to learn more about the content that I’m teaching at Wisconsin Lutheran High School. I took classes ranging from New Testament Studies to Mission Trips. From Apologetics to Hermeneutics. I not only wanted to grow in my content knowledge, but also learn from the amazing teachers and my fellow students in the program. I enjoyed reading and learning from their perspectives.

What he found: The program exceeded my expectations. The wide variety of teachers and topics was much appreciated. And I enjoyed the structure of the classes, which allowed me to fit them into my schedule.

READ MORE . . .

Apply for Graduation by April 1

Those planning to graduate on May 18 must submit their application for graduation by April 1, whether they plan to participate in the ceremony or not.

Graduates receiving their master’s and bachelor’s degrees participate in the same ceremony, but graduate students wear their master’s hoods and sit together. They “walk” after the undergraduates receive their degrees. Following the service, master’s graduates, their families, and graduate faculty members enjoy fellowship at a special reception.

The Application for Graduation form supplies us with important information, such as the way a graduate’s name should appear on the diploma. It also asks for robe size. All graduates supply a photo and biographical data for the graduation booklet. Completing the application form and paying the graduation fee is required of all wishing to graduate, regardless of whether or not they are able to walk in the ceremony.

Apply Today

Don’t Be Waitlisted!

Courses Limited to the First 15 Registrants

If there is a course you are planning to take this summer, register now. Courses are filling fast. Once a course fills, we cannot guarantee we will be able to accommodate those on the waiting list.

MLC Day Is May 1!

On this special day, we encourage friends of MLC across the globe to support the training of called workers by praying, sharing, and giving.

You’ll also find downloadable Project Elijah recru itmen t materials for teachers to use in their classrooms that whole week.

We’re so thankful for your support, and we can’t wait to celebrate MLC Day 2024!

Alumni News & Notes

Chris Becker (MLC ’09, MS Ed ’15) and his teaching partner self-published their first book, Gamify Education: Motivating Students in an Era of Apathy. When first published, it was the #1 New Best Seller in Education Problem Solving on the Amazon store.

Faculty News & Notes

Robert Martens (MLC '09, adjunct instructor from Martin Luther College) presented "Meeting Burnout by Leveraging Leadership” at the 2024 BrainStorm Education Technology Conference and at the Minnesota Private College Council CIO/IT Directors Spring 2024 Gathering, both events in March.

Ryan Rathje (MLC ’98, adjunct instructor from St. Croix Lutheran Academy-West St. Paul MN) presented “The Road to RTI” to the Twin Cities principals in February. The presentation detailed the need for a system of supports in order to minister to student needs and the necessary foundational pieces to implement a Response to Intervention (RIT, or multi-tiered system of supports) structure.

Todd Russ (DMLC '91, adjunct instructor from Grace in Action) conducted a workshop on "The 5 Essentials of a Team" at the NorCal conference in San Jose CA and the Pacific Northwest Teachers' Conference in Bremerton WA in February and March. In January, Russ presented to the CrossTrain Ministry Pastors Group on the book 4000 Weeks: Time Management for Mortals by Oliver Burkeman.