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Louisville Seminary Announces Online Course Offerings

December 14, 2023

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Kassandra Turpin at (502) 992-9358, or kturpin@lpts.edu

Louisville, Ky. - Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary (LPTS) announces the incorporation of online teaching and learning into curricula for the Master of Divinity (MDiv) and Master of Arts in Religion (MAR) programs beginning Fall 2024. We recognize that there are many people throughout the nation who would benefit greatly from theological education who cannot quit their jobs, uproot their families and move to Louisville, Kentucky to be a student at LPTS. Frankly, they should not have to.

To fulfill our mission of working toward a world where all can flourish, we are equipping our faculty to develop online courses with the same commitment to sound pedagogical approaches and rigor that we incorporate into our in-person courses.

Unlike many seminaries who are offering courses in hybrid form (wherein students attend the same class both in-person and online simultaneously) our faculty elected to offer a different hybrid model.

We believe that teaching courses in person (on campus) and online requires two very distinct pedagogical approaches. Courses that attempt to accommodate both online and in-person students do not always meet the unique needs of each population effectively. To avoid this dilemma, our faculty opted to rotate our MDiv and MAR curricula so that all required courses are offered in alternating years in fully in person or in fully online formats. Online courses will be offered asynchronously to accommodate the busy schedules of working adults.

This means that students who are in the Louisville area who would like to take courses in person can continue to do so. If they are enrolled full-time, they will need to take some courses online. This also means that students who enroll as online students will do so as part-time students.

We are excited to provide students throughout the country the opportunity to enroll in courses at Louisville Seminary. We believe there are many people who are preparing for various forms of ministry who share our cores values for whom this opportunity can be life changing. Our core institutional values include:

• Believing in God, following the example of Jesus as a model for our lives, and relying on the Holy Spirit;
• Celebrating the rich traditions of the Presbyterian Church USA and Reformed Christianity;
• Achieving excellence through academic rigor, creativity, and critical thinking;
• Committing to anti-racism academically and throughout the LPTS community;
• Modeling, expecting, and promoting gender equity;
• Supporting the full inclusion of LGBTQIA+ persons;
• Embracing diversity of ministries including pastors, chaplains, therapists, community leaders, and more;
• Engaging our community in action and reflection beyond the classroom;
• Respecting the dignity and gifts of all;
• Creating community for one another in worship, celebration, sorrow, and success;
• Valuing accessibility and inclusivity;
• Welcoming inter-faith and ecumenical study and dialogue;
• Committing to responsible, sustainable care for God’s Earth.

To learn more about in person (on campus) and online education opportunities, visit lpts.edu/prospective-student

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Frequently Asked Questions:

What are the technology requirements for enrolling in online courses?

• A computer that runs on Windows or Mac OS—Preferably the latest version of the operating system.
• The computer has virus protection software on it.
• The computer will play common video and audio formats.
• A printer for printing out readings, assignments, etc., if desired.
• A stable internet connection—cable, DSL, or other high-speed internet.
• An internet connection with sufficient bandwidth (5Mbps minimum/25Mbps recommended) to allow for watching video without problems.
• A browser that is within one update of the current version. 

Are admissions requirements the same for online and in-person students?

Yes. Information about the admissions process can be found at lpts.edu/academics/masters

Will online students be required to come to campus at any time?

Yes. Since our inception in 1853, we have valued the role of community to help us effectively create and sustain engaging and effective learning opportunities. We want all online students to also be part of the Louisville Seminary community. With this in mind, we require online students to spend several days in Louisville at the beginning of each academic year. During this time students will meet with their peers, staff and faculty, participate in worship and communal meals, engage in on-campus (for credit) learning opportunities, and have opportunities to explore the Louisville Metro Area. These experiences will serve to help students integrate well into the LPTS community. Information about housing opportunities during this time can be found at lpts.edu/campuslife/#housing

Are online students eligible for scholarship?

Absolutely! Online students will follow the same process for applying for scholarships as in-person students. Information about the Whosoever Scholarship and other scholarship opportunities are available at lpts.edu/academics/financial/#scholarships

Is there someone I can speak to or email to ask a specific question?

The admissions team at Louisville Seminary is here to be a friend and resource as your discern your vocational journey. Fill out this form and an admissions specialists will be in touch or send an email.

FILL THE MANGER

This Advent season, the Gender & Ministry committee of LPTS invites the Louisville Seminary community, its alums, and friends to collect personal care products to be donated to organizations providing direct outreach to our houseless friends and neighbors.  All items listed below may dropped off in the mangers located in either the Winn Center or Caldwell Chapel.

Suggested donation items:

• Socks
• Condoms
• AA batteries
• Toilet paper
• Feminine hygiene products
• Adult cotton/disposable underwear
• Other small or travel-size sundry items

The committee recently learned of the immediate local need for donations of cold-weather, heavy-duty outdoor adult clothing in good condition (it need not be new but clean and suited to outdoor living). Size L-XXXL are especially needed.



Most needed items include:

• jeans, sweatpants 
• long johns, thermal shirts, thinner leggings/yoga pants 
• sweatshirts, hoodies, flannel shirts
• (new) warm socks, underwear, bras/tanks
• sturdy shoes and boots in good shape
• winter weight coats, hats, and gloves
• snow suits, rain suits, Carhart-type overalls 

Are you being called as a minister, therapist, chaplain, public theologian, or other faith leader?

Is Louisville Seminary the right stop on your vocational journey?

Visit our campus or ask questions during a virtual open house for either our Master-Level or Doctor of Ministry degree programs. You can also connect with an admissions team member or have more information sent to you. We are here to help you discern your call!

About Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary

Founded in 1853, Louisville Seminary offers an inclusive and diverse learning community, welcoming students from wide ecumenical backgrounds while maintaining its long, historic commitment to the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A). Louisville Seminary is led by the Holy Spirit to educate people to proclaim the Gospel, to care for all, and to work for justice in communities everywhere. It is distinguished by its nationally recognized marriage and family therapy and field education programs, the scholarship and church service among its faculty and a commitment to training women and men to participate in the continuing ministry of Jesus Christ. For more information, call (800) 264-1839 or visit lpts.edu. To make a financial gift supporting Christ-centered, justice-driven education at Louisville Seminary, click here.