Martin Luther College is owned and operated by the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod (WELS). Formed from an amalgamation of Dr. Martin Luther College (founded in 1884) and Northwestern College (founded in 1865), Martin Luther College opened its doors to the next generation of church workers in 1995.
Choosing a college and a career path is no easy task. With literally hundreds of choices, you may feel confused, overwhelmed, and under pressure.
While every institution has its strengths, Martin Luther College is distinctive. We are the WELS College of Ministry. We exist solely to train future pastors, teachers, and staff ministers for the public ministry in the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod.
If you are considering service to the church in one of these capacities, then we are the college for you.
Our Professors
Our 80 faculty members are not only spiritually mature Christians and experts in their fields, but they have also had real parish and school experience. That makes a difference. They understand why you’re here, because they made a similar choice earlier in their lives. As they teach, they help you see how their course content will fit into your future ministry, and they inspire you by sharing their personal ministry experiences.
Our Student Body
Although all our students are here to pursue the public ministry, we don’t attempt to create cookie-cutter graduates. We understand that you have your own unique background and your own abilities and interests, from sports to Spanish to Shakespeare. Knowing this, our professors will mentor you on a path appropriate for you and your future service to the church. Our 11:1 student-professor ratio enables us to give you this kind of personal attention. Our relatively small size also allows you and the other students to become acquainted quickly, and your classmates will soon become your friends—often for life.
“This institution is blessed with faculty and staff members who are exceptionally committed to the mission of preparing students for ministry, who are exemplary in their care for and involvement with students, and who are gracious in their relationships with colleagues.” The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools
Our Campus
Our 50-acre campus is located on a beautiful wooded hill overlooking the city of New Ulm, Minnesota. About 25 miles from Mankato and 90 miles from Minneapolis/St. Paul, we have easy access to big-city venues while enjoying the small-town charm of this Minnesota Star City of 14,000.
The campus includes four residence halls; an academic center; a library and media center; computer labs; a student union with cafeteria, gym, and fitness center; a chapel/auditorium; two music halls with practice rooms; and football, tennis, soccer, softball, and baseball facilities.
The city of New Ulm offers a recreation center with an indoor pool (free membership to MLC students), an ice arena, a movie theater, a golf course, a bike trail, stores, and restaurants to provide off-campus entertainment. Additionally, Flandrau State Park provides campgrounds, hiking trails, and a filtered swimming pond.
Life on the Hill
Because we have a single purpose—preparation for public ministry—the campus family is united by shared goals, a sense of community, and a vibrant campus culture: one based on the gospel of Jesus Christ and marked by spiritual growth, service, and mission-mindedness. Daily chapel, religion classes, Bible studies, and service projects provide opportunities to worship, to learn, and to serve.