Program plans for single and double majors are provided to show how majors may be completed in four or five years.  Following the program plan will ensure that the appropriate general education electives are taken.  

General Education Course Menu

  • Pre-Seminary

    The generic program plan below reflects a typical four-year degree plan for pre-seminary students. At the time of application, students choose a non-Biblical language option. Each student is placed into an appropriate non-Biblical language course based mainly on the results of a language placement test. The results of that placement test may alter this generic plan. Each pre-seminary student receives an individualized degree plan tailored to his non-biblical language choice and course placement. By July 1, this plan is available on his Portal Directory page by clicking on the link “Program Planner.”

    Pre-Seminary Generic Program Plan

  • Early Childhood

    Early Childhood Education – prepares students to teach children from birth to age eight

    Early Childhood Education (for students that have completed the clinical experience)

    Early Childhood Education (for new students and students that have NOT completed the clinical experience)

    Early Childhood Education and Elementary Education Double Major

    Students adding an elementary major broaden their eligibility for assignment in a WELS school and are qualified for Minnesota licensure in both majors.  Generally, double majors may be completed in five years.

    Early Childhood Education and Elementary Education (for students that have completed the clinical experience)

    Early Childhood Education and Elementary Education (for new students and students that have NOT completed the clinical experience)

  • Elementary Education Single Major

    Elementary Education – prepares students to teach in an elementary school

    Elementary Education (for students that have completed the clinical experience)
    Elementary Education (for new students and students that have NOT completed the clinical experience)

    Licensed Minors
    Students may choose to complete a licensed minor along with their elementary education major.   Licensed minors may lead to a Minnesota licensure endorsement in addition to the K-6 elementary education license. Completion of a licensed minor together with successful licensure examinations and student teaching at the seventh or eighth grade level qualifies graduates to add a 5-8 grade endorsement to the K-6 elementary education license.  The Spanish minor qualifies for a K-8 endorsement. The educational technology minor qualifies for a K-12 endorsement.

    Academic Minors
    Unlike the licensed minors, academic minors are not eligible for Minnesota licensure.  However, they do build valuable knowledge and useful skills for ministry.

  • Elementary Education and Middle/Secondary Education Double Major

    Students adding an early childhood, elementary, or secondary second major to their chosen education major broaden their eligibility for assignment in a WELS school and are qualified for Minnesota licensure in both majors.  It is prudent to investigate Minnesota licensure and WELS assignment possibilities when choosing double majors.  Generally, double majors may be completed in five years.

    Double Majors – Clinical Experience Completed (for students that have completed a clinical experience)

    Double Majors – Clinical Experience Needed (for new students and students that have NOT completed the clinical experience)

  • Special Education

    Special Education

    Special Education graduates are eligible for Minnesota licensure and for assignment to work with students in grades K-12 with a broad array of mild to moderate disabilities.  Students are strongly encouraged to double major by adding the elementary education major to broaden their eligibility for assignment in WELS schools.

    Special Education (for students that have completed the clinical experience)

    Special Education (for new students and students that have NOT completed the clinical experience)

    Special Education and Elementary Education Double Major

    Special Education and Elementary Education (for students that have completed the clinical experience)

    Special Education and Elementary Education (for new students and students that have NOT completed the clinical experience)

  • Middle and Secondary Education Single Majors

    Middle and secondary education major graduates are eligible for Minnesota licensure and for assignment to secondary schools of the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod in their chosen subject area.  Students are strongly encouraged to double major by adding the elementary education major since these graduates are broaden their eligibility for assignment in K-12 WELS schools.

    Middle and Secondary Single Majors – Clinical Experience Completed (for students that have completed the clinical experience)

    Middle and Secondary Single Majors – Clinical Experience Needed (for new students and students that have NOT completed the clinical experience)

  • Parish Music Majors

    The parish music major prepares students to serve as music directors in parishes of the Wisconsin Synod.  Graduates earn a Bachelor of Science degree.  This major does not meet Minnesota licensure requirements and graduates are not eligible for assignment to WELS schools.  

    Parish Music  (for students continuing in the major)

    Parish Music (for new students or students new to the major in 2022-23)

    Parish Music and Education Double Major

    This double major provides graduates the flexibility of serving in a congregation or a WELS school.  Graduates qualify for Minnesota licensure in their education field.  A program plan for the parish music and elementary education double major is offered below.  Other education majors may also be considered.

    Parish Music and Elementary Education (for students that have completed the clinical experience)

    Parish Music and Elementary Education (for new students and students that have NOT completed the clinical experience)

  • Staff Ministry Majors

    The Staff Ministry Program prepares students to become staff ministers (e.g., Minister of Family and Youth, Minister of Discipleship, Minister of Christian Education, etc.) for the congregations of the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod. This program leads to the Bachelor of Science degree with a major in practical theology and provides students with a broad background in general education as well as professional courses and practical experiences designed to equip candidates with the competencies necessary to serve as staff ministers.  

    Staff Ministry (for students continuing in the major)

    Staff Ministry (for new students or students new to the major in 2022-23)

    Staff Ministry and Parish Music Double Major

    This double major qualifies graduates to serve as staff ministers and musicians in congregations of the Wisconsin Synod.  Neither of these majors qualify candidates for Minnesota licensure.

    Staff Ministry and Parish Music (for students continuing in the major)

    Staff Ministry and Parish Music (for new students and students new to the major in 2022-23)

    Staff Ministry and Elementary Education Double Major

    This double major provides graduates the flexibility of serving in a congregation or a WELS school.  Graduates qualify for a Minnesota licensure in their teaching field.  A program plan for the parish music and elementary education double major is offered below.  Other education majors may also be considered.

    Staff Ministry and Elementary Education (for students that have completed the clinical experience)

    Staff Ministry and Elementary Education (for new students and students that have NOT completed the clinical experience)