The Dedication booklet was a gift of Augsburg Fortress Publishers. Founded in 1864, the Seminary is one of eight to be affiliated with the ELCA denomination. About 450 students are enrolled. Most seek the first professional degree, either a Master of Divinity leading to ordination, or a Master of Arts in Religion, leading to another professional church affiliation. The Graduate Program offers students either a Doctor of Ministry or a Master of Sacred Theology degree.
Many seminarians are recent college graduates.
However about 75 percent are pursuing a second career. While many come from traditional Lutheran backgrounds, quite a few have United Methodist, Roman Catholic, Episcopalian, Baptist, African Methodist Episcopal or Pentecostal roots. The Seminary is accredited by the Association of Theological Schools and the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools.