Program plans for single and double majors are provided to show how majors may be completed in four or five years. Â Following the program plan will ensure that the appropriate general education electives are taken.ÌýÌý
Pre-Seminary Program
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.â€
Pre-Seminary Generic Program Plan
Education Programs
The program plans listed below are for students new to the program during the 2024-2025 school. Program plans from previous years are available on the MLC Portal.
Early Childhood Education
Successful completion of the early childhood education major and licensure requirements provides students eligibility for a WELS assignment to teach birth to grade 3. Minnesota licensure provides eligibility to teach birth to grade 3.
Early Childhood Education and Elementary Education Double Major
Students adding and elementary education major broaden their eligibility for assignment in a WELS school. Generally, double majors may be completed in five years. Successful completion of this double major and licensure requirements provides students eligibility for a WELS assignment to teach birth to Grade 8. Minnesota licensure provides eligibility to teach birth to Grade 6.
Elementary Education
Successful completion of the elementary education major and licensure requirements provides students eligibility for a WELS assignment to teach grades K-8 and grades K-6 with Minnesota licensure.
Elementary Education with a Licensed Minor
The elementary education program allows for a minimum of 9 free elective credits. Students may choose to complete a 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 and successful completion of a student teaching experience 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. The elementary education with an endorsement plans are listed below.
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 a Middle/Secondary Education Double Major
Students that successfully complete a second major in early childhood education, elementary education, special education, or secondary education along with the first major broaden their eligibility for assignment in a WELS school and are eligible for Minnesota licensure in both majors.  It is prudent to investigate Minnesota licensure and WELS assignment possibilities when choosing double majors. General information about assignment and Minnesota licensure is shared at the top of each program plan. Generally, double majors may be completed in five years.ÌýÌý
Special Education
Special education major graduates are eligible for Minnesota licensure as an academic behavioral strategist (ABS) and are eligible to serve as special education teachers, interventionists, or in any capacity where a special education background is required. Students are strongly encouraged to double major by adding the elementary education major for additional assignment opportunities. Successful completion of the special education major and licensure requirements provides students eligibility for a WELS assignment to teach special education in grades K-12. Minnesota licensure provides eligibility to teach special education (ABS) in grades K-12.
Successful completion of the major and licensure requirements provides students eligibility for a WELS assignment to teach grades K-8 and special education in grades K-12. Minnesota licensure provides eligibility to teach grades K-6 and special education (ABS) in grades K-12.
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 WELS 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.
Parish Music Majors
The parish music major prepares students to serve as music directors in parishes of the WELS. 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. Â
Adding an elementary education major to the parish music major provides graduates the flexibility of serving in a congregation or a WELS school. Â Graduates are eligible for Minnesota licensure in their education field. Â A program plan for the parish music and elementary education double major is offered below.
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 WELS. 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. Â
Adding the parish music major to the staff ministry major graduates to serve as staff ministers and musicians in congregations of the WELS. Neither of these majors qualify candidates for Minnesota licensure.
Adding the elementary education major to the staff ministry major provides graduates the flexibility of serving in a congregation or a WELS school. Graduates may be eligible for 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.
