Before entering seminary, you would need a college degree, which is typically four years. If you go to a 'college' seminary' and therefore in 'formation' and take enough Philosophy credits, you could enter a major seminary upon completion. If you are not in formation or lack credits in philosophy, you will have to enter a 'pre-theology' program for two years. The educational track in seminary is 4 years, though the Diocese of New Ulm, as well as other dioceses, requires an internship year. (Here, it is between Third and Fourth year of Theology, and the candidate may be ordained a deacon for that internship.) So the length of study is anywhere from 9 to 11 years after highschool. Yeah, we know, that's a long time, about as long as it takes to become a doctor. When you finish at the seminary you will have earned a Master of Divinity (M.Div.) degree or a Master of Arts in Theology (MAT). Then, finally, you would be ordained.

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