MA in Spirituality and Social Change
The Master of Arts in Spirituality and Social Change (MASSC) combines spiritual formation and theological education with the training required to effect social change. As our communities face social and ecological crises, the MA in Spirituality and Social Change equips students to respond.
Through spiritual formation and the study of scripture, theology, and practical leadership skills, students in the MA in Spirituality and Social Change are invited to engage God’s presence in working together toward the healing and transformation of their communities.
How does your faith inform the world you want to live in?
And how can you be part of creating that world?
Who is the MASSC for?
- Those who are pursuing Word and Service (deacon) ministry in the ELCA
- This can include children, family, and youth ministries, campus ministry, administration, volunteer ministry, social services, music, parish nursing, and many other forms of service that connect the church with the needs of the world
- Some forms of ministry overlap between ‘Word and Sacrament’ and ‘Word and Service.’ We are happy to partner with you in discerning whether the MDiv or the MA would be the best fit, and encourage you to be in conversation with your synod as well
- Anyone interested in the intersection of Christian spirituality and social change
- Maybe you’re in the non-profit sector, or an educator, or an activist—regardless of your background and current context, the MASSC is a program where you can explore this intersection and grow in your capacity to engage in faith-rooted, justice-seeking work
Build Your Degree
PLTS offers a varety of options toward completing the MA in Spirituality & Social Change. Choose the option that makes the most sense for your life and work circumstances and that prepares you for your vocational goals.
1. Choose Your Pathway
PLTS offers two pathways toward completed the MASSC. All pathways are completed in the Distributed Learning Modality.
- 2 Years: The MASSC Standard Pathway
The MASSC Standard pathway is a full-time program of two years of research-oriented, practical, and contextual learning. This includes 1.5 years of coursework and 6-month full-time internship. - 3 Years: The MASSC Flex 6 Pathway
The MASSC Flex 6 pathway is a half-time program of two years of research-oriented, practical, and contextual learning. This includes 2.5 years of coursework and 6-month full-time internship.
2. Choose your Concentration (optional)
MASSC students can also choose to pursue one of these concentrations:
Climate Justice & Faith
Empowering leaders to cultivate moral, spiritual, and practical power for the work of climate justice in communities of faith.
Evangelism & Justice
Focus on new ways of doing and being church that are welcoming of and in service to those who been marginalized culturally and socially.
3. Choose an optional Thesis (students not seeking ordination)
For students seeking ordination as a Deacon in the ELCA, the MA in Spirituality and Social change requires a 6-month internship rather than a thesis. For those who aren't planning to be ordained, you can choose to waive the internship requirement and complete the degree after 3 semesters of coursework or complete a thesis during your final semester.