Program Overview

Master of Arts in Global Development and Justice

ABOUT THE PROGRAM

The M.A. in Global Development and Justice (MAGDJ) program prepares students to work across the nexus of justice, community development, and peacebuilding in the U.S. and abroad. The program combines biblical and theological insights with best practices to prepare community development leaders, cross‐cultural workers, justice leaders, and children-at-risk specialists (among others) in cross‐sector vocational skills. The curriculum seeks to develop compassionate leaders and administrators who are trauma‐informed, passionate about advocating for the vulnerable, and prepared to support human flourishing in their contexts.

PROGRAM DETAILS

• Duration: 21-24 months
• Format: Online
• Units: 36

LEARNING OUTCOMES

• Articulate the biblical and theological underpinnings for global development and justice.
• Demonstrate socio-cultural sensitivity and competency while emphasizing service and humility.
• Apply historical and contemporary theories and best practices related to development and justice.
• Address structural, institutional, and individual injustices in a healthy and sustainable manner.
• Utilize technical skills in project design, monitoring, evaluation, and data management to development and justice needs.
• Discuss global human rights and humanitarian systems.

PROGRAM COURSES

• GLS 501 Intro to Global Development and Justice (3 credits)
• GLS 515 Conflict, Refugees and Complex Disasters (3 credits)
• GLS 614 Economic and Community Development (3 credits)
• GLS 617 Peacebuilding and Transformative Justice (3 Credits)
• GLS 618 Children at Risk in Global Contexts (3 credits)
• GLS 621 Non-Profit Leadership and Project Management (3 credits)
• GLS 724 Monitoring, Evaluation, and Research (3 credits)
• GLS 711 Human Rights and Public Policy (3 credits)
• GLS 675 Fieldwork Project (3 credits)
• GLS 798 Integrative Capstone Project (3 credits)

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Two additional elective courses (3 credits each), including either the Global Immersion Studies course (travel studies) or courses from Bible and Theology and/or Leadership.

ADMISSIONS REQUIREMENTS

• 3.0 Cumulative GPA
• Personal Statement: Please upload a personal statement essay of 500 words on why this program is valuable for your ministry.
• 2 Letters of Recommendation
• Bachelor’s Degree from Regionally Accredited Institution
• Official Transcripts
• TOEFL may be required for international students

FACULTY

• Dr. Greg Burch, Program Director
• Dr. Karen Fancher, Associate Professor - School of Theology & Leadership

ACCELERATED GRADUATE PROGRAM

The M.A. in Global Development and Justice permits undergraduate students to enter the Accelerated Graduate Program as identified in the academic catalog. Please contact the program director for more information on this program.