The Master of Arts in Theology and Social Justice program is designed to help you grow as a community advocate who models Christ as an agent of social justice in the church and the world. While this program centers Christian social ethics and Biblical justice, it also provides theology courses, more typical of a seminary education, to broaden your Biblical knowledge and deepen your faith.
Master of Arts
Theology & Social Justice
Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute.
Speak up and judge fairly defend the rights of the poor and needy.
Proverbs 31:8-9
Advocate | Counselor | Pastor
In her community, Colleen Dick sees many individuals struggling with substance abuse and those reintegrating with society after serving their prison sentence. Through courses in counseling and social policy, she has found new opportunities to partner with these individuals in her congregation to encourage them and advocate on their behalf in numerous situations. Through her own life story, she can see the ways in which God has used struggles in her life to equip her for this role.
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My desire is to continue to grow in my walk with the Lord so that I may encourage and edify the body of Christ. Northeastern Seminary has especially deepened my understanding of other Christian faith traditions, equipping me to bring the people of my city together to work for the good of its people
219 Students
126 Fully Online
30 Denominations Represented
Responsiveness
To equip students to practice ministry that is wisely and faithfully responsive to the constantly changing contexts of our culture and world
Theology & Social Justice- Featured Courses
With classes in Rochester, NY and even offered online, this seminary degree is designed to be as flexible as possible in both format and coursework. The Great Conversation — or the Bible, History, and Theology courses — are required for all Northeastern Seminary programs. For the Theology & Social Justice program, SOC 623, 625, and 655 are required.
Jesus And The Poor: Biblical Perspectives On Economic Justice
This course begins in the New Testament with a study of Jesus’ relationship with the poor and his sayings regarding poverty, wealth, & discipleship. Topics also include exegeses on key biblical passages regarding economic justice in both the Old & New Testament and an examination of contemporary successes and failures of the local and global Christian church to end economic oppression.
Gender Violence And Reconciliation
This course addresses gender violence from a global, structural, and Christian theological perspective. The course will provide an analysis of current theories, practices, and leadership strategies. Topics include gender violence as an international human rights issue, the responsibility of the church in its prophetic role to provide a response, and exploring the possibilities of creative responses with the goal of gender reconciliation.
Social Policy, Leadership, And Community Change
This course focuses on the history of social change movements, the development of social policy, and the role of the church in promoting justice in society. Students learn to recognize the roles of power and relational dynamics in the development of systemic struggles that ultimately lead to social policy and societal change. Students will have the opportunity to implement a project that utilizes their leadership skills in the area of social justice in a local or larger community setting.
Take a Christian Approach to Social Justice
We can't just use our faith as a ticket to heaven and ignore the hells of this earth, but we need to use our faith to compel us to do something about the wrongs of this world.
Transformational Leadership Student
Sorangely Brito
I decided to go to seminary because I felt the Lord calling me to more. Then after making the decision to pursue my master's, the Lord opened the door to move forward in creating a ministry called 'Stay Encouraged Podcast' for teens and youth leaders, and I understood the urge in my heart to learn more about God. He was leading me to start my non-profit, write books, and equip teens to be all that God has called them to be, and my degree will help to do that. I am learning to trust in God as he helps me though it.