Master of Arts in Social Justice

Our world urgently needs individuals with the commitment and expertise to drive conversation and action around social justice. Your MASJ degree from MTSO will equip you to lead, organize, educate and collaborate in diverse social, political, religious and educational contexts. Vocational roles for those with this professional master’s degree include nonprofit administration, community organizing, lobbying, advocacy and activism.

This 39-credit-hour professional master’s degree, designed to be completed in two years, takes full advantage of MTSO’s unique ethos. The MASJ offers an interdisciplinary core curriculum combining ethics, theology, public leadership, sacred texts and spirituality. You’ll also choose from among MTSO’s many social justice-oriented elective courses to sharpen your unique focus in areas such as race, immigration, human sexuality, climate, disability and labor exploitation.

• All of our graduate degrees include the Mid-Program Review. This course is designed for you to reflect on the midpoint of your vocational and academic journey. Students meet semi-regularly to evaluate academic progress, achievements, and opportunities for further growth and development.
• All of our graduate degrees include a Cross-Cultural Immersion, giving students the opportunity to explore intersections of economic, ecological, racial, gender and LGBTQ+, and justice issues.
• The MASJ includes a social justice internship. Learn more about our social justice internships from our alumni.

Students who take 9 credit hours each semester and at least 3 credit hours for one intensive term each year typically complete this degree within two years.

MTSO classes are offered both in person and online, employing HyFlex education.

A two-year program, with classes on campus and online

MASJ classes include on-campus and online learning, with the option to attend class fully online. All on-campus MASJ core courses meet on Monday or Tuesday evenings or on weekends. Times of the three elective courses required to complete the degree depend on the courses chosen. Your coursework includes a required in-person cross-cultural immersion trip and a customizable 280-hour internship.

See a sample MASJ schedule showing actual class days and times.

MASJ degree requirements

MASJ degree audit

Dual-degree information

MTSO offers the opportunity to pursue two master's degrees at once. Here are the specific requirements.

Hear from MASJ students

Rebekah Sperling reflects on her work as a policy research and analysis intern with the Transactional Records Access Clearinghouse:

Alexander Clemetson, an intern with Community Development for All People, is working on replicating the All People's Fresh Market in the Linden neighborhood of Columbus:

Austen-Monet McClendon discusses her internship with Orita’s Cross Freedom School:

Mike Premo is working on establishing a cafe during his internship with Community Development for All People:

Learn more and get started

• Talk with an admissions representative about MTSO and the MASJ degree. Email or call 800-333-6876.
• View MASJ FAQs.
• View a complete MASJ course list.
• Begin your master's degree application.