Equips students to think critically
about socio-political dynamics
and reflect constructively on the role played by religion and theological traditions in movements for social change
Master of Arts in Social Transformation (MAST)
The Master of Arts in Social Transformation (MAST) is a professional graduate program designed to prepare students for careers in the public square while delivering a foundational education in theology.
This innovative and rigorous program fuses leading-edge practices in organizational leadership and design thinking with the spiritual formation PSR has offered for over 150 years.
Each MAST student works closely with a faculty advisor and a social innovation field work supervisor to devise a course of study leading to an applied project in social transformation.
At the end of your first year of study in the program, you will be awarded a Certificate of Spirituality and Social Change (CSSC) or a Certificate of Sexuality and Religion (CSR).
A MAST degree is designed to be a two-year full-time program but can be completed in up to four years.
On campus or distance learning options available.
Designed for
Existing or emerging leaders looking to effect social change by leveraging theological and ethical traditions in sectors like economic justice and development, ecological sustainability, LGBTQ+ advocacy, racial equity and other social justice work.
Learning Outcomes
- Think critically about socio-political dynamics and reflect constructively on the role played by religion and theological traditions in movements for social change.
- Employ strategies for collaborative community organizing and network building.
- Engage in cultural and political analysis both theologically and ethically, especially for insights into structural inequality, systemic injustice, and institutionalized oppressions.
- Assess, evaluate, and help to prepare faith communities to engage in collaborative partnerships with programs and organizations devoted to systemic social change for the common good.
- Evaluate and appropriate diverse, interdisciplinary strategies for change-making drawn from the worlds of social innovation, non-profit organizations, and grass-roots community organizing.
- Build and foster communities marked by cross- cultural humility and devoted to collaborative problem solving for transforming social systems of oppressive power.
Professional Opportunities
The MAST program prepares students for a wide range of vocational paths, whether in social justice advocacy, non-profit organizational leadership, community organizing and education, or congregational development.
Next Steps
Financial Aid (FAFSA code: G01256)
For further program details, refer to the academic catalog
Master of Arts in Social Transformation with a Certificate of Spirituality and Social Change
The courses below represent a typical progression for this program. If you have questions or need more information, please contact admissions@psr.edu
Course Number | Name | Credits |
---|---|---|
SPFT-1082 |
Spiritual Formation for Leadership
This course offers an opportunity to deepen spiritual life in personal, interpersonal, communal, and cosmic dimensions. It will focus on engaging contemplative practices from across the inter-spiritual tradition as well as study the teachings of mystics, privileging those who lived engaged in the pursuit of collective justice. Participants will have a chance to explore the nature of spiritual formation while discerning which practices, resources, and attitudes are appropriate for sustaining vitality, rootedness, and creativity in their personal life, faith, leadership, academic, and social justice work. | 3 |
RS-1827 |
Contextual Thinking
One of the foundational education commitments that undergirds this course is the assertion that all knowledge is contextual. In the various settings of ministry and social transformation, context plays an important role in shaping our work, our approaches to that work, our understandings of our own role in that work, and the meaning we make of it. At its core, this course seeks to ground our theological explorations in a deeper understanding of our own social contexts, as we develop facility in translating from one context to another and engaging across difference. Focusing in particular on the case of race, this course is designed as a path for exploring and understanding the ways that race in all of its intersections operates as a social fiction and lived experience in ourselves and in the communities we serve. Making use of historical, theoretical and theological lenses, we will engage in selfexploration, deep formation, readings, dialogue, and experiences with artists and activists as we build our capacity to address issues of prejudice, power, and privilege while cultivating cultural humility and cross-cultural competency. | 3 |
BS-1200 |
Rhetorical Use of Texts
The purpose of this course is to introduce students to different methods used to interpret texts. Students will learn and develop skills of closely reading texts, analyzing historical and contemporary contexts, and thinking critically through issues. This class will introduce students a wide range of sacred and secular texts. Students will learn to apply rhetorical strategies to construct interpretations that promote inclusivity, social consciousness, social justice, and speak to the current social and political contexts. This is an introductory level course and requires no prerequisite. | 3 |
CE-8109 |
Introduction to Christian Ethics
This course introduces students to theories of ethical discernment, behavior, and formation in Christian traditions. The course prioritizes ecological wellbeing as an ethical demand of Christian living and will use case studies about human relationships with our other-than-human kindred to practice the ethical theories studied. | 3 |
FT-2973 |
Transformative Leadership
TRANSFORMATIVE LEADERSHIP: PROPHETS, HERETICS, AND SOCIAL ENTREPRENEURS Transformational leadership entails a dynamic relationship between the leader and the community of which the leader is a part. It entails developing strategies that enhance the probability of achieving shared goals and visions. Essential to transformational leadership is inspiration that lifts one from common place existing to living beyond the norm. In the quest for a more just and compassion world transformational leadership challenges dominant systems and other forms of oppression. This course will explore various expressions of transformational leadership including those resulting from prophetic imagination and social entrepreneurship. | 3 |
ST-1086 |
Theological Thinking
Theology concerns words, wordings, the Word, or speech about the divine. In the 11th century, Anselm of Canterbury defined theology as “faith seeking understanding.” This course invites a continuation of that perennial human quest, and especially in Christian faith traditions. We will explore and learn from both the wisdom and shortcomings of those who have preceded us in trying to give meaningful and responsible expression to theological topics. We will likewise engage in contemporary forms of that same quest as we attend carefully to the contribution theological ideas can make to social change and transformation. (Lectures, small groups, short papers, and a “credo project.”) | 3 |
FTRS-3400 |
Design Thinking for Social Change
“Design Thinking” is a human-centered approach to problem-solving and new product development that emerged from the high-tech, entrepreneurial world of Silicon Valley. It has evolved over the years into a process that is rooted in community-based research, ongoing testing of assumptions, a resistance to immediate answers for the sake of deeper insights, and hypothesizing future consequences. The course is an introductory level course meant for religious leaders, non-profit leaders and leaders involved in social change initiatives. | 3 |
PSRS-3100 |
Who Cares?
This course asks key questions about the work of spiritual care and caring—what is care and what does it means for leaders to care for individuals and organizations. We will explore the character of care, models of caring, and strategies and skills for offering care in particular contexts. This course presumes that effective leaders and flourishing mission-oriented organizations require tangible skills for providing care. Students will be invited to trace the unique needs embedded in particular dynamics and patterns of contemporary cultures through different contexts of care: personal, communal, systemic, and cosmic. This course is suitable for those who are preparing for congregational leadership and those in private, public, and not-for-profit service. | 3 |
Elective: Upper-Level Theology | 3 | |
Elective 3 Units | 3 | |
FTRS-8300 |
Igniting Vibrant Ventures
This course invites fresh ways to imagine both congregational ministry and organizational leadership through the lens of social entrepreneurship, including modules on business operations, personnel management, and marketing strategies. Students will explore ways in which spiritual mission can align effectively with financial sustainability. The program trains emerging and established leaders to design, plan, and implement new approaches to revenue generation as they advance their congregational and/or organizational mission. The course meets in a combination of synchronous and asynchronous online sessions. | 3 |
HSRS-1750 |
History of Christianity and Social Change
This course provides an introductory overview of Christian history with a focus on the diversity of ways in which Christians have engaged in efforts at social change for the common good in times of societal, economic, and political change — from the first century to the present. Class format will include lectures and class discussions based on the reading and interpretation of primary and secondary texts. Requirements: the writing of six analytical essays; several pop quizzes; and two take-home written exams. This course is intended primarily for MDiv, MA, and MTS students. It satisfies the basic history requirement for PSR’s degree programs. | 3 |
Elective 1.5 Units | 1.5 | |
MA-4060 |
SAIL Capstone
The SAIL Project (Social Analysis for Innovative Leadership) is the capstone project for the Master of Arts in Social Transformation degree. Students choose either to write a thesis or to create an e-portfolio demonstrating effective engagement with the degree’s learning outcomes. Students meet with each other and the instructor three or four times over the course of the semester to share insights into strategies about their projects. This is done independently with your advisor. Only MAST students should register for this course. MDIV students do not need to register for this course. | 1.5 |
Master of Arts in Social Transformation with a Certificate of Sexuality and Religion
Course Number | Name | Credits |
---|---|---|
SPFT-1082 |
Spiritual Formation for Leadership
This course offers an opportunity to deepen spiritual life in personal, interpersonal, communal, and cosmic dimensions. It will focus on engaging contemplative practices from across the inter-spiritual tradition as well as study the teachings of mystics, privileging those who lived engaged in the pursuit of collective justice. Participants will have a chance to explore the nature of spiritual formation while discerning which practices, resources, and attitudes are appropriate for sustaining vitality, rootedness, and creativity in their personal life, faith, leadership, academic, and social justice work. | 3 |
RS-1827 |
Contextual Thinking
One of the foundational education commitments that undergirds this course is the assertion that all knowledge is contextual. In the various settings of ministry and social transformation, context plays an important role in shaping our work, our approaches to that work, our understandings of our own role in that work, and the meaning we make of it. At its core, this course seeks to ground our theological explorations in a deeper understanding of our own social contexts, as we develop facility in translating from one context to another and engaging across difference. Focusing in particular on the case of race, this course is designed as a path for exploring and understanding the ways that race in all of its intersections operates as a social fiction and lived experience in ourselves and in the communities we serve. Making use of historical, theoretical and theological lenses, we will engage in selfexploration, deep formation, readings, dialogue, and experiences with artists and activists as we build our capacity to address issues of prejudice, power, and privilege while cultivating cultural humility and cross-cultural competency. | 3 |
BS-1200 |
Rhetorical Use of Texts
The purpose of this course is to introduce students to different methods used to interpret texts. Students will learn and develop skills of closely reading texts, analyzing historical and contemporary contexts, and thinking critically through issues. This class will introduce students a wide range of sacred and secular texts. Students will learn to apply rhetorical strategies to construct interpretations that promote inclusivity, social consciousness, social justice, and speak to the current social and political contexts. This is an introductory level course and requires no prerequisite. | 3 |
CE-8109 |
Introduction to Christian Ethics
This course introduces students to theories of ethical discernment, behavior, and formation in Christian traditions. The course prioritizes ecological wellbeing as an ethical demand of Christian living and will use case studies about human relationships with our other-than-human kindred to practice the ethical theories studied. | 3 |
CSR Special Course | 3 | |
CSR-3001 |
CSR Final Project
CSR 3001 CSR Final Project (1.5 credits) The final component of the CSR program (pre-stackable curriculum), the CSR Final Project is designed by the student with the approval of their CSR advisor/coordinator. Students sign up for CSR 3001 when the semester they are completing this project. The general topic of the project is established when you enter the CSR program and is used to direct your course of study throughout the program. The project should include both research and community application components. Students are recommended to consult with at least two CSR-related faculty (either regular or adjunct) concerning their final projects. [Faculty Consent required] | 1.5 |
FT-2973 |
Transformative Leadership
TRANSFORMATIVE LEADERSHIP: PROPHETS, HERETICS, AND SOCIAL ENTREPRENEURS Transformational leadership entails a dynamic relationship between the leader and the community of which the leader is a part. It entails developing strategies that enhance the probability of achieving shared goals and visions. Essential to transformational leadership is inspiration that lifts one from common place existing to living beyond the norm. In the quest for a more just and compassion world transformational leadership challenges dominant systems and other forms of oppression. This course will explore various expressions of transformational leadership including those resulting from prophetic imagination and social entrepreneurship. | 3 |
ST-1086 |
Theological Thinking
Theology concerns words, wordings, the Word, or speech about the divine. In the 11th century, Anselm of Canterbury defined theology as “faith seeking understanding.” This course invites a continuation of that perennial human quest, and especially in Christian faith traditions. We will explore and learn from both the wisdom and shortcomings of those who have preceded us in trying to give meaningful and responsible expression to theological topics. We will likewise engage in contemporary forms of that same quest as we attend carefully to the contribution theological ideas can make to social change and transformation. (Lectures, small groups, short papers, and a “credo project.”) | 3 |
PSRS-3100 |
Who Cares?
This course asks key questions about the work of spiritual care and caring—what is care and what does it means for leaders to care for individuals and organizations. We will explore the character of care, models of caring, and strategies and skills for offering care in particular contexts. This course presumes that effective leaders and flourishing mission-oriented organizations require tangible skills for providing care. Students will be invited to trace the unique needs embedded in particular dynamics and patterns of contemporary cultures through different contexts of care: personal, communal, systemic, and cosmic. This course is suitable for those who are preparing for congregational leadership and those in private, public, and not-for-profit service. | 3 |
Elective: Upper-Level Theology | 3 | |
FTRS-8300 |
Igniting Vibrant Ventures
This course invites fresh ways to imagine both congregational ministry and organizational leadership through the lens of social entrepreneurship, including modules on business operations, personnel management, and marketing strategies. Students will explore ways in which spiritual mission can align effectively with financial sustainability. The program trains emerging and established leaders to design, plan, and implement new approaches to revenue generation as they advance their congregational and/or organizational mission. The course meets in a combination of synchronous and asynchronous online sessions. | 3 |
HSRS-1750 |
History of Christianity and Social Change
This course provides an introductory overview of Christian history with a focus on the diversity of ways in which Christians have engaged in efforts at social change for the common good in times of societal, economic, and political change — from the first century to the present. Class format will include lectures and class discussions based on the reading and interpretation of primary and secondary texts. Requirements: the writing of six analytical essays; several pop quizzes; and two take-home written exams. This course is intended primarily for MDiv, MA, and MTS students. It satisfies the basic history requirement for PSR’s degree programs. | 3 |
Elective 3 Units | 3 | |
MA-4060 |
SAIL Capstone
The SAIL Project (Social Analysis for Innovative Leadership) is the capstone project for the Master of Arts in Social Transformation degree. Students choose either to write a thesis or to create an e-portfolio demonstrating effective engagement with the degree’s learning outcomes. Students meet with each other and the instructor three or four times over the course of the semester to share insights into strategies about their projects. This is done independently with your advisor. Only MAST students should register for this course. MDIV students do not need to register for this course. | 1.5 |