GLOBAL DEVELOPMENT & JUSTICE

Master of Arts

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.

36 UNITS

21-24 MONTHS

ONLINE

ABOUT THE PROGRAM

In this program, students will develop a learning community with their peers and professors who have both academic expertise and practical experience. If you are inspired by Christ-centered, holistic, sustainable solutions that build capacity in vulnerable communities in the U.S. or abroad, the MAGDJ program is designed for you.

The curriculum of the MAGDJ is crafted to equip workers in non-profit relief organizations and includes a unique emphasis on peacebuilding. In a world marked by war, genocide, refugees and shattered communities, the MAGDJ expands the knowledge and skills necessary to make a difference.

This program equips students for service in some of the world’s most challenging sectors. Students apply the skills they learn 1) through a Fieldwork Project and 2) through the Integrative Capstone Project.

Optional Travel Studies and Annual Retreats are also available for students who are able to participate.

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.

Available online as distance education. Classes include optional “live sessions” with faculty each week and additional self-guided work.
Faculty with expertise and experience in global development, peacebuilding, and justice initiatives.
Perfect for students who serve or feel called to serve in church-based community development, international development and/or justice organizations.
Accredited by the Commission on Accrediting of The Association of Theological Schools and WSCUC.
Optional travel studies and annual retreats will be made available.

Program Courses (36 units)

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)

The MAGDJ program requires students take 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.

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.

The Graduate Certificate in Community Development is another Global Development and Justice-oriented program. Additionally, we offer concentrations in Community Development in the following Seminary programs: Master of Divinity (MDiv) and MA in Leadership (MAL). Please see Graduate Certificates and programs in MDiv and MAL for more.

Admissions Requirements

3.0 Cumulative GPA
- If less than 3.0, include an explanation of prior performance and describe the experiences and skills you believe indicate your ability to succeed at the graduate level.
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
The MAGDJ may consider applications from applicants with special circumstances in line with our accreditation and Multnomah Biblical Seminary policies.
TOEFL may be required for international students

Dr. Greg Burch

Program Director

This program provides professionals in relief and development work with skills to be agents of change in communities where there is great need.

FACULTY

Jessup's dedicated community of faculty, both full-time and adjunct, are here to walk alongside you, equipping you with the knowledge and values you'll need to establish a meaningful career, grow spiritually, and succeed in all areas of your life. Learn more about our full-time faculty.

Greg Burch, Ph.D.

Associate Professor - School of Theology & Leadership

Dr. Karen Fancher, D.Int.St.

Associate Professor - School of Theology & Leadership

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