Master of Divinity (MDiv) in Social Transformation

The MDiv in Social Transformation program will prepare you to combine the classic functions of ministerial leadership, such as leading worship, preaching, providing pastoral care, forming people of faith, and leading a congregation, with the skills you need to lead and sustain social transformation work within your organization.

You’ll be equipped to think critically about socio-political dynamics and reflect constructively on the role of spiritual and theological traditions in movements for social justice. This is a professional, ministerial program that combines the tools and methodologies of social change and activism with practical and constructive theology to prepare innovative and effective leaders for an increasingly pluralistic and complex world.

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Social Transformation Degree Options

United offers several social transformation degree pathways for students who feel called to lead meaningful change in their communities, organizations, and faith contexts. The MDiv in Social Transformation is designed for students who want to build practical social transformation skills while also receiving formation in core ministerial competencies, making it a strong option for those preparing for ordained ministry, chaplaincy or faith-based leadership.

The MAL in Social Transformation focuses more broadly on leadership, justice and community impact without the full ministerial preparation required in the MDiv program. United’s DMin in Social Transformation is a more advanced professional doctorate degree for experienced ministry leaders who want to deepen their study and practice in this area after earning an MDiv (or equivalent).

The Master of Divinity in Social Transformation degree program may be a good fit for you if you are interested in:

• Increasing your proficiency and leadership within your current vocational context
• Integrating ministerial competencies with social transformation skills in preparation for work in a congregational ministry, a faith-based justice ministry, or a secular context to which you wish to bring the theological and practical arts of ministry
• Launching your own social ministry

Whatever your calling may be, a social transformation MDiv from United will prepare you to lead with purpose and compassion. 

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Concentration Learning Outcomes

In addition to achieving the core MDiv degree learning outcomes, a graduate of the MDiv in Social Transformation degree program will be able to:

• Articulate a constructive theological proposal that is conversant with core theological categories and addresses a social or political issue that relates to students’ vocational context.
• Demonstrate cultural competence and strategic skills necessary for just and effective engagement in diverse social, cultural and political contexts.
• Understand and relate historical and contemporary knowledge of social transformation movements in a variety of cultural settings;
• Utilize a variety of tools and methodologies to critically analyze sociopolitical issues. (i.e. race, class, gender, sexuality, disability, nationality etc.).
• Identify appropriate strategic points of leverage for transformational change for a specific social issue that demonstrate a deep understanding of complex organization and social dynamics.
• Demonstrate transformational leadership through the intentional, real-world application of hermeneutical and strategic frameworks for faithful public witness and action in the world.
• Provide documentation, reflection, and evaluate a social transformation project which offers a contribution to the field.
• Develop a social enterprise project that utilizes a theory of change model, business concept generation, and a proposal to test the model.
• Craft, deliver, and reflect on a sermon or public address that demonstrates effective speaking form/style and content based on a selected context.

By completing this concentration, students develop the ability to analyze, lead, communicate, and act in response to modern social concerns through a theological lens. These outcomes support graduates as they pursue ministry, advocacy, nonprofit leadership, and more.

United’s MDiv in Social Transformation Degree at a Glance

• Degree: Master of Divinity (MDiv)
• Concentration: Social Transformation 
• Total Credits: 72 credits
• Courses: Twenty-four 3-credit courses, including one field experience
• Thesis: A final thesis or project is not required, but you can choose to complete a thesis as an elective course
• Typical Completion Time: Can be completed in approximately three years if you take a full-time course load of 9 credits per trimester
• Learning Format: The MDiv in Social Transformation degree can be completed entirely online via distance learning. Many courses can be taken completely asynchronously (without timed class meetings)

Earn an MDiv in Social Transformation Online

United offers a fully accredited MDiv in Social Transformation degree online, giving you the flexibility to pursue your education from wherever you are. Through United’s distance learning format, students can engage in meaningful theological study, develop practical ministry skills, and prepare for social transformation work while balancing their current vocational, ministry and personal commitments.

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Social Transformation Degrees in Action

	Doe Hoyer, MDiv Student Doe believes lessons learned in United’s social transformation and chaplaincy courses have strengthened their organizing abilities. As Doe explains it, chaplaincy’s emphasis on remaining present and open with another helps temper the social transformation push for action and systemic change. Read more here. >
	Rev. Anthony Jermaine Ross-Allam (’12) In October 2022, Jermaine assumed a national role when he was called to lead the Presbyterian Mission Agency’s newly formed Center for the Repair of Historical Harms. He was named United’s inaugural Spirit of United awardee in 2023. Read more here. >