Master of Arts in Social Justice and Community Development

This 36-credit hour program includes 12 three-hour courses. Students can begin the degree program in any academic term. Full-time students can complete the program in four academic terms. Part-time students have five years within which to complete the degree. The following courses are required for this degree:

• IPS 532: Social Context OR IPS 646: Historical Dimensions of Community Development
• IPS 610: Foundations of Social Justice
• IPS 645: Principles and Processes of Community Development
• IPS 620: Diversity and Equity
• IPS 660: Leadership for Social Transformation
• IPS 640: Internship/Practicum: Beginning Action-Reflection in Context - (IPS 580 satisfies this requirement)
• IPS 612: Applied Research (Final Research project)
• IPS 647: Ethical Dimensions of Social Justice and Community Development

Four electives complete the degree. Electives are courses of the student’s choice based on their interests, but they can be organized into a kind of topical “minor.”  Program electives include:

• Faith-based strategies (Faith Justice and Public Policy, Holistic Strategies for Congregations, Christian Non-Violence, SCUPE courses, etc.)
• IPS 611: Building Sustainable Communities
• IPS 648: Current Issues in Housing
• IPS 625:  Global Economics
• IPS 635: Community Organizing*
• IPS 453: Fundraising and grant writing (offered in summer)
• Asset-Based Community Development courses

*Also offered in summers by Midwest Academy or Interfaith Worker Justice as a ten-week internship experience.  If accepted, this could be your internship for IPS 640 under certain conditions. Please check with these organizations for an application and additional information.