{"id":9059,"date":"2020-07-20T13:01:00","date_gmt":"2020-07-20T17:01:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/earlham.edu\/?p=9059"},"modified":"2021-05-04T13:08:57","modified_gmt":"2021-05-04T17:08:57","slug":"new-esr-degree-focuses-on-social-transformation","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/earlham.edu\/news-events\/new-esr-degree-focuses-on-social-transformation\/","title":{"rendered":"New ESR degree focuses on social transformation"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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The Earlham School of Religion has formed the first class of a new master\u2019s degree program designed for students pursuing ministries of social change.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Nine students, including two recent graduates from Earlham\u2019s undergraduate college, have enrolled in the launch of the Master of Arts in Peace and Social Transformation degree. The 12-month, 36-credit residential program combines coursework and a culminating practicum or internship based on the student\u2019s interests in the areas of social justice, public service or interfaith work. The program will use a cohort model, in which a group of students will take the same sequence of classes together throughout their studies.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWe see this program as an important outgrowth of our mission that will broaden our appeal to students who are seeking a seminary education but not necessarily looking to become a pastor or pursue vocations in academic ministry,\u201d said Matt Hisrich, dean of the Earlham School of Religion. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWe have designed this program with these students in mind,\u201d he notes. \u201cEarning a master\u2019s degree in one year is an attractive option.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The program shares several courses with ESR’s Master of Divinity program. Courses in theology, Biblical studies, and interfaith dialogue or contextual theology provide grounding in the religious heritage and critical tools for understanding and compassionately engaging a complex, often oppressive society. Students will have the opportunity to develop peace and justice skills and to specialize their ministry through out-of-the-classroom experiences with partnering organizations in the local community or with an organization identified by students elsewhere in the world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“This professional master\u2019s degree provides a unique and focused opportunity for our students to explore the connection between spirituality, justice and peacemaking,” said ESR Professor of Peace and Justice Studies Lonnie Valentine, who is leading the program. “Graduates will have a foundation of spiritual self-understanding to ground their justice work so that they may help heal the world that so needs our care.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Students enrolled in the inaugural cohort are from five states \u2014 Indiana, Kentucky, Pennsylvania, Maryland and New York \u2013 and three countries \u2014 Kenya, Congo and Mexico. They bring extensive experience with activism, service and interfaith work at organizations like the Friends Committee on National Legislation and Quaker Voluntary Service. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWhen we announced the new degree program last fall we had a strong response from prospective students,\u201d said Julie Dishman, ESR\u2019s director of recruitment and admissions. \u201cLittle did we know the uncertainty and turmoil 2020 would bring, but now this program feels even more relevant as we prepare for the arrival of the first cohort.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dishman is especially pleased with the \u201carray of gifts and experiences\u201d these students are bringing and their expected contributions to a program focused on social transformation. \u201cIt feels like the right time and the right place,” she said. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

ESR is offering full-tuition scholarships to all enrollees in the first cohort. Scholarships for future cohorts will be determined based on interest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Enrollment for the program\u2019s second cohort begins spring 2021. For more information about this degree program, please contact Julie Dishman at dishmju@earlham.edu<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Media contact<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Brian Zimmerman<\/strong>
Director of media relations
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Email: zimmebr@earlham.edu
Phone: 765.983.1256<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n