Overview

The Professional Studies programme from Columbia University aims to equip students with the skills required to lead effectively within and beyond prison walls.

Through rigorous academic study in theology, ministry, pastoral care, and social justice leadership, as well as experiential learning and mentorship, students will emerge with the capacity to positively impact correctional facility communities and inspire transformative change in society at large.

Goals

To reflect critically on diverse theological, religious, spiritual, and ethical traditions from an interreligious engagement lens to foster community-building and social change in specific contexts.

To develop a leadership capacity to identify, design, and put into practice relevant, inclusive, and restorative models of community and faith community in the prison context and, in the event of release from prison, urban contexts that work toward personal and social transformation.

To cultivate a critical understanding of U.S. carcerality, the prison context, and their intersections with religious and social experiences.

Careers

Graduates of the MPS programme often become influential leaders within the prison population, serving as counselors, mentors, and mediators.

Many graduates who are eventually released from prison go on to serve as faith leaders, counselors, and community organizers. Some continue their education, pursuing further academic degrees and professional careers.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Leadership, Mentorship, and Prison Ministry

Hebrew Bible and Prophetic Witness

History of Christianity, Islam, and Judaism and the Marginalized

Public Communication and Transformative Justice

Pastoral Care, Counseling, and the Self

Religious Ethics and Contemporary Social Issues

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 12 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-09-02 00:00:00

Application deadline not specified.

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

135

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IELTS

7.5

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Credits

36 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Manhattan, United States

Disciplines

Theology and Religious Studies View 752 other Masters in Theology and Religious Studies in United States

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Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

135

Take A Free Practice Test!

IELTS

7.5

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

To obtain additional information about the program, we kindly suggest that you visit the programme website, where you can find further details and relevant resources.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

Free
Out-of-State

Free
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

Free

Additional Details

Union is able to offer this program on a tuition-free basis, thanks to the generous support of grants and individual donors.

Living costs

Manhattan

United States

2638 - 5751 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Financing

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Funding

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Master's scholarship opportunities for Professional Studies.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

On this page

About

Overview

Goals

Careers

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Additional Details

Living costs

Manhattan

Financing

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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