Overview

The Professional Studies MPS at Columbia University offers a transformative educational experience designed to equip students with essential leadership skills within the New York State correctional system. This specialised programme integrates theological reflection with practical ministry training to foster community building and social change. By engaging with diverse ethical traditions, students prepare for influential roles both during their incarceration and upon their eventual return to society.

Why Professional Studies at Columbia University?

This programme is distinguished by its long-standing legacy of reducing recidivism and fostering significant social impact. With a recidivism rate below 10%, and nearly 0% for recent graduates, the curriculum demonstrates a proven track record of success. Students benefit from instruction by core faculty members and site directors who are experts in pastoral activism, racial equity, and criminal justice reform. The initiative is supported by generous grants, allowing it to be offered on a tuition-free basis to eligible candidates. Furthermore, the programme's influence extends beyond the classroom, as alumni have founded prominent organisations dedicated to human justice and transitional support.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 0 per year
National fee: USD 0 per year
Local fee: USD 0 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum is delivered through intensive coursework five days per week during the autumn and spring terms. Modules may include:

Theology
Bible and Hermeneutics of Justice
Christianity, Islam, and Judaism and the Marginalized
Leadership, Mentorship, and Prison Ministry
Practice of Ministry
Theories of Justice and Public Leadership
Pastoral Care, Counseling, and the Self
Religious Ethics and Contemporary Social Issues
Theological Reflection, Justice, and the Public Square

Careers with Professional Studies

Graduates of this programme are prepared for vital leadership roles within correctional facilities and their broader communities. Many alumni serve as influential mentors, counselors, and mediators within the prison population. Upon release, graduates frequently transition into professional careers as faith leaders, community organisers, and social justice advocates. The programme provides a robust foundation for those wishing to pursue further academic degrees or specialised roles in human justice and community healing. Former students have successfully established and led non-profit organisations focused on higher education in prison and transitional services for formerly incarcerated individuals.

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 2026-09-08 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 748 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

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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