Divinity/Social Justice MDiv/MA

About the MDiv/MA in Social Justice at Loyola

There is a clear and consistent connection between the underlying philosophies of ministerial leadership and the striving to improve underserved and underrepresented communities through social justice work. The MDiv/MA in Social Justice (MDiv/MASJ) dual-degree program offered through Loyola's Institute of Pastoral Studies serves to effectively bridge these endeavors, adding depth and dimension to one's ability to improve lives through faith and service.

The program will provide you with a comprehensive background in ministerial leadership, as well as specialist competencies in the field of social justice.

The MDiv/MA in Social Justice dual degree can be pursued full-time or part-time. Classes are held weekday evenings at Loyola's Water Tower Campus, which is conveniently located off the Red Line in the heart of Chicago, and the majority of the courses are also offered online.

Learn More About Each Individual Degree

Curriculum and Program Outcomes

While courses for the Divinity/Social Justice MDiv/MA program may vary from semester to semester, Loyola’s extensive Academic Catalog will always house the official listing of courses, programs of study, academic policies, degree requirements, and specialization or concentration options.

Additionally, this resource will provide Divinity/Social Justice MDiv/MA learning outcomes, showcasing the commitment to specific skills and growth graduates can expect to achieve following completion of the program.

2024-2025 Catalog

• Divinity/Social Justice MDiv/MA

Costs, Scholarships, and Aid

Loyola University Chicago is committed to making your graduate and professional studies a reality. Our Cost & Financial Aid page can help better inform you about the costs and potential funding opportunities through scholarships, loans, and aid for graduate and professional education.

If you are a current Loyola undergraduate or recent alum, you may be eligible for a Returning Rambler discount. Learn more and see if you qualify on our Returning Rambler Scholarship page.

Tuition and Costs

The Divinity/Social Justice MDiv/MA is a dual degree program that awards separate degrees for each program completed. Therefore, cost will equal the summation of each individual degree program's tuition times the number of credit hours taken in that program. Some dual degrees may have shared credits that adjust the total cost of the program. Please view the following pages for more information on each individual program's tuition, and contact the Office of the Bursar with any questions.

For more detailed information about tuition and fees, and a breakdown of how these costs are calculated on a yearly basis, please visit Tuition and Fees from the Office of the Bursar.

Institute of Pastoral Studies Financial Aid & Scholarships

More information about financial aid opportunities can be found on the Institute of Pastoral Studies Financial Aid page.

Application Process

Application Deadlines

The available start terms and corresponding application deadlines for the Divinity/Social Justice MDiv/MA are listed below. Please keep in mind that both the application and the required materials must be submitted by the specified deadline.

Fall, Spring, & Summer
Rolling admission

Recommended Deadlines
Fall: July 15
Spring: December 10
Summer: April 15

Final admission is 10 days before the start of classes

Application Requirements

Application requirements for the Divinity/Social Justice MDiv/MA include:

• Official transcripts from all institutions attended

• 2 Letters of Recommendation

• 3.0 Minimum GPA

• Statement of Purpose

Statement of Purpose Details

Please submit a 1,500-word essay describing your personal, educational, professional, and ministerial background and how these have prepared you for the specific MA or Certificate program for which you have applied. In your essay, also address the following:

• Prior undergraduate or graduate study in theology or philosophy, if any

• The ways in which your professional life and any volunteer service have emphasized spiritually, community and social justice

• A theological book(s) that has helped to shape your understanding of your proposed vocation and course of study

• Your vision of ministry, your strengths relative to this vocation, significant influences on your faith life (including minsterial mentors or role models), and the professional context in which you see yourself working upon completion of your program

• Why you are choosing to pursue this degree at Loyola's IPS

Official Documents

Applicants must submit official transcripts from all institutions attended. Official transcripts are those that are sent directly by the college/university to Loyola University Chicago. Transcripts (with U.S. educational credentials) sent by the student to Loyola are considered unofficial documents, and while they may be utilized for initial review of your application, official transcripts are still required. Official documents should be sent by the institution to gradapp@luc.edu. Official documents should be sent by the institution to gradapp@luc.edu.

International Applicant Requirements

An official English language proficiency exam is required for international applicants whose native language is not English. If you have non-U.S. educational credentials, you are required to submit an official transcript evaluation. The transcript evaluation cannot be waived, and unofficial transcripts will not be accepted for international applicants.

Please visit our International Applicant Requirements page for specific information regarding the application process for international students.