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Better understand social justice concerns and their impact on society, and prepare to apply theological concepts to affect positive change. Designed for working professionals in business, education, government, and beyond, the Master of Arts in Theology (Justice and Public Life) is an online, 24-month degree program for working professionals that invites you to contribute your diverse perspectives, experiences, and faith convictions to the complex and vital task of social witness to the gospel. This master’s program prepares graduates to critically engage the Bible, history, theology, and practical to make a meaningful difference in their work and address the most challenging issues in society.
January 15 – Final deadline – merit scholarship applicants, international applicants
April 15 – Final deadline – US citizens and residents
Do you:
Designed for working professionals who want to influence social change, the MAT (Justice and Public Life) degree program helps you make meaningful connections between your work and your faith. Through hybrid courses and group discussions, learn to apply theological, historical, and biblical resources to your profession and lead the way to a more equitable future.
In courses that weave together concepts of theology with themes of social justice, examine real-world issues through a theological lens. Explore classes focused on everything from race and belonging to proclamation and trauma. If you have experience in theological studies, you may be able to transfer three course credits into the program. If not, take our foundation course, Ecology of Theological Education.
In coursework, prepare to engage and lead in social justice and public witness in ways that are personally and vocationally sustainable; biblically, historically, and theologically informed; and marked by ecumenical Christian commitments. Develop your leadership skills in community building, conflict management, and communication strategies, and integrate a theological and biblical perspective into your professional life.
The MAT (Justice and Public Life) is a 24-month accelerated program for working professionals. Coursework is online. And you will come to campus once each January term for five days.
Online courses take a blended modality approach. You will:
The MAT is an online accelerated degree program that includes two weeks of residency on campus and requires the completion of 36 credits:
Summer Term
Fall Term
January Term
Spring Term
To qualify for admission, you need to have:
To apply, please submit the following:
Note: If you have been away from formal academic studies and/or are unable to secure an academic reference, you are advised to ask someone who can speak to your academic abilities. In these cases, you can ask a supervisor or colleague for this reference who can speak to your academic abilities and attest to your ability to enter a rigorous graduate program. Please do not submit more than three references. The same person cannot write more than one recommendation. Recommendations cannot come from family members. Please review the application instructions for further details.
The cost for the MAT degree program is $595 per credit hour. Tuition rates in 2025-2026 are subject to change. For more information, please contact Student Financial Services at sfs@ptsem.edu. Applications must be filed by April 15 for the following academic year.
Students enrolled in the Master of Arts in Theology (Justice and Public Life) degree program taking at least 4.5 credits in a semester (Fall, Spring, or Summer) are eligible for Federal Direct Loans to assist in defraying the cost of their tuition. Contact Student Financial Services at sfs@ptsem.edu for more information.
The MAT (Justice and Public Life) can help you strengthen your witness in the public sphere. Whether you’re looking to shift direction toward a pastoral path or continue in the profession you’re in, the program equips you to address injustices with conviction, compassion, and theological depth.
Princeton Theological Seminary, you have a winner here. This is a program that’s innovative, it’s insightful, it’s well-designed for its delivery across the platform, for hybrid learning, for working professionals. Tonya MilesMAT Student
Tonya Miles
MAT Student
Featured Faculty This hybrid program has taught me that theological education must be more flexible and accessible. It’s not just about the Seminary moving into the world to serve the world, but it’s about about how the students who are coming to our campus are fundamentally transforming us. Keri L. Day Professor of Constructive Theology and African American Religion
Keri L. Day Professor of Constructive Theology and African American Religion
Make a difference through your faith. Request information about the Master of Arts in Theology (Justice and Public Life), take a virtual tour, or apply today.
