Academic Programs

Academic Programs

Masters of Arts in Leadership for Social Transformation (M.A.L.S.T.)
36 credits, 6 trimesters, 1/2 time.

The central pillar of Kaleo Center’s work is the M.A.L.S.T., the core of which is part of every other Social Transformation degree and concentration. This is a practical degree focused on equipping leaders with the tools, competencies, frameworks and strategic thinking required for effective social transformation.

Core Sequence

Students enter and progress as a cohort through the program. This allows students to initiate and sustain collaborative work and develop a network of supportive relationships and professional connections. The sequence includes the following:
1. Ethical Prophecy: Theological and Spiritual Foundations of Social Transformation
This course invites active engagement with spiritual practices, texts and theological frameworks, which undergird the practice of social transformation.
2. Social Analysis and Community Engagement
Using social sciences and critical theory, we analyze the complex, structural realities embedded in our cultural, economic, religious, and political systems often at the root of injustice. Students engage in community-based action-research, assessing the issue they anticipate addressing in their capstone project.
3. Leadership and Strategies for Social Change
This course explores the theology, strategies and leadership of social transformation and equips students to be powerful agents for social change. Students will employ a theo-ethical leadership framework to deepen understanding of complex organization and social dynamics and explore core strategies for social change.
4. Social Enterprise
An applied understanding of the processes, challenges, and demands associated with creating social-change ventures. Students design real-world social transformation projects related to their capstone project that is scalable and sustainable.
5. Capstone project
The Capstone is the culminating professional and academic component of the Social Transformation program. It demonstrates the learner’s ability to integrate, synthesize, apply and evaluate and multiple social transformation strategies.

Social Transformation Graduate Certificate — 21 Credits

The Graduate Certificate can be an end in itself, as specialization to an existing degree, or it can serve as a first-step towards a graduate degree. It’s ideal for community or lay leaders seeking focused expertise but not seeking a degree. TheGraduate Certificate can also be taken as a cohort path, meaning you are with the same community through the five core classes.

Academic and Ministerial Degrees

Masters of Arts - 48 credits
For students seeking an expanded academic grounding for their social transformation work and/or pursuing a doctorate.

Masters of Divinity - 72 credits
Students in the Master of Divinity program may choose a concentration in social transformation to enhance their ministry preparation.

Doctor of Ministry - 42 credits
The D.Min. prepares professional faith leaders for advanced and specialized ministry with a focus on social transformation. Graduates will be contributing original research to the field of social transformation.

Who is the program designed for?

The Social Transformation offerings are designed to prepare students for a wide range of vocational paths, including: social justice advocacy, non-profit leadership, community organizing, religious organizations, educational institutions, civic and governmental agencies, congregational justice ministries, business, philanthropy, or other community contexts.

Download a brochure or Schedule a conversation to learn more.
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