Masters Degrees
Earn your Masters Degree through the Mission Year + Eastern Partnership Program
The Mission Year + Eastern Partnership (MY+E) program is a new initiative of Mission Year and Eastern University that will prepare future leaders for effective urban ministry and community development within our nation's cities and distressed communities. The MY+E Partnership program is based on the belief that context enriches education and therefore grounds preparation for urban community development firmly within the basis of urban living and mentored service.
For new volunteers to Mission Year, the MY+E Partnership program includes the opportunity to earn an urban-oriented, Christ-centered MBA or MA degree during a two year period of focused urban service.
Mission Year alumni are also eligible to participate in this partnership program, as their year of service meets the field service requirement of the MA and MBA degree. Therefore they may accomplish the same feat as new volunteers in nine-to-twelve months.
Types of Degrees Offered
Eastern University’s MA in International Development
Designed for those who wish to facilitate development projects by instituting a theological framework and understanding the economic and cultural forces that impact social transformation. Graduates will enter the field equipped with the skills required to understand and manage development efforts in urban and global settings.
Eastern University’s MBA in Economic Development
Provides the skills and knowledge necessary to start capital-generating ventures and lead organizations that contribute to poverty alleviation. Graduates leave with a portfolio that includes business plans, market analysis, feasibility studies, enthnographies and needs assessments. The concentration is intentionally contextualized to issues in the urban and developing worlds. Acceptance into the degree program requires completion of GMATs and business foundation courses.
Eastern University’s MA in Urban Studies
The Urban Studies program trains change agents for urban communities. Students are immersed in an urban-based, cross-cultural, research-focused, and faith-based context that fosters the development of compassionate professionals who are scholars, practitioners and activists. MY+E Partnership students may select one of two areas of specialization—Community Development or Youth Leadership.
MA in Urban Studies – Community Development Concentration
The purpose of this program is to prepare Christian change-agents who, as advocates for the poor, can serve as catalysts for change to bring about community revitalization. This is done through the empowering of local communities to develop the resources for the holistic transformation of their quality of life through economic, educational, physical, social, spiritual, and relational means.
MA in Urban Studies – Youth Leadership Concentration
The purpose of this program is to produce professionals who are theologically, academically and culturally competent to serve youth in an urban context. The courses are multi-disciplinary incorporating theology, sociology, social work, community development, and leadership.
Process
Year 1: Practice Focus
In year one, MY+E participants will find their experience heavily weighted toward praxis, or adjusting to and learning from their urban living and ministry experiences. Within that context, they will augment their learning through reflection, reading and research as part of an Eastern University sponsored course taught by Mission Year staff. This will not be a significant amount of additional work, but merely a way to continue processing your experience through a spiritual and academic lens.
Year 2: Theory Focus
Regardless of the degree being sought, in year two, the emphasis shifts toward formal learning, but not at the expense of context. MY+E participants begin their graduate classroom work at the end of August. Classes will be offered in multiple locations, including both Eastern University’s urban campus and main campus locations. MY+E participants from around the United States are joined in their classes by other students who have been admitted into Eastern University’s program.
For International and Economic Development Students
The year two program begins with an orientation weekend featuring Dr. Tony Campolo, who will teach a mandatory intensive short course, Introduction to Theories of Social Change. Additionally, the weekend will provide opportunity for the MY+E Partnership program students to mesh with fellow graduate students from other backgrounds and experiences.
During the balance of the program, students will complete their core coursework and urban concentration courses: Urban Sociology, Urban Politics and Urban Economics. MA students complete their studies in nine months, and MBA students in twelve months.
For Urban Studies Students
The year two program begins with a reception at Eastern University in which all Urban Studies students (MY+E and traditional) and staff come together to meet one another and begin the year of study together. Additionally, this time will provide opportunity for the MY+E Partnership program students to mesh with fellow graduate students from other backgrounds and experiences.
During the balance of the program, students will complete their core coursework and concentration courses. For Community Development: Foundations of Community Development, Nonprofit Financial Management and Control, Community Revitalization Strategies, Community Organizing, and electives. For Youth Leadership: Theological Foundations of Urban Youth Culture, Urban Youth Culture, a Leadership Practicum, and electives. Community Development students will complete their degree in 2 semesters. Youth Leadership students will complete their degree in 3-4 semesters (depending on pre-requisites).
For All Programs
The praxis element of the second year occurs in Philadelphia, PA, where the MY+E Partnership students may continue to live in Mission Year houses/communities and mentor first-year Mission Year volunteers.
Course Schedule
View the schedules for the different Master Degrees offered.
Cost
| Program | 2009 Tuition | Less 30% Mission Year Grant |
| MBA | $23,940 | $16,758 |
| MA | $17,100 | $11,970 |
The tuition costs are to be paid directly to Eastern University in whatever arrangement the student makes with the University.
The Theology of Poverty Option
Participants of Mission Year have the option of taking the Theology of Poverty course during their first year. This course is designed to allow the participants of Mission Year to reflect deeply on their experience theologically and practically. By the end of the year, this course will allow you to reflect deeply on what Scripture teaches about poverty and the issues associated with it. You will be able to tell the story of your neighborhood as well as analyze the causes of poverty that surface there. For your final project you will develop a “justice project” that will be a direct response to the needs of your neighborhood.
The cost of the Theology of Poverty course is $425. Now here is the good news. At the end of the year you will receive a certificate for completing the course. Eastern University will honor the certificate and you will not need to take the Theology of Poverty class in a classroom setting your first semester of the Masters program, thus saving you more money! The cost of Theology of Poverty in the classroom at Eastern is $1,710. By taking the Theology of Poverty course through Mission Year the costs of the programs are: $15,473 for the MBA and $10,685 for the MA options (a savings of $1,285).
Apply Now
Mission Year Applicant
Fill out the Mission Year application and the MY+Eastern Application.
Mission Year Alumni
Simply fill out the MY+Eastern Application.
Where to Go Next...
Get some much needed credits toward your degree.
