A Unique Opportunity

The School of Public Affairs (SPA) offers a unique dual master’s degree program with Wesley Theological Seminary, providing graduates with a powerful combination of public administration, theology, and policy studies. Applications are submitted to both SPA and Wesley. Students must be admitted separately to each program. Students will earn 42 credit hours toward their MTS from WTS and 27-33 credit hours for their MPA or MPP from SPA. Students may count up to 12 credit hours of relevant coursework from Wesley towards the applicable concentration requirements in the MPA and MPP degrees. The dual degree programs allow students to complete both an MTS and MPA/MPP in a total of three academic years.

Why a Dual Degree in Theological Studies and Public Administration/Policy?

Our dual degree program is designed for those who are interested in the nexus between faith and public life. Now more than ever, people who operate in the public sphere need to have an understanding of how faith, ethics, and religious ideals motivate and influence public life. Even as America becomes more “spiritual but not religious” and even agnostic, nearly every campaign speech, public-sector issue and policy rationale touches on a religious or humanitarian ethic or principle. To be able to navigate this murky water at the intersection of faith and public life, leaders must understand the historical, legal, economic, administrative, ethical and other foundations that have shaped our democracy and the forces that continue to influence it, for better and for worse. The MTS degree equips students to be a step ahead in their field, fluent both in the language of public life and of theology and ethics. The MPA or MPP degree complements this focus by providing practical training and skills to equip graduates for positions in non-profits, faith-based advocacy agencies, or "public ministry" roles (among others).

How to Apply

Applicants must apply to and be admitted separately to each program. Please begin by applying to the Master of Theological Studies program at Wesley here. On the application, be sure to indicate your interest in a dual degree program with the SPA program of your choice (MPA or MPP). Wesley and SPA admissions will then follow up with you to provide guidance on completing an abbreviated SPA application.
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