Master of Arts in Restorative Justice Ministries (MARJM)
Incarcerated & free students prepare together for ministries of justice and reconciliation
54 Credit Hours + 3 Field Education Credits
This program is currently closed to new applications. Contact us
Master of Arts in Restorative Justice Ministries at North Park Theological Seminary
The Master of Arts in Restorative Justice Ministries (MARJM) at North Park Theological Seminary is a groundbreaking 54-credit-hour degree (plus three credits of field education) offered through the School of Restorative Arts. This unique program brings together incarcerated and non-incarcerated students to learn side-by-side, building a diverse community united by a commitment to restorative ministry and transformative justice.
Designed for those called to serve in contexts affected by violence or injustice, the MARJM curriculum explores themes such as trauma and healing, race, justice, mental health, and community transformation—integrating biblical, theological, and practical perspectives.
Students in the MARJM program develop skills in nonviolent communication, conflict transformation, pastoral care and counseling, and intercultural ministry, all while thinking critically about faith and practice within the deep reality of the brokenness of this world. The program prepares graduates to lead healing ministries in prisons, churches, and communities, embodying the Christian vision of reconciliation and restoration. By uniting students both inside and outside prison walls, the MARJM is more than a degree—it’s a movement for hope and justice in the places that need it most.
Areas of Study
By Credit Hour
Learning Outcomes
After completing a Master of Arts in Restorative Justice Ministries, you will be able to
- Interpret Scripture with historical and theological integrity in relation to one’s ministry.
- Convey the Christian tradition for appropriation in ministry settings.
- Comprehension of individual brokenness, interpersonal forms violence, and systemic injustices as it shapes one’s theology of ministry.
- Demonstrate skills in restorative arts (personal healing, non-violent communication, conflict transformation, care & counseling, intersectional analyses, and the art of listening) that ground one’s sense of vocational identity in God’s mission.
- Engage diversity and exhibit growth towards inter-cultural competence for ministry reflective of God’s global redemptive work.
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Featured Courses
THEO 6334 Peace, Justice, and Restorative Practices
MNST 6400 Mobilizing for Justice: Methods & Practice of Justice
This course explores a variety of approaches and methodologies to justice ministry. The relationship of ethics to community building and transformation is discussed. Practical ministry skills, how teaching on justice ministry can be part of the liturgical work of the church, and the role of preaching in that formation is emphasized
Our incarcerated students have formed a hopeful and Biblical vision of God’s justice and the ministry of reconciliation at a depth that many will never understand.
—Professor Michelle Dodson, M B Engebretson Chair in Evangelism and Justice
Program Notes
Time to Completion
4-year (part-time). Plan your program.
Ordination
The Master of Arts in Restorative Justice Ministries (MARJM) is not designed for ordination.
Integrated Classroom—Inside and Outside
This unique program is partly taught by faculty inside prison facilities in partnership with the Illinois Department of Corrections. Incarcerated (“inside”) students complete the program from inside, while free (“outside”) students travel once a week to correctional facilities.
Background Checks
Due to the unique nature of the program, all outside students are required to pass a security checks to be allowed to enter correctional facilities.
Admissions Advisor
Nearly all seminary students are eligible for financial aid packages, and our admissions counselors can walk you through your tuition options. Explore your cost.
The prerequisite for entrance to the seminary master’s degree or graduate certificate program at North Park Theological Seminary is a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with a minimum GPA of a 2.5. In special cases we will review an applicant who does not meet these academic requirements—please contact seminary admissions)
The prerequisite for the dual-degree options is a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with a minimum GPA of a 3.0.
To Apply
Complete the master’s degree online application. Applications are taken on a rolling basis. Start the application any time, save as you go, and submit when you are ready.
These supplemental items are required
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- Recommendations: Each application requires three recommendations: pastor, church committee, and faculty or colleague. You provide name and email address, and our application system will email secure recommendation forms.
- Essay Questions: You will find the essay question prompt and space to upload your answers in the online application.
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Official Transcripts: North Parth Theological Seminary requires official academic transcripts from each postsecondary institution you have attended. How to send a transcript
The time in life exploring seminary options is exciting but can be lead to a lot of questions. We’re ready to help! Get in touch with an admissions counselor.