Graduate students with an interest in social work and ministry leadership now have two dual-degree options through the George Warren Brown School of Social Work and Eden Theological Seminary.
In addition to a master of social work (M.S.W.), students can pursue a master of divinity (M.Div.) or a master of arts in pastoral studies (M.A.P.S.).
“We have very strong relationships and collaboration among faculty of the Eden Seminary and the School of Social Work,” said Edward F. Lawlor, Ph.D., dean and the William E. Gordon Professor.
“An important signal of the value of this joint degree is the number of students who have independently sought out courses and degree programs at both schools.”
The Rev. Cynthia Bumb, a recipient of the School of Social Work’s Distinguished Alumni Award and a graduate of Eden Seminary, said the dual degree program “provides the opportunity for the students and schools to make valuable connections.”
“From counseling to program planning, my social work skills have helped enormously in my work as a minister,” said Bumb, pastor of Pilgrim Congregational United Church of Christ.
Current social work doctoral student and Eden graduate Kirk A. Foster came to the M.S.W. program because he was asked to develop community outreach programs for his United Church of Christ congregation. He knew the master’s degree would give him the necessary skills.
“For centuries, the church has been involved in delivering much-needed social services not only to its members, but also to the wider community,” Foster said.
“Social work has its roots in religious movements, and the new partnership between the School of Social Work and Eden Seminary honors that historic tie. These graduates will be uniquely positioned to speak the language of and understand the inherent challenges in a diverse and fluid social service delivery milieu.”
Graduates of the M.S.W./M.Div. program will be prepared to engage in leadership and program development in religious-based social services, oversee service delivery in religious settings and serve as advocates for social justice.
Students admitted into this program will spend three semesters at the School of Social Work and five semesters at Eden.
The M.S.W./M.A.P.S. program is most appropriate for those students interested in youth ministry, church administration, pastoral care, social justice ministry, health care, lay ministry, and therapeutic and counseling services in religious-based settings.
This program requires three semesters at the School of Social Work and three semesters at Eden.
“These dual-degree options formalize a relationship that has existed for some time,” said the Rev. David M. Greenhaw, president of Eden Seminary.
“Both of our schools share a common belief that the world isn’t as it should be and a commitment to creating positive change.”
Beginning this spring, two Roblee Foundation George Warren Brown School of Social Work-Eden Theological Seminary Scholarships, funded through a grant from the Joseph H. and Florence A. Roblee Foundation, will be available for students in the new dual-degree program.
For more information, call the School of Social Work’s admissions office at 935-6676.