Master of Professional Studies Degree Spotlight
Since 1982, New York Theological Seminary has proudly provided one of the most unusual programs in theological education in the nation. Each year, eleven to fifteen incarcerated men at the Sing Sing Correctional Facility in Ossining, New York, are conferred with a Master of Professional Studies degree. The Seminary provides this accredited degree in which the men are trained in ministerial studies and allowed the opportunity to graduate and receive their degrees with their family present. This degree is accredited by the Association of Theological Schools. After successful completion of the degree, the graduates work at Correctional Institutions within New York State where they teach, serve as chaplain’s assistants and in other capacities. Graduates who have been released over the past 31 years have gone on to become pastors, community organizers, counselors and teachers. In the last 30 years, the recidivism rate is less than 10%, and in the last five years, less than 1%.
The program emphasizes:
RESPONSIBILITY that is gained by ministering to others and making a difference in the world.
KNOWLEDGE in the form of both skills and understanding that can help a person to overcome circumstances and realize a more meaningful life.
TRANSFORMATION that comes about when someone understands his or her own inner worth and realizes he or she is capable of doing more.
There have recently been a few articles published highlighting the program and MPS Alum George Chochos. The links to these articles are:
http://www.christiancentury.org/article/2014-08/do-you-see-prisoner
