The MAL in Humanist Studies concentration fosters leadership that is ethically grounded, informed, skillful, globally responsible, personally sustainable, and committed to meeting the needs of the Humanist community. This program is designed for students interested in becoming leaders who intend to work in humanist settings and/or interreligious settings that include Humanists. The Humanist Studies concentration offers a nondogmatic and nondoctrinal approach to learning leadership within an interreligious and ecumenical seminary community.
This MAL program may be a good fit for you if you are interested in pursuing a career in community, chapter-based, regional, or national organizational leadership. If you wish to receive training for ministerial competencies with a Humanist focus, check out the MDiv in Humanist Studies program.
Concentration Learning Outcomes
In addition to achieving the core MAL degree learning outcomes, a graduate of the MAL in Humanist Studies program will be able to:
- articulate the core values of Humanism and how these values have been expressed in multiple historical and cultural contexts;
- articulate a personal Humanist philosophy that is informed by a critical interpretation and analysis of the perspectives of multiple Humanist philosophers;
- articulate opportunities for practicing Humanist values in the world that incorporate their expressed personal beliefs derived from those values as well as critical reflection on their social position and past experiences; and
- articulate strategies for effective organizational leadership in multiple Humanist-oriented non-profit contexts.
United’s MAL at a Glance
- 48 credits
- Sixteen 3-credit courses, including a final project
- Can be completed in approximately two years if you take a full-time course load of 9 credits per trimester
- All MAL concentrations, including Humanist Studies, can be completed entirely via distance learning; many courses can be taken completely asynchronously
Program Course Guide Sheet for Academic Year 2026–2027
| PRIMARY OUTCOME |
NUMBER OF COURSES | COURSES |
| Theology | 2 |
Invitation to Theology: Truth, Goodness, and Beauty
Choose one:
History of Early Christian Theologies
History of Modern Christian Theologies
|
| Textual Hermeneutics | 2 | Introduction to Religious Texts One additional Religious Texts course |
| Ethics and Justice | 2 |
Comparative Religious Ethics
Choose one:
Queer and Trans Theologies
Black and Womanist Theologies
|
| Formation | 1 | Introduction to Spiritual and Personal Formation |
| World Religions | 1 |
World Religions
|
| Religion, Culture, and the Arts | 1 |
Choose one:
History of Arts and Theology
Art, Religion, and Contemporary Culture
|
| Social Transformation | 1 |
Social Analysis and Community Engagement
|
| Religious Leadership and Practice | 1 |
Humanist Leadership: How to Run Organizations*
|
| Concentration | 4 |
Humanist Worldviews: Then and Now*
Humanist Philosophies and Understandings* Humanist Aesthetics and Practices* One United elective course |
| Research and Communication | 1 | MAL Capstone Seminar |
| DEGREE TOTAL | 16 | |
| * United courses offered online in affiliation with the American Humanist Association Center for Education | ||
MAL in Humanist Studies — FAQs
What is humanism?
Humanism is a progressive and non-theistic philosophy of life that supports human reason, ethics, and the capacity to lead meaningful lives. Rather than determining personal values based on religious doctrine, humanism centers around human dignity, critical thinking, scientific inquiry, and the responsibility we have to one another in the world. Humanism encompasses a broad range of thinkers and traditions, all united by a commitment to human flourishing and ethical living.
Can the MAL in Humanist Studies be completed online?
United’s MAL in Humanist Studies is available to students completely online, in person, or in a hybrid model. Students can choose to attend courses via Zoom or in person, with asynchronous courses that can provide additional flexibility. The program also includes synchronous courses offered online in partnership with the American Humanist Association (AHA) Center for Education.
Who is the MAL in Humanist Studies degree designed for?
This humanist degree program is meant for students who are looking to become leaders in humanist communities and organizations. This degree offers a strong option for anyone interested in pursuing careers in community organizing, chapter-based leadership, national or regional organizational leadership within humanist nonprofits, and advocacy roles in interreligious settings that welcome humanists. This non-dogmatic and non-doctrinal program welcomes students from a wide range of backgrounds and worldviews.
What can you do with a master’s degree in Humanist Studies?
Having a master’s degree in Humanist Studies can open a lot of doors for you. Graduates of the MAL in Humanist Studies program are able to serve in a wide range of community leadership and organizational roles. Just a few careers students can pursue include humanist community organizer or charter leader, spokesperson or educator for humanist organizations, advocate or leader in interreligious or secular nonprofit contexts, and community-facing leader in ethics education, social justice work, or public life.
How is the MAL in Humanist Studies different from the MDiv in Humanist Studies?
Both of these degrees explore humanist values and community leadership, but they prepare students for different roles. The MAL in Humanist Studies focuses on community leadership and is designed for those seeking to lead humanist organizations, advocacy efforts, and community programs without ministerial credentialing. The MDiv in Humanist Studies includes those focuses plus training in ministerial competencies, preparing graduates for congregational leadership, chaplaincy, and formalized humanist ministry roles.
What topics are covered in the Humanist Studies program?
While going through the Humanist Studies program, you will learn about humanist philosophy, ethics, leadership, and practical organizational skills. Students will also review the core values of humanism throughout historical and cultural contexts, build their own personal humanist philosophies, spot opportunities for practicing and advocating humanist values, and develop strategies for effective leadership within humanist organizations.
Are financial aid and scholarships available for United’s humanism degree program?
Many United students qualify for scholarships, grants, and Federal Financial aid. As many as 95% of new Master’s students are able to receive some form of tuition aid or scholarship support. United also offers several funding opportunities to help make the program accessible and affordable. Learn more about financial aid and scholarship options.
Learn More
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