Advocacy and Social Justice, B.A.
This program will be available in the Fall of 2022
Social justice is a field of study that examines the social and cultural dimensions of human organizations and advances ideas designed to promote the fair treatment of all people. Drawing upon our Catholic, Franciscan heritage, the Advocacy and Social Justice major provides students with an interdisciplinary academic experience that analyzes social problems from a critical perspective and encourages activism through community service, internships, and other experiential learning opportunities.
Course of Study
- Courses in history and sociology provide an essential understanding of the history of social justice movements, methods of organizing and activism, cultural diversity and intersectionality, women’s history, and the experiences of marginalized communities.
- Courses in political science and human services to address the nature of prejudice, racism, sexism, oppression, the stigmatization of mental illness, and human rights concerns.
- Philosophy and religion courses explore how moral and religious perspectives have contributed to understanding and solving societal conflict.
- Three internships provide an opportunity to experience social justice in action and allow students to make informed decisions about future career options. Each internship will include a required weekly seminar with an instructor. Students will use the seminar to further integrate social justice theory and practice.
Program Objectives
The Advocacy and Social Justice major will prepare students:
- With the skills and knowledge necessary to become global and community agents of social change who are committed to political, economic, environmental, and social justice.
- To actively engage in the creation of just, equitable, and peaceful conditions in the world through demonstration of an understanding of the dynamics of conflict and its importance in effecting positive social change.
- With the competencies necessary to enter careers in human rights, advocacy, conflict resolution, justice-centered professions, and work with marginalized populations.
Career Outlook
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the Social Advocacy sector encompasses a broad spectrum of occupations: civic leadership and community organizing, health care, education, law, human rights, social services, religious education, and similar professions.
Median annual wages are $60,290 across this vast range with most occupations projecting higher than average job growth.
Advocacy and Social Justice Outcomes/Careers:
- National and international relief and human rights organizations
- Grass-roots community organizations
- Government or non-governmental (NGO) positions
- Domestic and international organizations
- Immigration programs
- Services to at-risk youth
- Restorative justice and conflict resolution programs
- Juvenile justice
- Veterans services
- Homeless services
- Food insecurity programs
- Disability and mental health advocacy programs
- Graduate studies in law, healthcare, human rights, and social services