BA in Advocacy & Social Justice Degree
This program is coming soon.
Social justice is a wide-reaching and vital field of study that touches nearly every aspect of our society. At Hilbert College, our social justice degree examines the social and cultural dimensions of human-centered organizations and prepares you to promote the fair treatment of all people.
Founded in principles inspired by our Franciscan heritage and values, our social justice advocacy program gives you the interdisciplinary skills to critically analyze social problems and take action through community service, leadership and activism.
Are you ready to make a positive impact in the communities you care about most? Then it’s time to join us at Hilbert College.
What Can You Do With an Advocacy and Social Justice Degree?
Our social justice degree is one of a few of its kind in the region, giving you a unique opportunity to embark on a career of true advocacy and impact. Our graduates work in a variety of settings, from human rights organizations and homeless services to mental health systems and immigration programs.
We can help guide you on your path to a career of purpose. Our faculty and advisors will work closely with you to understand your goals and unique interests, equipping you with skills to amplify good in the world through social justice advocacy.
Bachelor of Arts in Advocacy and Social Justice Degree Benefits
Earning your social justice degree from a reputable and respected institution such as Hilbert College offers the opportunity to immediately put your passion for justice into practice. During the program, you will:
- Acquire the skills and knowledge to become a global agent of social change
- Actively engage in creating just, equitable and peaceful community conditions through hands-on coursework
- Participate in meaningful discussions and career planning
Contact Us
Have a question for liberal studies? Contact us.
David Reis
Associate Professor of Religious Studies
Chair, Liberal Studies Department
Call: (716) 926-8847 Ext. 388
Bogel Hall 119
Email Us
Meet Our Faculty
BA in Advocacy and Social Justice Degree Careers
Community and social service occupations are expected to grow by 10% from 2021 to 2031, which is faster than the average for all occupations, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). When you earn your social justice degree from Hilbert College Global, you’re qualified to work in a variety of rewarding fields, including:
- National and international relief and human rights organizations
- Grass-roots community organizations
- Government or nongovernmental (NGO) positions
- Domestic and international organizations
- Immigration programs
- Services for 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, health care, human rights and social services
What Is the Typical Salary for Advocacy and Social Justice Degree Graduates?
The median annual wage for community and social service occupations was $48,410 in May 2021—higher than the $45,760 median annual wage for all occupations, according to the BLS. Here are some careers you may pursue with an advocacy and social justice degree from Hilbert College:
Social and Community Service Manager
Median Annual Salary: $74,000
Number of Jobs: 173,700
Projected Growth: 12%
(much faster than avg.)
Probation Officer/Correctional Treatment Specialist
Median Annual Salary: $60,250
Number of Jobs: 94,500
Projected Growth: 0%
(little or no change)
Social Worker
Median Annual Salary: $50,390
Number of Jobs: 708,100
Projected Growth: 9%
(faster than avg.)
Health Education Specialist/Community Health Worker
Median Annual Salary: $48,860
Number of Jobs: 126,700
Projected Growth: 12%
(much faster than avg.)
Human Resources Specialist
Median Annual Salary: $62,290
Number of Jobs: 782,800
Projected Growth: 8%
(faster than avg.)
Social and Human Service Assistant
Median Annual Salary: $37,610
Number of Jobs: 420,600
Projected Growth:12%
(much faster than avg.)
*Salary info based on 2021 data compiled by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics; growth based on 2021–2031 projections.
Bachelor of Arts in Advocacy and Social Justice Degree Curriculum
Effective social justice advocacy requires an in-depth, interdisciplinary understanding of the cultural and social institutions that shape our society. At Hilbert College, you will take courses spanning a breadth of important and applicable concepts, including:
- Courses in history and sociology that 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 that investigate prejudice, racism, sexism, oppression, the stigmatization of mental illness and human rights concerns
- Philosophy and religion courses that explore how moral and religious perspectives have contributed to understanding and solving societal conflict
- Three internships that provide opportunities to experience social justice in action and further integrate social justice theory in each student’s own practice
Advocacy and Social Justice BA Curriculum
Required Courses
Course # |
Course Title |
COM 151 |
Public Speaking
|
EN 101 |
College Writing
|
EN 102 |
Writing in the Humanities
|
GS 101 |
Foundations Seminar
|
PS 402 |
Junior Symposium
|
RS |
Religion Elective (RS 202 recommended)
|
Required Courses in Major
Course # |
Course Title |
ASJ 101 |
Introduction to Social Justice
|
ASJ 201 |
Knowledge-Activism: Stories in Social Justice
|
ASJ 360 |
Junior Internship
|
ASJ 460 |
Senior Internship I
|
ASJ 461 |
Senior Internship II
|
ASJ 462 |
Senior Seminar Capstone
|
HI 104 |
Twentieth-Century America
|
PS 252 |
Human Rights
|
SO 101 |
Introduction to Sociology
|
General Education Core Modules
Module |
Natural Science
|
Mathematics
|
Humanities
|
Arts
|
Civic Learning and Engagement
|
Foreign Culture and Language
|
General Education
|
Printable Major Maps
Grab printable versions of our courses, concentrations, and curriculums through our academic advising page.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What can you do with a bachelor’s degree in advocacy and social justice?
Earning your social justice degree can prepare you for a career in social work, criminal justice, mental health, disability advocacy, health and human services, and more.
What is the average salary for those with a bachelor’s degree in advocacy and social justice?
According to Payscale, the median annual salary for an individual who holds a social justice degree is about $50,000 per year.
How long is the Bachelor of Arts in Advocacy and Social Justice degree program?
For a full-time student working at a normal pace, the social justice advocacy program takes four years (eight semesters) to complete.
What are the benefits of earning a Bachelor of Arts in Advocacy and Social Justice degree?
Earning your Bachelor of Arts in Advocacy and Social Justice can open a variety of in-demand career opportunities, many of which offer competitive pay. But most importantly, our program will equip you to be an agent of meaningful change who amplifies good in the communities you choose to serve.
Apply to the Bachelor of Arts in Advocacy and Social Justice Degree Program at Hilbert College