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  2. Graduate Certificates

Social Justice Certificate

Explore theoretical and practical questions of economic, political, and social rights through a variety of lenses. Through this liberal arts graduate certificate, you'll learn about core themes of social justice, including philosophy, economics, the environment, religion, politics, ethics, sociology, and law.

Key learning outcomes

  • Build knowledge of classical and contemporary theories of justice and explore interrelated topics, such as human rights, affirmative action, income distribution, and the role of markets. 
  • Develop an understanding of the economic systems, such as capitalism, socialism/egalitarianism, and the welfare state, and societal structures conducive toward cultivating a just community.
  • Gain insight into policy and social justice issues that drive human actions and responses to global challenges, such as the environment, poverty, and development. 
  • Understand principles of social justice as they relate to topics such as education, government, health, media, and religion.  
     

Getting started

No application is required. You simply register for courses during our fall, spring, or summer registration periods. 

Earning the Certificate

To meet the requirements for the certificate, you must:

  • Complete 16 certificate credits at the graduate level.
    • This can be accomplished by completing three 4-credit certificate courses and two 2-credit certificate courses or four 4-credit certificate courses for graduate credit.
  • Earn at least a B grade in each course.
  • Complete the courses within three years.

Learn more about pursuing a certificate and the process of requesting your certificate.

Certificate Courses

The liberal arts graduate certificate in social justice requires four courses or 16 credits:

  • Social justice foundational course (choose one course from select group)
  • Electives (choose any three courses from select group)

Find Certificate Courses

Courses taken before the 2016–17 academic year do not apply toward this certificate.

Related Degrees

If you’re also considering a master’s degree, select certificate courses can be counted toward a related degree field of study.

Anthropology and Archaeology Degree Program

Explore human cultures and societies, and gain a deep understanding of our global complexities and their implications on the human experience.

Learn more about Anthropology and Archaeology Degree Program

Government Degree Program

Gain a deeper understanding of the complex role of governmental organizations within society.

Learn more about Government Degree Program

International Relations Degree Program

Gain critical insight into today’s pressing global issues and a deep understanding of the factors influencing relationships between nation-states and supranational organizations.

Learn more about International Relations Degree Program

Religion Degree Program

Explore the history, texts, and functions of religion within different societies and cultures, gaining a deeper understanding of the historical and contemporary issues around religion.

Learn more about Religion Degree Program

Global Development Practice Degree Program

Explore the master's degree program in global development practice. 

Learn more about Global Development Practice Degree Program

Related Certificates

Nonprofit Management Certificate

Develop skills in nonprofit management in four courses

Learn more about Nonprofit Management Certificate

Environmental Policy and International Development Graduate Certificate

Gain an understanding of environmental policies & solutions

Learn more about Environmental Policy and International Development Graduate Certificate

Natural Resource Management and Sustainable Ecosystems Graduate Certificate

Explore ways to address the threats to our natural resources

Learn more about Natural Resource Management and Sustainable Ecosystems Graduate Certificate

International Relations Graduate Certificate

Grow your understanding of the relationships between nations, as well as the roles and actors within geopolitical security, economics, and international cooperation.

Learn more about International Relations Graduate Certificate

Philosophy and Ethics Graduate Certificate

Gain a deeper understanding of philosophy through the world’s greatest thinkers, as well as how to apply ethical debate across a range of issues.

Learn more about Philosophy and Ethics Graduate Certificate

Interested in Undergraduate Certificates?

Undergrad certificates give you introductory level education in social justice and more.

Learn More About the Undergraduate Certificate in Social Justice

 

Registration

Summer 2021 registration opens March 1. Fall 2021 registration opens in July. Start planning now by browsing the course catalog: 

Find a Course  

Have a question?

Our Enrollment Services team can answer questions about our certificates.

Get Information

Certificate at a Glance

Required Courses

4

Number of courses for this certificate.

Start browsing courses

Average Cost

$11,600

Cost of completing the certificate courses, at current tuition rates.

Time Investment

1.5

Number of years, on average, it takes to complete this certificate. You may take up to three years.

Learn more about requirements

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