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Social Justice Online Certificate Program
The Social Justice certificate is designed for individuals who are motivated to create social change and equity in society. Through interdisciplinary social sciences courses, students develop a comprehensive understanding of inequities in institutional and cultural contexts and the theory and practice of social justice. From that conceptual foundation, students cultivate the analytical skills necessary to evaluate human rights issues and apply the principles of social justice within corporate and non-profit contexts. Students completing this program will be prepared to lead in addressing social justice and equity issues.
The certificate is ideal for professionals and students who are in or seeking roles in the public or private sector—areas such as public policy, advocacy, education, planning, social service, communications, and analysis.
Learn from a faculty of industry leaders in this fully online certificate. Enhance your professional skillset and advance your career.
Or, apply credit earned to one of five SPS online bachelor's degrees.
Format
Online, asynchronous classes
Time to Completion
Four quarters (one year), one course per quarter
Quarter of Entry
Begin in any quarter
Number of Credits
Four courses to complete the certificate
Tuition
Estimated cost $2,300 per course.
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About the Social Justice Certificate Program
Social Justice Goals and Courses
Program Goals
Social Justice certificate students will:
- Critically evaluate social injustices and inequities
- Identify and understand the intersectionality of socially constructed identities
- Explain the theories behind social movements and describe the relationship between social movements and societal change
- Develop an informed approach to enacting positive social change
Curriculum
Four courses are required:
- SOC SCI 330-DL Human Rights and Social Institutions: A Global Perspective
- SOC SCI 331-DL Social Justice Movements
- SOC SCI 334-DL Social Justice and the Commercial Sector
- SOC SCI 335-DL Social Entrepreneurship and the Non-profit Sector
VIEW COURSE SCHEDULE & DESCRIPTIONS
Admission for the Social Justice Certificate
In addition to completing an online application, you'll also need to submit a few supplemental materials. A list of requirements for admission including application deadlines and tips on how to apply can be found at the Admission page.
Social Justice Tuition
Certificate students in the School of Professional Studies pay per course. For more information about tuition and financial obligations, see the Tuition page.
Social Justice Registration Information
Registration for courses opens 8 to 10 weeks before each quarter and is accessed CAESAR, Northwestern's online student records system. View course registration timelines and instructions on the Registration Information page.
Applying Credit to an Online Bachelor of Science Program
Students interested in the option of applying credit earned in an online undergraduate certificate to an SPS online bachelor's degree program should submit an online application and all required application materials. Students who elect to apply to a bachelor’s degree program before completing the certificate will be able to count completed courses toward the applicable bachelor’s degree, but a certificate will not be conferred.
If you are interested in exploring this option, contact an admission adviser for details.