Certificate in Economic Justice and Advocacy - Fort Hays State University (FHSU)

Certificate

Certificate in Economic Justice & Advocacy

Hours: 10 On-Campus Online

About

The Certificate in Economic Justice & Advocacy at Fort Hays State University represents a significant advancement in addressing the pervasive issue of gender-based violence (GBV) and its profound effects on workplaces and rural communities. Developed through a collaboration between the Department of Applied Business Studies and the Criminal Justice Programs—home to the Center for Empowering Victims of Gender-Based Violence—this certificate aims to educate and support individuals in victim advocacy, management roles, and survivor-centered businesses. It equips professionals with the tools necessary to promote economic justice and foster safer, more supportive environments for GBV survivors.

The urgency of this initiative is underscored by alarming statistics: one in four women and one in nine men have experienced physical abuse; domestic violence affects 20 people every minute; and approximately 50,000 incidents of workplace violence are reported annually. Yet, only 20% of businesses offer training on domestic violence. The certificate addresses these critical gaps by providing students with the knowledge and skills to advocate for economic justice and equity, while actively supporting efforts to mitigate the widespread impact of gender-based violence.

Why pursue a Certificate in Economic Justice & Advocacy at Fort Hays State University?

The Certificate in Economic Justice & Advocacy offers a comprehensive curriculum designed to empower students to advocate for survivors of gender-based violence, with a strong focus on financial empowerment and career development. It aims to transform victim advocacy roles, management positions, and survivor-centered businesses through interdisciplinary collaboration.

This certificate prioritizes hands-on learning through ten credit hours of coursework that provide practical experience. Students develop a solid foundation in victim advocacy and communication while actively participating in research, litigation, and advocacy, acquiring real-world strategies to drive meaningful change in the field.

Who is this program for?

This certificate is designed for individuals seeking practical business knowledge and expertise to remain relevant in the rapidly evolving field of advocacy. It prepares students to make forward-looking decisions, with a focus on victim advocacy and the legal issues surrounding this critical area. The following groups can particularly benefit from this certificate:

Students seeking to gain expertise in economic justice and advocacy
Aspiring lawyers looking to specialize in victim advocacy
Professionals aiming to expand their skill set and improve workplace inclusivity
Individuals looking to pursue an advocacy certificate course
Those interested in trial advocacy and understanding the laws surrounding GBV
Individuals seeking a certificate to demonstrate their commitment to this vital cause

Real-World Applications

By completing the Certificate in Economic Justice & Advocacy, students develop strong written communication skills and gain a deep understanding of effective advocacy strategies for victims. The curriculum covers topics such as criminal justice, business communication, and sociology, preparing students to provide meaningful support and make a significant impact in the real world.

Stay Ahead of the Curve

With courses centered on understanding the legal process and developing effective advocacy strategies, the certificate equips students with up-to-date tools to support their clients. By engaging in the latest research through their coursework, students are well-prepared to complete the certificate requirements and contribute to advancing the field.

Hands-on Activities

Students pursuing the Certificate in Economic Justice & Advocacy engage in experiential learning activities that immerse them in various aspects of law and justice. These hands-on experiences deepen their understanding of the legal process and litigation strategies.

What You’ll Learn:

Understand poverty and inequality
Make use of economic policy and its impact
Examine advocacy and activism
Assess various aspects of social injustice

How You’ll Learn:

Comprehensive and unique curriculum
Collaboration between disciplines
Hands-on learning and real-world application
Active engagement in research, litigation, and advocacy
Internship opportunities with relevant organizations

Courses

The certificate’s curriculum examines key aspects of the legal landscape, including the laws and principles that govern society. Through these courses, students develop essential skills to advocate for economic justice, preparing them to make a meaningful impact.

CRJ 100: Careers in Criminal Justice

This core seminar course introduces students to various career paths within the criminal justice system. Through interactions with faculty and guest speakers, students will gain insights into the field and reflect on which career options best align with their interests and strengths.

BCOM 210: Business Communication for Professional Development

This introductory course focuses on developing professional communication and career management skills. Students will learn to assess and enhance their employability, emphasizing improving personal strengths for career success.

CRJ 367: Victim Advocacy

This course examines the intersection of the criminal justice system and victim services, integrating research, theory, and practical application to address the needs of survivors. Students will better understand how to support and work with individuals affected by crime.

SOC 664: Social Entrepreneurship and Grassroots Social Action

This course covers social entrepreneurship, teaching students to support those in need through grassroots action. They will identify key groups to help, learn from existing organizations, and design a social action project. The course helps build skills for future use or a career in social entrepreneurship.

SOC 680: Nonprofit Organizations

This course covers the skills needed to manage nonprofit organizations, focusing on the differences from for-profit businesses. Students will learn about incorporating a nonprofit, creating a mission statement, and securing tax exemption. Topics include leadership, human resources, strategic planning, financial management, and marketing to support the mission.

Discover the full Certificate in Economic Justice & Advocacy course listing by visiting the Academic Catalog.

Career Prospects

The Certificate in Economic Justice & Advocacy opens doors to diverse opportunities. Students are prepared to make a meaningful impact across various professional fields. Below are some promising career paths available to students:

Nonprofit Sector Leader

Leaders in nonprofit organizations focused on social justice use advocacy skills to drive positive community change. They collaborate with teams to address urgent issues and improve lives, playing a key role in social transformation.

Public Policy Advocate

Public policy advocates influence decisions at local, state, and national levels, addressing economic inequality and promoting social justice. Their work helps create a more equitable society.

Social Researcher

Social researchers investigate economic justice issues, collecting data to support evidence-based policies. Their work informs decision-making and helps address complex social challenges.

Community Organizer

Community organizers drive grassroots change by uniting people, mobilizing support, and advocating for economic justice. They address local needs, fostering meaningful and lasting impact.

The Best Value in Higher Education Anywhere

Fort Hays State University prides itself on quality education at an affordable price. Students in this program can expect to pay approximately $2,037.30* (on-campus) or $2,650.50* (online) per semester.

*Estimated cost based on 10 credit hours at the Undergrad resident/regional tuition rate ($203.73/credit hour) for on-campus courses, or the FHSU Online Undergrad tuition rate (265.05/credit hour) for online courses. Actual price may vary depending on course load and location. Tuition and Fees are subject to change as they are approved by the Kansas Board of Regents each year.

Ready for the next step?

Our faculty would be excited to talk to you about how our department programs can help you explore your interests and prepare you for a variety of rewarding careers.

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Related Programs

Fort Hays State University offers a diverse range of programs designed to help students achieve their goals. These programs provide essential knowledge and skills while fostering critical thinking and problem-solving abilities within the context of economic justice.

FAQ

What is economic justice in education?

Economic justice in education ensures that all students have equal access to quality learning opportunities, regardless of their financial background. It seeks to eliminate economic barriers that limit educational access and success.

What is an example of economic justice?

An example of economic justice is a scholarship program that offers financial support to students from low-income families, helping remove financial barriers to college access.

What is the difference between social justice and economic justice?

Social justice focuses on fair and equitable treatment across all areas of life, including education, and aims to address discrimination and inequality. Economic justice, by contrast, specifically concerns the fair distribution of economic resources and opportunities.

What are some student organizations related to this certificate?

Students interested in social and economic justice within the criminal justice system may find organizations like the Criminal Justice Club and Delta Tau Omega valuable. Although these groups primarily focus on criminal justice, they offer meaningful opportunities for students passionate about advocacy and justice to engage with related issues.

How long does it take to obtain the Certificate in Economic Justice and Advocacy?

After completing the required courses and submitting the necessary form, students typically receive the certificate by mail within 2 to 4 weeks.

Can you complete the Certificate in Economic Justice and Advocacy online?

Yes, you can complete this certificate online, providing flexibility and accessibility for learners.

What does economic justice do?

Economic justice addresses inequalities in wealth, income, and economic opportunities, promoting fairness and equity within economic systems to support marginalized and disadvantaged communities.

Information about the Department of Applied Business Studies

The Department of Applied Business Studies at FHSU is dedicated to preparing students for successful careers in business by aligning individual strengths and goals with the evolving needs of the global marketplace. Whether pursuing a degree on-campus or online, students benefit from programs that emphasize practical business knowledge, real-world case studies, and forward-thinking decision-making skills essential for today’s dynamic business environment.

The department offers a diverse range of academic pathways, including business education, marketing, and tourism and hospitality management. Its immersive curriculum, delivered by faculty who remain actively engaged with current industry trends, equips students with the knowledge and hands-on experience needed to succeed across a variety of sectors, from local enterprises to international organizations. FHSU graduates are consistently in high demand, reflected in strong job placement rates and a network of successful alumni.

Student Organizations

Economic Justice and Advocacy

Certificate

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Economic Justice Advocacy