Certificate in Social Justice

Certificate

Hours: 12 On-Campus Online

About

The Certificate in Social Justice is designed to provide students with the knowledge, skills, and perspectives needed to understand and address various forms of inequality, discrimination, and injustice in society. Drawing from criminal justice, leadership, and sociology, the certificate exposes students to critical social issues, including ageism, racial and ethnic discrimination, gender inequality, religion, and economic disparity.

Through a combination of theoretical knowledge and practical skills, the certificate equips students to effectively tackle social inequalities and foster positive change in their communities. This certificate is ideal for individuals passionate about advocating for social justice and seeking to deepen their understanding of systemic issues.

Why pursue a Certificate in Social Justice at Fort Hays State University?

Fort Hays State University's Certificate in Social Justice offers an interdisciplinary approach, drawing from criminal justice, leadership, and sociology. It is tailored for students passionate about addressing social inequalities and seeking to make a tangible impact in their communities. Unlike other programs, it provides flexibility by allowing students to incorporate the certificate into their existing majors, making it an accessible option for many students.

The certificate's emphasis on practical application and experiential learning sets it apart from similar programs. Students can engage in internships and research projects, particularly with the Center for Empowering Victims of Gender-based Violence. This hands-on experience and the comprehensive curriculum ensure graduates are well-prepared to tackle social justice issues in various professional settings.

Who is this program for?

The Certificate in Social Justice is ideal for students passionate about addressing social inequalities and advocating for justice. It is designed to be flexible and accessible, integrating seamlessly with various major Fort Hays State University programs. This program is particularly suited for:

Students pursuing multiple majors seeking to enhance their understanding of social justice
Individuals interested in careers in advocacy, non-profit organizations, and public sector roles
Those looking to integrate social justice perspectives into their primary field of study
Students aiming to develop skills in policy development and community engagement
Individuals passionate about addressing systemic inequalities and fostering positive social change

Learning Outcomes

The Certificate in Social Justice at Fort Hays State University is designed to equip students with the essential skills and knowledge to understand and address social inequalities and injustices. Through theoretical coursework and practical experiences, students will develop a comprehensive understanding of social justice issues and be prepared to make meaningful contributions to their communities. The curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, analytical skills, and applying knowledge to real-world situations, ensuring students are well-prepared for advocacy, non-profit organizations, and public sector careers.

Evaluate Current Social Issues and Inequalities

Through immersive coursework in social justice, students will be able to critically assess contemporary social issues and inequalities. This includes understanding the historical and socioeconomic contexts contributing to systemic disparities and developing effective strategies to address these issues.

Develop Advocacy and Policy Skills

Students who complete the certificate will learn to advocate for social justice through policy development and community engagement. The certificate provides training in creating and implementing policies that promote equity and justice and engaging with diverse communities to foster positive change.

Analyze Socioeconomic Disparities

The curriculum includes coursework in analyzing socioeconomic disparities and their impact on various populations. Students will learn to use qualitative and quantitative research methods to identify and address the root causes of social inequalities.

Apply Interdisciplinary Perspectives

Students will develop a well-rounded understanding of social justice issues by drawing from criminal justice, leadership, and sociology. This interdisciplinary approach enables students to address complex social problems from multiple angles, enhancing their ability to implement practical solutions.

Real-World Applications

The Certificate in Social Justice at Fort Hays State University equips students with the knowledge and skills to address real-world social justice issues effectively. By combining theoretical coursework with practical experience, students learn to analyze and address various forms of inequality and discrimination. This prepares them for careers in advocacy, non-profit organizations, and public sector roles where they can make a significant impact.

Students engage in internships and research projects, gaining firsthand experience in social justice. These opportunities allow them to apply classroom knowledge to real-world situations, enhancing their problem-solving and analytical skills. The certificate's focus on practical application ensures that graduates are knowledgeable and capable of implementing change in their communities.

Stay Ahead of the Curve

Fort Hays State University's Certificate in Social Justice integrates the latest research and trends in social justice. Students are exposed to contemporary issues and innovative approaches to addressing social inequalities, ensuring they are well-prepared to navigate and influence the evolving landscape of social justice advocacy.

The curriculum is regularly updated to reflect current advancements and best practices in social justice. This ensures students learn the most relevant and effective methods for addressing social issues. Students are better equipped to positively impact their careers and communities by staying abreast of the latest trends.

Hands-on Activities

The Certificate in Social Justice offers numerous hands-on activities, including internships and research projects with the Center for Empowering Victims of Gender-based Violence. These experiential learning opportunities allow students to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world settings, gaining valuable experience and skills.

Field courses and participation in social justice initiatives provide additional practical experience. These activities help students develop a deeper understanding of social justice issues and prepare them for advocacy, non-profit organizations, and public sector careers. The emphasis on hands-on learning ensures that students are ready to make a meaningful impact in their communities.

What You’ll Learn:

Understand systemic inequalities
Address social justice issues
Analyze socioeconomic disparities
Engage in advocacy and policy development
Develop interdisciplinary perspectives

How You’ll Learn:

Theoretical and practical integration
Experiential learning opportunities
Elective flexibility with majors
Field courses and internships
Interdisciplinary coursework

Courses

The Certificate in Social Justice requires twelve credit hours. The curriculum provides a comprehensive understanding of social justice issues.

The courses cover various topics, including systemic inequalities, social justice advocacy, and the analysis of socioeconomic disparities. By combining theoretical knowledge with practical skills, the curriculum prepares students to address social justice issues effectively. The certificate's interdisciplinary nature ensures that students gain a well-rounded education in social justice. A few of the courses in the certificate include:

CRJ 360: Social Justice: Action and Policy

Social Justice: Action and Policy examines public policy decisions through the lens of social and economic justice, analyzing both historical and contemporary implications.

SOC 472: Social Inequality

This course is a theoretical and empirical examination of structured social inequality in societies based on power, privilege, and prestige.

LDRS 640: Principles of Civic Leadership

This course explores civic leadership principles and components, focusing on how individuals can take responsibility, organize, and build coalitions to effect social change within communities and society.

Discover the full Certificate in Social Justice course listing by visiting the Academic Catalog.

Career Prospects

Students who complete a Certificate in Social Justice from Fort Hays State University have diverse career opportunities, enabling them to make a significant impact in various professional settings. The certificate equips students with the skills and knowledge to pursue fulfilling careers in advocacy, non-profit organizations, and the public sector.

Non-Profit and Advocacy Organizations

Students can work in organizations focused on human rights, social justice, and community development. These roles often involve advocating for marginalized communities, developing programs to address social issues, and working to influence public policy. The practical experience gained through internships and research projects prepares students to take on leadership roles in these organizations.

Government and Public Sector

Students may pursue careers as policy advisors, human rights officers, or public affairs specialists. These positions involve working within governmental agencies to develop and implement policies that promote social justice and equity. They are equipped to analyze social issues, propose policy solutions, and engage with diverse communities to foster positive change.

Education and Outreach

Students who complete the certificate as part of their major field of study can work in educational institutions and community outreach programs, focusing on social justice education and advocacy. These roles involve developing curricula, organizing community events, and working with students and community members to raise awareness about social justice issues. The interdisciplinary training provided in the certificate ensures that students are well-prepared to educate and inspire others.

Research and Analysis

Students can pursue careers in research and analysis, working for think tanks, research institutions, or governmental agencies. These roles involve researching social justice issues, analyzing data to identify trends, proposing evidence-based solutions, and communicating findings to stakeholders. The certificate's emphasis on qualitative and quantitative research methods ensures that graduates can analyze complex social issues and contribute valuable insights to the field.

Community Development and Urban Planning

Students who complete the certificate as part of their major may also find opportunities in community development and urban planning, where they can work on projects that address social inequalities at the local level. These roles involve collaborating with community members, local governments, and non-profit organizations to develop initiatives that promote social equity and improve the quality of life in underserved communities. The practical skills and interdisciplinary knowledge from the Certificate in Social Justice prepare students to take on these dynamic and impactful roles.

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 $2,369.52* (on-campus) or $3,087.96* (online)* per semester.

*Estimated cost based on 12 credit hours at the Undergrad resident/regional tuition rate ($197.46/credit hour) for on-campus courses, or the FHSU Online Undergrad tuition rate (257.33/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 several related programs that the Certificate in Social Justice complements, providing students with additional opportunities to explore their social justice and advocacy interests. These programs include:

FAQ

What are the key learning outcomes of the Certificate in Social Justice program?

The certificate aims to equip students to evaluate contemporary social issues, develop advocacy and policy skills, analyze socioeconomic disparities, and apply interdisciplinary perspectives to address social justice issues effectively.

How does the Certificate in Social Justice integrate with other Fort Hays State University majors?

The certificate complements various majors by allowing students to fulfill the requirements through elective courses within their primary field of study. This flexibility ensures students can enhance their understanding of social justice without additional coursework outside their degree program.

Are there opportunities for hands-on learning or internships in this program?

The certificate includes internships and research projects, particularly with the Center for Empowering Victims of Gender-based Violence. These hands-on activities provide practical experience and help students apply theoretical knowledge in real-world settings.

What support services are available for online students pursuing the Certificate in Social Justice?

Online students can access various support services, including academic advising, career services, technical support, and the university's online library resources. These services ensure that online students receive the same support as their on-campus counterparts.

How does the Certificate in Social Justice prepare students for careers in advocacy and non-profit organizations?

The certificate combines theoretical coursework with practical experiences like internships and research projects. This combination helps students develop the skills needed to work effectively in advocacy and non-profit organizations, including policy development, community engagement, and analysis of social justice issues.

Information about the School of Criminal Justice, Leadership, and Sociology

FHSU’s School of Criminal Justice, Leadership, and Sociology brings together a diverse range of programs dedicated to preparing students for impactful careers in law enforcement, leadership, and social sciences. Our integrated approach allows students to develop critical skills across these disciplines, fostering an environment where future leaders and professionals are equipped to address complex societal challenges. The Criminal Justice programs offer flexible online and on-campus options, focusing on law enforcement, corrections, and legal systems with a strong emphasis on leadership and integrity. The Leadership programs develop essential organizational skills through interactive coursework and internships, supported by the Leadership Studies Association and VALUE program. Sociology programs delve into social life, behavior, and community issues, emphasizing research and critical thinking. Together, these programs foster cross-disciplinary learning, empowering students to lead and innovate within their communities and beyond.

Together, these programs create a robust educational experience that encourages cross-disciplinary learning and collaboration. Students are empowered to lead, innovate, and contribute meaningfully to their communities and the broader society. Whether you are passionate about justice, leadership, or sociology, FHSU’s School of Criminal Justice, Leadership, and Sociology provides the knowledge and skills necessary to make a lasting impact.

Student Organizations

While earning your degree is your primary goal, college offers much more than just attending classes. Get involved in extracurricular activities that help you develop leadership skills, learn more about your chosen career, and make a difference in your community.

Criminal Justice Club:Open to students pursuing a major, minor, or certificate in Criminal Justice, or majoring in Criminalistics, the Criminal Justice Club engages students in career specific opportunities for service, networking, and social activities. The club meets weekly during the academic year, with activities varying by semester based on student interest.
Delta Tau Omega: As a member of the Criminal Justice Club, students can join the FHSU Chapter of the American Criminal Justice Association, Delta Tau Omega, which allows members to participate in regional and national conferences. Attendance at these conferences includes competitions in written testing, mock crime scene, physical agility, scholarly research posters, the national research paper and scholarship competitions, and others. Students must maintain at least a 3.0 GPA in criminal justice coursework to be active in this organization.
Sociology Club: Open to all students and majors, the Sociology Club encourages research on topics that can improve the community. The club collaborates with the FHSU community and local Hays residents, hosts events for student engagement, and participates in community service projects. The mission is to deepen interest in sociology and its role in understanding society and improving the human condition.
Alpha Kappa Delta: Students majoring in sociology may be eligible for membership in Alpha Kappa Delta, the sociology honorary society. The society promotes scholarship and fellowship for students at both the graduate and undergraduate levels. Membership requirements include junior standing and a minimum 3.0 GPA in sociology, with at least 12 hours of sociology coursework.
Leadership Studies Association: The Leadership Studies Association exists to allow students to grow their leadership capacity through building relationships, developing skills, and challenging themselves to practice leadership. The association promotes opportunities for students to lead through various events and activities.

Additional Information

Criminal Justice Centers

National De-escalation Training Center:

Fort Hays State University’s Criminal Justice Program and University Police joined the National De-escalation Training Center (NDTC) in August 2020 as Region 2 Central Region Training Center. As a regional center, FHSU facilitates the only Level 3 de-escalation training available in the United States.

Level 1 training includes traditional techniques of procedural justice.
Level 2 provides basic crisis intervention.
Level 3 augments traditional de-escalation and crisis intervention with rapid personality identification.

The NDTC De-escalation: Principles & Practice course is evidence-based and has increased officer confidence in utilizing de-escalation skills in working with the public.

FHSU facilitates NDTC’s three training modalities, including an 8-hour online training, two-day face-to-face training, and a 32 to 40-hour train-the-trainer program. Due to significant federal financial support, all trainings can be provided at little to no cost to agencies. Scholarships may be available for agencies to train officers in the online course.

NDTC training is approved by the U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Community-Oriented Policing Services (COPS) and certified by the International Association of Directors of Law Enforcement Standards and Training (IADLEST).

Center for Empowering Victims of Gender-based Violence:

The Center for Empowering Victims of Gender-based Violence is a regional hub of collaborative research and service, housed in the Criminal Justice Programs at Fort Hays State University. The Center for Empowering Victims of Gender-based Violence aims to reduce the constraints facing survivors, to promote the freedom of economic independence, and to empower survivors to seize opportunity freely.

The center commits to providing sustainable support and improvement to help survivors break the cycle of violence and transform themselves from victims/survivors to social entrepreneurs.

The Center facilitates cross-disciplinary research focusing on the causes and control of gender-based violence in rural areas. It leads and facilitates collaborative networks for researchers to apply evidence-based approaches and to investigate best practices addressing gender-based violence in rural communities.

The Center establishes and develops academic-community collaborations through service-learning, research, assessment, and educational opportunities and policy recommendations that enhance the well-being of rural communities.

VALUE Program:

The Voss Advanced Leadership Undergraduate Experience (VALUE) is designed to develop the most promising undergraduates into powerful agents of change. This year-long program offers curricular and co-curricular experiences with three tracks: corporate leadership, civic/non-profit leadership, and scholarship/leadership research.

CNN Heroes Advisory Board:

The Sociology Programs emphasize real-world impact through training in projects designed to help those in need. A notable project involves collaboration with CNN Heroes, individuals recognized for their exceptional work in nonprofit organizations. The CNN Heroes Advisory Board, composed of these national heroes, provides insights and advice to students based on their successful experiences in the nonprofit sector.

Social Justice

Certificate

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Online

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