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, which is 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 business practices. 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 of concern. 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
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, with a focus on 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 gain a better understanding of 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 necessary to manage nonprofit organizations, with a focus on the differences between them and for-profit businesses. Students will learn about incorporating a nonprofit organization, creating a mission statement, and securing tax-exempt status. Topics include leadership, human resources, strategic planning, financial management, and marketing, all of which support the mission.
Discover the full Certificate in Economic Justice & Advocacy course listing by visiting the Academic Catalog.
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 and inform decision-making. 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.
Related Programs
Fort Hays State University offers a diverse range of programs designed to help students achieve their academic and career goals. These programs provide essential knowledge and skills while fostering critical thinking and problem-solving abilities within the context of economic justice.
- Certificate in Workforce Development
- Certificate in Criminal Justice
- Certificate in Community Development
- Certificate in Cultural Diversity Studies
- Certificate in Juvenile Justice Youth Development
- Certificate in Criminal Psychology
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.
An example of economic justice is a scholarship program that provides financial support to students from low-income families, thereby helping to remove financial barriers to college access.
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, concerns explicitly the fair distribution of financial resources and opportunities.
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.
After completing the required courses and submitting the necessary form, students typically receive the certificate by mail within 2 to 4 weeks.
Yes, you can complete this certificate online, providing flexibility and accessibility for learners.
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.
While earning a degree remains the primary focus, college life offers much more than classroom learning. Students are encouraged to participate in extracurricular activities that foster leadership skills, deepen their understanding of their chosen careers, and provide opportunities to make a positive impact in their communities.
- Collegiate DECA: An international organization for students and educators in the fields of business, finance, hospitality, and marketing. It prepares emerging leaders and entrepreneurs through co-curricular programs that blend classroom learning with real-world experiences and professional networking opportunities.
- Pi Omega Pi - Business Education Club: The National Business Education Teacher Honor Society is dedicated to promoting academic excellence and service within the field of business education. The organization encourages scholarship, leadership, and professional development among students preparing for careers in business teaching.
- Eta Sigma Delta - International Hospitality Management Society: Recognizes hospitality and tourism students for their exceptional academic achievement, service, and professionalism. The organization provides valuable networking opportunities and fosters connections among students, industry executives, educators, and peers.
- THM Travel Club: Supports domestic and international travel experiences for students in tourism and hospitality. Through participation, members gain practical skills in travel planning, budgeting, organization, and fundraising, offering a well-rounded perspective on career opportunities within the tourism and hospitality industry.
- Certificate
- On-Campus
- Online
