Social Justice

Explore complex social issues through an interdisciplinary lens while developing the knowledge and skills to engage in advocacy, activism, and collective action toward positive social change.

Overview

The Social Justice minor equips you with critical awareness and advocacy skills that are highly valued in a wide range of careers, from law and public service to business and nonprofit work, enabling you to address inequality, influence policy, and drive meaningful social change.

This innovative minor prioritizes hands-on experience and integrates classroom learning with community-based projects and practicum requirements. Through internships, service worksites, and partnerships with agencies addressing social inequities, you will apply your knowledge in real-world contexts, while connecting academic work that fosters critical thinking and analysis.

Your Minor Took You Where?

Social Justice minors have gone on to a variety of graduate programs and careers.

Employers and Professions

  • Immigration Law or Refugee Rights
  • Public Health Researcher
  • Social Worker
  • Community Organizer
  • Fundraising and Philanthropy

Postgraduate Study

  • Law
  • Healthcare
  • Education
  • Human Rights
  • Economics
  • International Relations

Curriculum

The Social Justice minor at Centre allows you to customize your educational experience by drawing from a diverse curriculum across the Humanities, Social Studies, and Science & Mathematics divisions. With a primary focus on Social Studies course offerings, this program offers a strong foundation for exploring the complex dimensions of social justice.

Minor Requirements

Experiential Learning

Students engage in hands-on learning experiences and reflection to develop skills and increase knowledge retention.

With a minor in Social Justice, you can look forward to conducting collaborative, community-based research on pressing social issues, volunteering with community support organizations to make a direct impact or developing essential career skills through opportunities in data analysis.

Internships

We're committed to helping students find quality internship experiences in the career area of their choice.

Internships for the Social Justice minor at Centre have included the National Shepherd Higher Education Consortium on Poverty, the U.S. Senate, Harlem Children’s Zone, and Phoenix Health Care for the Homeless.

Careers

Our extraordinary liberal arts and sciences education prepares students for meaningful lives and careers.

Graduates with a Social Justice minor have embarked on successful and varied careers in law, healthcare, policymaking and advocacy. Many have also pursued advanced roles in fields such as social work, inclusive education and political engagement, demonstrating the versatility and impact of their education.

Social Justice Faculty

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Amy Frederick

  • Associate Professor of Art History
  • Chair of Art History Program
  • Chair of Art (Studio) Program
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Jennifer Goetz

  • Marlene and David Grissom Associate Professor of Psychology
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Ellen Prusinski

  • Associate Professor of Education
  • Chair of Education Program (CentreTerm & Spring term 2025)
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William (Beau) Weston

  • Van Winkle Professor of Sociology
  • Chair of Social Justice Program
  • Pre-Social Work Advisor
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Kaelyn Wiles

  • Associate Professor of Sociology
  • Chair of Anthropology/Sociology Programs

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