Social Justice Studies
Major
Simpson is the only liberal arts school in Iowa to offer this major
Why is that important? We know that today’s high school and college-aged students are not simply content to accept things as they are, so we created a way for you to be the voice of change to make the world a better place. Become an active change agent in improving lives in the local and global communities. An increasing number of students just like you are working as volunteers, activists or advocates in the hope of serving others. It is more than volunteering to help the world. You are the voice that works with the government to make policy changes or environmental changes.
What will I learn?
A major in Social Justice is for students seeking a vocation related to helping others, which means courses or career opportunities tied to the work of social improvement. There are five areas that you can study and explore the important terrain between ideals of justice and everyday local and global expressions of injustice - Ethnic & Cultural Studies, Women & Gender Studies, Environmental Studies, Economic Studies and Religious Studies.
You will gain an overview of the nature and meaning of selected social problems from an interdisciplinary social science perspective and create an analysis of how to solve them. Topics normally examined include racism, sexism, poverty, crime and environmental pollution.
What can I do with my degree?
Students who complete Simpson’s Social Justice Studies major will discover a broad range of career options and education available to them, including:
Graduate school
Employment in government or business
Community organizing
Public policy analysis
Conflict resolution
Human rights work
Human relations work
Working with a range of non-governmental or not-for-profit organizations
Political campaign organizations
Environmental organizations
International agencies
Mediation
Faith organizations
Journalism and communications
Lobbying and rights advocacy
The skills to help change the world
When you complete a degree in Social Justice Studies, you will be equipped to confidently take the next step toward making a difference. You will have:
- analyzed issues of social justice using multiple perspectives and paradigms,
- articulated central social justice issues, practice, research and theory in their chosen area of emphasis,
- synthesized ethical interventions to address social injustice,
- critically reflected on the self as an agent of social justice,
- advocated knowledgeably and responsibly for social change.
Explore the departments that contribute to the Social Justice Studies major
Interdisciplinary majors and minors provide you with exposure to a variety of different academic disciplines. Take a look and see what those departments have to offer.